Ang Thong National Marine Park

What is Ang Thong?

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands west of Koh Samui and south-west of Koh Phangan, protected as a national park since 1980. The name means “bowl of gold”. Most islands are uninhabited: steep limestone cliffs, jungle, white beaches and sea caves, with no hotels, no roads and only one small park station.

Because the whole archipelago is protected, it is one of the few places in the Gulf of Thailand that still looks the way the islands looked a century ago. The scenery famously inspired the hidden lagoon in Alex Garland’s novel The Beach.

Emerald Lake (Thale Nai) on Koh Mae Ko

The highlight of every Ang Thong tour is the Emerald Lake, a saltwater lagoon enclosed by cliffs on Koh Mae Ko. It is connected to the sea through underground tunnels, so its colour shifts from jade to turquoise with the light and the tide.

You reach the viewing platform by a short but steep wooden stairway from the floating pier. Swimming in the lake is not allowed, to protect it. Allow 20–30 minutes for the walk up, the view and the walk down.

The Koh Wua Ta Lap viewpoint

Koh Wua Ta Lap is the island with the park headquarters, the beach, the restaurant and the campsite. Behind the beach a rocky trail with ropes climbs to a summit platform with a 360° view over the archipelago. It is the photograph everyone wants, and it takes about 40–45 minutes up and down.

Wear shoes with grip, bring water and start early on hot days. If you prefer, the beach below is perfect for swimming and resting while the climbers go up.

Snorkelling, kayaking and wildlife

The calm bays between the islands are ideal for kayaking under the cliffs and into small sea caves. Snorkelling spots are chosen on the day for the clearest, calmest water. Look out for dusky langurs (spectacled monkeys) around the park station, monitor lizards, hornbills and white-bellied sea eagles overhead.

How to get to Ang Thong from Koh Phangan

There is no ferry to Ang Thong. You visit on an organised tour or a private boat. From Koh Phangan the speedboat ride takes about an hour; from Koh Samui a little less. Our speedboat day tour picks you up at your hotel on Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, and the private speedboat leaves from whichever island suits you.

Best time to visit, and the annual closure

The park closes every year from 1 November to 15 December for the monsoon and to let nature recover. Tours run again from 16 December. December to February brings calm seas and clear skies, and park places are limited by daily quotas, so book early. March to October is hot and usually calm too, with occasional windy days.

Park fees and rules

The national park fee is paid in cash at the park: 300 THB per foreign adult and 150 THB per child. Use reef-safe sunscreen, do not feed the animals, and take all rubbish back with you. Drones need permission from the park.