It may sound strange, but I remember the end of my trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park better than the beginning. Our boat was racing back across extremely rough seas, and the song that suddenly started playing was probably the most inappropriate one the captain could have chosen.

It was also hilarious, even more so in retrospect than at the time. “Every night in my dreams,” Céline Dion began to sing reverently, as our own ship seemed to be suffering the same fate as the Titanic. “I see you; I feel you.”

This post is not just a travelogue about my own experiences on these islands. Rather, I want to help you with your decision if you are planning a day trip from Koh Samui to Ang Thong.

Why it took me so long to visit Ang Thong

I'd been wanting to take a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park for a while, but to be honest, my mixed feelings about Koh Samui had held me back. With the exception of my very first trip to the island, when I focused exclusively on the mainland sights, I've always tried to move on as quickly as possible, to Koh Pha Ngan and especially Koh Tao, both of which are more interesting than Samui itself.

Furthermore, my last visit to Koh Samui took place shortly before the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. While excursions to Ang Thong were still possible at that time, departures were significantly less frequent than they are today. In addition, strict mask mandates and other so-called "disease control measures" were in place, which were particularly annoying on a trip out at sea.

What you should know about visiting Ang Thong Marine Park

All tours are the same.

I'm not clairvoyant, but I can describe how your tour to Ang Thong will go. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be dropped off at Mae Nam Pier on the north coast of Koh Samui. There, after a short wait, you'll board a speedboat that will take you to the islands. And the rest… we'll get to that in a moment.

(Well, mostly)

There are, of course, several ways to get from Samui to Ang Thong. Some travelers, for example, charter a private speedboat, which is extremely expensive. Theoretically, there's also a tour by slow boat, although I personally can't imagine how that would be possible given the great distance to Ang Thong.

It's not just about snorkeling.

Not in the mood for snorkeling? No problem. While snorkeling in the shallow waters off Koh Wao is a highlight for many travelers (and usually the first thing on the agenda), it's not the only option. Personally, I love the hike to the Koh Wua Talap viewpoint, which offers a fantastic view of the entire park.

(However, there isn't much time left at the beach)

Koh Wua Talap does have a beach, but it's mostly in the shade during the peak season from Samui to Ang Thong. Therefore, you shouldn't expect to be able to swim there, even though it's theoretically possible. Similarly, the beautiful Emerald Lagoon on Koh Mae Ko is not open for swimming.

It's a full-day affair.

Sometime during your trip, you will have a simple lunch at the park headquarters on Koh Paluay. There, you can not only eat and perhaps have a beer (these are, of course, at your own expense), but also observe the colorful kingfishers. Regardless of whether it takes place directly after lunch or not, you will return to Koh Samui no earlier than 2 or 3 pm.

Onward with adventures from Koh Samui!

As I have mentioned elsewhere in this post, Ang Thong is a popular destination for day trips from Koh Samui, but it is not the only place to visit on and around the "main island":

  • Koh Pha Ngan is located directly north of Koh Samui and can be reached by boat in less than an hour. Whether you're coming for the Full Moon Party or just for a relaxing visit, it's a logical next step.
  • The trip to Koh Tao is a bit longer, but in my opinion it's worth it. The islets of Koh Nang Yuan offer some of the most famous views in Thailand, and the beaches are generally much nicer than those on Pha Ngan.
  • Alternatively, you can travel inland to the province of Surat Thani, especially to the underrated Khao Sok National Park, to take a boat trip under its limestone karst cliffs.

    • Other frequently asked questions about visiting Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui

    How do I get from Koh Samui to Ang Thong?

    If you wish to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui, you will need an organized day trip. You can book one of these Ang Thong day tours online or arrange the trip through your hotel or one of the many travel agencies in the pedestrian areas of Chaweng and Lamai.

    Is Ang Thong worth a visit?

    Ang Thong National Marine Park is definitely worth a visit, but you should have realistic expectations. It's anything but off the beaten tourist track and can be even more crowded in some places than the main island of Koh Samui itself.

    How do I get to Ang Thong National Park?

    The Ang Thong National Marine Park is best visited as part of an organized day tour. A private speedboat would be unaffordable for most travelers, and the islands are too far from Koh Samui to be realistically reached by longboat or other slow boat.

    Conclusion

    Should you visit Ang Thong from Koh Samui? On the one hand, the islands are an ideal base for a short break, and since the tours are so well-organized and standardized, it's hard not to have a good time. On the other hand, they're no longer a hidden gem, which means that some places can be almost as crowded as Koh Samui itself. If you have enough time in this part of Thailand, I would personally recommend spending it on a side trip to Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan, or even inland to Khao Sok National Park. Need help planning your Thailand trip? Get a personalized itinerary today!