Ang Thong Marine National Park Thailand

Ang Thong Marine National Park in Thailand's Andaman Sea

One of the most attractive playgrounds in the Andaman Sea is the Ang Thong Marine National Park.

Actually it’s in the Gulf of Thailand not far away from Ko Samui but geographically this are Andaman Islands. Some 40 limestone islands, dotted with white pristine beaches are in a dream vacation setting. Kayaking / paddling, snorkeling and scuba diving are naturally the main attraction, there is no accommodation.

Ang Thong Marine National Park on Ko Mae Ko

To explore this archipelago 

Ang Thong and a speedboat ride 
from Koh Samui

Sailing boat in the Andaman Sea

just visit one of the many travel agent in Samui or check with your hotel. They pick you up around 8 AM in the morning and carry you to the pier where you get some breakfast. A speedboat will rush the tourist on a 1 hour ride over the waves to the small spots in the ocean.

Ang Thong Island View from Ko Wua Talap

A alternative is to take a larger pax vessel, it’s cheaper but take longer. On the main island Ko Wua Talap, is a lookout, from there you see the panorama below, to climb up is a tough challenge although there a stairs and ropes to hold on.

Climbing course to Lookout

Walking to emerald lake

Most of the 500 meter climbing course you pull yourself up on the robes. If you want to climb up there wear orderly shoes and if possible take some gloves with you the stones you have to hold on (especially on the last 50 meters) have very sharp edges and you also have a better grip on the rope. The people who implemented this climbing trek have done a great job.

Ang Thong means “golden basin” in English and has been left quite untouched for a long time since it was under the control of the Thai Navy until 1980 when it became a national park. Before this was a hideout for pirates.

On Ko Mae Ko is the beautiful hidden emerald lake or lagoon

Pretty Emerald Lagoon

The lake can be reached after a steep climb over some staircases which are anchored into the stones. The lagoon is fed by seawater by an underground connection. You are not allowed to swim in the lake, and don’t try it as you will have a difficult time to get out from the lake since only steep limestone cliff are around.

Some small animals are around

such as wild pigs, snakes, macaques, leopard cats and other creatures. Don't think about it they are practically invisible, normally you won’t see them and in the limestone caves some swift lets have their nests glued to the walls, the people collect them from “time to time” and sell them for very high prices. The Chinese love this stuff, they make bird’s nest soup from.

South Thailand Islands