Ang Thong Marine Park: What to expect on a day trip

Ang Thong National Park is one of Thailand's most pristine natural landscapes, home to an incredible 42 idyllic islands. There are no towns or resorts here – just limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and small, white sandy beaches. The landscape appears rugged and untouched, yet it's easily accessible from Koh Samui (30 km away) as part of a day trip.

Even the journey to the marine park is an adventure: a leisurely boat or speedboat takes you across the open sea, and the rugged limestone peaks slowly emerge before you. For many, the trip through the sheltered bays with their emerald-green waters is the highlight of the day. But hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling also offer numerous other activities. A varied and eventful day, but one that also presents a few challenges.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Our experiences at Ang Thong Marine Park

We arrived at Nathon Pier in Koh Samui, ready for our day trip to Ang Thong, but the start was bumpy. We had mistakenly thought we had booked a speedboat tour – so you can imagine our shock when we were ushered onto a rickety, two-story vessel. Then the sea turned rough, really rough, with huge waves splashing us.

The boat rocked violently, making the journey very uncomfortable, almost as arduous as our trip to the Surin Islands (but that's another story). We were constantly feeling nauseous, and some even suffered from severe seasickness. One poor fellow vomited violently. We saw him helping himself to the breakfast buffet, which was obviously not a good idea. It got to the point where everyone on board burst out laughing – he vomited continuously for a full hour. We were there in January and had simply assumed that the sea would be calm at that time of year (which isn't always the case in the Gulf of Thailand).

After the boat trip, we finally reached Ang Thong Marine Park and were delighted by the calm waters. Our first activity was a kayaking tour along the coast of Koh Mae Ko, followed by a hike to the stunning Emerald Lake on the same island. Afterwards, we enjoyed a refreshing swim, lunch, and later in the afternoon, a fantastic hike to the Koh Wua Talap viewpoint – the most famous viewpoint in the marine park.

The climb was strenuous and everyone was sweating profusely, but the view was worth the effort. From up here, we could see several limestone islands covered in dense jungle. Even the smallest things contributed to the chaos of this trip, like trying to keep our balance on the floating platforms to get to the beach. Some travelers literally had to get down on all fours and move like crabs, which led to some hilarious moments within the group.

At the end of the day, we returned to our rusty "pirate ship" and rocked back to Koh Samui. The sea was still quite rough, but we found that sitting on deck in the fresh air made the journey somewhat more bearable. All in all, our day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park wasn't perfect, but it was adventurous and full of surprises.

Things to do in Ang Thong Marine Park

Visiting Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko

Emerald Lake, also known as Te Le Nai (Talay Nai), is one of Thailand's most famous sights: a majestic green lagoon surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. You reach it by first crossing a rickety boardwalk to a small beach and then climbing a short flight of stairs to the main viewpoint. Swimming isn't allowed in the lagoon itself; it's more about enjoying the beautiful view. However, we had time for a quick dip at the beach below, and Kat ordered a coconut at the wooden restaurant right on the beach.

Hike up to the Koh Wua Talap viewpoint.

The hike to the Koh Wua Talap viewpoint (marked as Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint on Google Maps) is anything but a walk in the park. It's a steep 500-meter climb with stepping stones, ropes, and resting platforms every 100 meters. The heat makes the hike incredibly strenuous and sweaty – Kat, for example, had to stop several times to catch her breath.

Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the archipelago – a moment you should definitely savor. On our tour, many travelers posed with their arms raised, as if they had just conquered Mount Everest. The park headquarters are also located on Koh Wua Talap, so a buffet lunch is usually served before or after the hike.

Relaxation on the beaches of Koh Wua Talap

After your arrival on Koh Wua Talap and lunch, you will have free time with your guide to either go for a hike or (if you prefer) relax on the beach. The island offers a beautiful stretch of sand where you can swim, sunbathe, and recover from the morning's activities. Restrooms and some basic facilities are nearby, making the beach an ideal place to unwind.

Exploring the Bua Bok cave on Koh Wua Talap

Your guide might even let you explore the Bua Bok Cave on Koh Wua Talap, which is full of stalactite and stalagmite formations, some of which resemble lotus flowers. The hike there is only 300 meters long, but no less challenging than the viewpoint trail. You'll have to climb over limestone rocks and scree, using ropes to pull yourself up. So be sure to bring sturdy footwear.

Snorkeling and kayaking in Ang Thong

Most tours include snorkeling trips to various islands in the archipelago, but don't expect the most colorful underwater world in all of Thailand. Nevertheless, snorkeling among the limestone cliffs is a truly special experience. Kayaking is another optional activity in Ang Thong National Marine Park and offers a completely new perspective on the rugged coastline – a much more immersive experience than simply staying on board.

Getting to Ang Thong Marine Park

Tours from Koh Samui

Every tour to Ang Thong Marine Park is different, and the choice of boat can significantly impact its success. The large, slow boats, like the one we were on, are the cheapest option. You'll share the day with up to 70 other people. These double-decker vessels move rather slowly, which increases the overall travel time. However, they are a good choice in calm seas and good weather.

Speedboat tours will naturally get you to your destination faster and are generally very stable – they glide effortlessly through small waves. Another advantage is the smaller group size; however, keep in mind that speedboats are more expensive. Alternatively, you can book a semi-private yacht tour or a VIP tour, which offers more comfort on board and significantly more freedom in planning your day. Below are some of the different tours available:

Tours from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao

Koh Phangan is closer to Ang Thong Marine Park than Koh Samui, which shortens the travel time somewhat. Tours depart daily, and you can choose between large boats and speedboats. Some specialized operators also depart from Koh Tao, but the route is longer and less frequented. Diving safaris in Ang Thong Marine Park or excursions to Nang Yuan Island are more commonly booked from Koh Tao.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ang Thong Marine Park

Is Ang Thong Marine Park worth a visit?

In our opinion, Ang Thong Marine Park is absolutely worth a visit. The islands and viewpoints are spectacular, however, the lack of good snorkeling spots and the rough seas, which make it difficult for the boats to navigate, detract from the experience. Therefore, we recommend a speedboat tour – otherwise, the journey there is slow and choppy, and the likelihood of seasickness is high.

How long does the boat trip from Koh Samui take?

Speedboats take only about 45 to 60 minutes, and even on choppy water, the time passes much more quickly. In comparison, the larger boats can take up to two hours each way. However, in good weather, the slower boats can be quite pleasant: after all, they are advertised as "scenic cruises." The scenery can sometimes be fantastic, especially on the return trip at sunset.

When does the national park close each year?

Ang Thong is closed every year from November 1st to December 15th – a short, 45-day break to protect travelers from the rough seas and allow the ecosystem time to recover. Keep in mind that the Gulf of Thailand has a different weather system than other Thai islands like Koh Chang and Phuket. The monsoon season starts later in this western part of the Gulf and can even bring good weather into June, July, and August.

Larger groups on the Big Boat Tour