Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 limestone islands, about 30 km northwest of Koh Samui, and an ideal destination for a day trip from Samui or Koh Phangan. Each tour includes two key stops: the Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko, a saltwater lagoon enclosed by cliffs, and the viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap, from which, after a steep, 500 m climb, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire archipelago.

Kayaking, snorkeling, and lunch fill the rest of the day. There is no ferry, so a tour is recommended: a large boat for approximately 1,200–1,400 baht or a speedboat for approximately 1,850–2,500 baht. Foreign adults also pay a park fee of 300 baht, often payable in cash on site. The park is closed every year from November 1st to December 15th; the calmest seas are from February to April.

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Key facts

Closed from November 1st to December 15th

The park closes every year for about six weeks during the rainy season on the Gulf of Mexico, when the sea is at its roughest. The exact dates can vary depending on the weather, so check if your trip is scheduled for late October or mid-December.

The parking fee is 300.

Foreign adults pay 300 baht and children aged 3 to 14 pay 150 baht. For many tours, the entrance fee is not included in the price and is collected in cash at the park. Therefore, ask when booking and bring baht with you.

Excursion boats only

There is no public ferry service to the park, and only licensed ferry operators are permitted to dock. Speedboats take 45 to 60 minutes from Samui or Phangan. Larger boats take about an hour and a half and depart from Nathon on the west coast of Samui.

The viewpoint can only be reached after a strenuous climb.

The trail on Koh Wua Ta Lap is only 500 meters long, but it leads up steep rock steps with ropes for support and takes 25 to 45 minutes to climb. Rest areas along the way also offer views, and the rest area at 350 meters is sufficient for most hikers.

The Emerald Lake is for exploring.

A staircase leads in 10 to 15 minutes to a platform above the Koh Mae Ko lagoon. Swimming is prohibited, as are drone flights throughout the entire park.

A full day, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Hotel pick-up begins between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, and you will be back on the island around 4:00 to 5:00 PM. The park itself is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What you will see in Ang Thong

The park covers 102 square kilometers of ocean, and most of its 42 islands are steep limestone hills beneath forested slopes, dotted with caves, small white sand beaches, and lagoons. Only Koh Wua Ta Lap, where the park headquarters are located, and Koh Phaluai are inhabited. Alex Garland placed the hidden lagoon of his novel "The Beach" in this archipelago, although the film was shot in Maya Bay on the opposite coast. Most of the time is spent traveling by boat between the islands, and this alone is worth the trip. This is where the boats dock.

The viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap

The view from Pha Chan Charat, the viewpoint above the park administration building, is the iconic photo opportunity that sells every tour: islands stretch to the horizon. The 500-meter-long path consists of rock steps and roots and is so steep that it is mostly secured with ropes. Rest areas are located at 100, 200, 350, 450, and 500 meters. Allow 25 to 45 minutes for the ascent. The first part is shaded, but the summit is not, and the climb is usually undertaken around midday. Wear shoes with good tread, as flip-flops make the climb difficult, and bring water. If you don't want to tackle the entire ascent, the rest area at 350 meters already offers a good portion of the view.

The Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko

Thale Nai, the "inner sea," is a saltwater lagoon in the heart of Koh Mae Ko, surrounded by cliffs and connected to the ocean only by underwater tunnels. Boats dock at a small beach, and a staircase leads over the edge to a viewing platform above the green water—a 10- to 15-minute climb up steep but shaded steps. It's the easier of the two ascents. Swimming in the lagoon is prohibited, so this stop is primarily for the view, and most boats stay here for 20 to 30 minutes.

The beaches, the Bua Bok cave and Koh Sam Sao

Koh Wua Ta Lap boasts the park's main beach, located right next to the park administration building, which includes restrooms and a restaurant. Most tours offer some free time here after lunch. Bua Bok Cave, also on Wua Ta Lap, features stalactites and stalagmites, accessible via a short but challenging climb using ropes. Some guides include this visit, while others do not. Koh Sam Sao, adjacent to Koh Mae Ko, features a natural stone arch over the sea and is a popular spot for kayakers.

Kayaking and snorkeling

Kayaking is the best way to explore the cliffs and caves up close, and many speedboat tours offer this option. On larger boats, it usually costs extra. Snorkeling is the less spectacular part of the day. Sediment from the Tapi River on the mainland murkys the water, and the reefs are rather unremarkable. Think of it more as swimming alongside a few fish. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are significantly better for snorkeling.

All routes to Ang Thong compared

Prices for tours on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan can be found in travel guides and tour operator offers. Most tours stop at the same two locations: the viewpoint and Emerald Lake. So, you basically just choose the boat.

Large boat or speedboat?

I would take the speedboat. It reaches the park in under an hour, giving you more time on the islands, the groups are smaller, and kayaking is often included. Speedboats also dock at the park's floating pontoons, while passengers from larger boats often transfer to a longtail boat. The downside is the ride. It gets bumpy when the wind picks up, the bow gets the worst of it, and the seats at the back are the best.

The larger boat is the better choice for those on a budget, for children who prefer to move around on deck, or if you are prone to seasickness, as the slower, heavier ride is more comfortable on a calm day. It can accommodate up to 70 people, so you'll have to share the stairs to the lagoon with everyone. The journey takes about an hour and a half each way, up to two hours in rough seas. The larger boats all depart from Nathon on the west coast, so if you're staying in Chaweng or Lamai, you should plan on taking one of these boats across the island each day.

Regardless of which boat you choose, check three things before paying: Is the 300 baht fee included in the price? Does the tour on Wua Ta Lap allow enough time for the entire ascent? And is kayaking included in the price, or do you have to rent it on the beach?

How to get to Ang Thong

Ang Thong National Park is only accessible by guided tour. Tours depart from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Hotel pick-up is included in almost all tours. You can book your tour through your hotel, at one of the travel agencies in Chaweng, Lamai, or Thong Sala, or online before your arrival.

From Koh Samui

Samui offers the most departures. Pick-up is between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Large boats depart from Nathon between 8:00 and 8:30 AM and return around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Speedboats depart from jetties on the north and northeast coasts, around Mae Nam, Bang Rak, and Plai Laem, reaching the park in 45 to 60 minutes and returning around 4:30 PM. Most tours take 8 to 9 hours (door to door).

From Koh Phangan

Tours on Koh Phangan depart from Thong Sala by speedboat, sometimes using boats from Koh Samui that pick up passengers along the way. Hotel pick-up is usually between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., the crossing takes about 45 minutes, and you'll return around 4:00 p.m. The price is approximately 1,700–2,500 baht. Pick-up covers most of the island, but not the more remote beaches. Therefore, expect to pay extra for pick-up from Thong Nai Pan, and there may be no pick-up at all from Bottle Beach. Do not book the tour for the morning after the Full Moon Party.

From Koh Tao

Koh Tao is about 55 km from the park, making it too far for typical day trips. Some operators organize two- or three-day boat trips from Mae Haad (approximately three hours each way), where you spend the night on board within the park. These trips require a minimum number of participants. Alternatively, you could visit Ang Thong if you're passing through Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. If you're only on Koh Tao, the island group itself offers significantly better snorkeling opportunities than Ang Thong.

What the day looks like

The order varies from boat to boat, but the daily itinerary follows a similar pattern. After the crossing, snorkeling or a kayaking trip along the cliffs is usually on the agenda, followed by a visit to Koh Mae Ko and the hike to Emerald Lake. Lunch consists of a simple Thai buffet, served either on board, at the headquarters on Wua Ta Lap, or in the seafood restaurants on Koh Phaluai. The afternoon is spent on Wua Ta Lap, offering free time to hike to the viewpoint or relax on the beach before the boat returns in the late afternoon.

Two things make the day even better. First, the hike. Tours offer set times for Wua Ta Lap, and if you want to see the viewpoint at the very top, you should start right after landing, not after swimming. Second: cash. Bring enough for the park fee, drinks, and any kayak rentals.

Is Ang Thong worth it?

Yes, if you're coming for the scenery. The view from Wua Ta Lap is among the most beautiful in the country, the Emerald Lake is unique to Koh Samui, and a day trip between the islands is worth the price alone. If you're only taking one boat trip from Koh Samui, then this is the one to choose.

Don't expect too much. It's no secret, and you'll encounter a packed boat both on the steps down to the lagoon and on the viewpoint trail. The park is for viewing only; touching is forbidden: swimming in the lagoon is prohibited, the water at the snorkeling spots is murky, and there are only a few marked hiking trails. The day is long, and much of it is spent on the boat. If you want to snorkel, the trip to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan is a better choice. For children who are too young for the climbing, the half-day tour from Thong Krut to Pig Island and Koh Tan is a good option.

Overnight stay in the park

You can stay overnight in Ang Thong – the only way to have the viewpoint all to yourself before the day boats arrive. The park operates three bungalows near the park headquarters on Koh Wua Ta Lap: two for two people each for 600 baht per night and one for up to eight people for 1,500 baht. There is a 30% discount from Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays). Camping costs 80 baht per person per night, and a three-person tent can be rented for 450 baht. The restaurant is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Electricity is generated by a generator.

Bookings are made through the National Park Administration. Since their online system was down for much of 2026, you should call the visitor center at +27 61 285 7364, ideally asking for a Thai-speaking representative. For your arrival, book a boat tour and arrange for a return boat trip the following day. Some operators offer this at no extra charge. The park fee is payable once on the day of arrival.

The best time to travel to Ang Thong, month by month

The rainfall figures are based on long-term averages from the Koh Samui weather station. The rainy season in the Gulf of Mexico lasts from October to December, which is months later than in Phuket.

What you should bring

For both ascents, you will need sturdy shoes or sports sandals with good tread, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, at least one liter of water for the viewpoint, and a waterproof bag for your mobile phone if you are kayaking. Bring cash for park entry fees and drinks, and seasickness tablets in case you are traveling by speedboat on a windy day. Leave your drone at the hotel, as drone flights are prohibited in the park.

Children are very welcome and many participate. The stairs to Emerald Lake are suitable for most age groups, but I would recommend the climb to the viewpoint for older children, as it is steep, rocky, and very hot at midday.

Plan the rest of your time in the Gulf Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about the Ang Thong National Marine Park travel guide.

Yes, if only for the scenery. The viewpoint overlooking the 42 islands and the Emerald Sea are the two most beautiful sights near Koh Samui and the best boat trip from Samui or Koh Phangan. However, it's not suitable for snorkeling, as the water is often murky and the main jetties are very crowded.

The park is closed every year from November 1st to December 15th, during the Gulf Islands' rainy season, when the sea is too rough for excursion boats and the park's reefs and beaches need time to recover. The exact dates may vary slightly depending on the weather.

300 Baht for foreign adults and 150 Baht for children aged 3 to 14. Many tours do not include this fee and require payment in cash at the park. Therefore, please inquire when booking.

Since there is no public ferry, a day trip is recommended. Large boats depart from Nathon between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and take about an hour and a half for approximately 1,200–1,400 baht. Speedboats depart from the north and northeast coasts and take 45 to 60 minutes for approximately 1,850–2,500 baht. In both cases, hotel pick-up and lunch are included.

Approximately 30 km northwest, which takes 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat or about an hour and a half by larger boat. Koh Phangan is about 35 km away and Koh Tao about 55 km.

No. The Thale Nai lagoon on Koh Mae Ko is a protected nature reserve, and swimming there is prohibited. It can be viewed from a platform over the water. Swimming is permitted at the beaches of Koh Mae Ko and Koh Wua Ta Lap.

Strenuous but short. The 500-meter climb involves ascending steep rock steps with ropes, taking 25 to 45 minutes. A sunny spot awaits you at the top. There are rest areas along the way, and the one at 350 meters already offers a good portion of the view. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Yes, on Koh Wua Ta Lap. The park offers three bungalows for 600 baht per night for two people or 1,500 baht for up to eight people. You can also camp there for 80 baht per person and rent tents for 450 baht. Book through the National Park office by phone if the website is down. Arrival and departure are by large boat.

It's average. Sediments from the Tapi River often cloud the water, and the reefs are rather unremarkable. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are significantly better for snorkeling.

This isn't suitable for a typical day trip, as the route is approximately 55 km long. Some tour operators organize two- or three-day boat trips from Mae Haad, where you spend the night on board in the national park. Alternatively, you can start from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.

No, drones are prohibited throughout the entire park, including over Emerald Lake.

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