Limestone and turquoise waters

The first time we visited the Gulf of Thailand together in 2014, we didn’t make the trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

When we returned and spent 2 months on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in early 2019, we knew we had to go.

At first, we thought a day-trip would be sufficient.

But the more we researched, the more we got sold on the idea of staying on the main island of the archipelago overnight. And we were so glad we did!

In this travel guide to Ang Thong National Marine Park, we’ll share our best tips on visiting the magnificent place whether or not you stay for just half a day, a night or even several.

Table of contents

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With Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao to the east and the Thai mainland to the west, Ang Thong National Marine Park sits on prime real estate in the Gulf of Thailand.

There are 42 islands in the archipelago ranging widely in size and shape, but what they have in common is their unparalleled beauty – both under and above the saturated water.

Though it’s not the biggest island of Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Wua Talap is considered the main island of the archipelago.

This is where you’ll find the national park’s headquarters as well as the main draw of Ang Thong; “The viewpoint of viewpoints” or “the most beautiful sight in Thailand” – a sweeping view over the islands and the pristine waters surrounding them.

Koh Wua Talap is also home to a stunning beach, an interesting cave with stalagmites and stalactites and a few bands of cute monkeys. There’s also a second beach we didn’t visit.

If you intend to spend a night inside the national park, you’ll sleep on Koh Wua Talap.

The hike to get to Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint is steep and quite arduous, but so worth the effort.

Even though “the viewpoint of viewpoints” sounds a bit corny, it seems fitting once you see the ocean sparkle around the jungled limestone cliffs in the distance. It is also aptly named the Ang Thong viewpoint.

It’s almost 500 metres of vertical climbing to get to the top, all on pretty good stairs.

Most people will spend 30-45 minutes getting up there and a little less to get down again. Set aside extra time for photos.

Going early or late in the day will be much more comfortable as you’ll avoid the heat and humidity of mid-day.

If you want to save time (or your legs!) it’s possible to stop at other viewpoints on the way up that still present striking views of Koh Wua Talap’s beach and the rest of the islands in the archipelago.

On most day-tours, you get to choose between visiting either the viewpoint or the cave.

We were really glad we got to experience both.

The trek to the cave isn’t long, but it’s a little difficult with some sections requiring scrambling and very basic climbing.

When we went in the morning, we were all alone at the cave which actually felt a little spooky.

The stalagmites and stalactites are impressive, though, and the light entering from both sides makes the cave very photogenic.

On the other islands of Ang Thong, it’s possible to visit an emerald lake, hike to other viewpoints, chill out on the secluded beaches or enjoy the marine life by snorkelling in the clear waters.

Sea gypsies make a living from fishing and live on Koh Phaluai.

You might be interested in:A Vegan Eating Guide to Koh Samui: The Best Restaurants & Cafés Everything you need to know about finding the most delicious vegan and vegetarian places on the Thai island

How to stay overnight in Ang Thong National Marine Park?

We’ll be honest: Booking the bungalow wasn’t exactly easy, and arriving at Koh Wua Talap, we weren’t completely sure if had actually booked anything.

Thankfully, everything had worked out and we even got a way-too-big bungalow with room enough for a huge family.

We booked the accommodation with the help of the travel operator on Koh Samui with whom we also booked the boat tour itself.

It’s possible to do it yourself, but navigating the national park’s reservation system isn’t without quirks.

To pay for our bungalow, it seemed like the only option we had was to transfer funds to the national park by going to a local bank and paying. This was simple enough, but just be aware of the bank’s opening hours and national holidays.

When booking your boat tour, make sure to specify that you’re staying overnight and intend to get picked up again the following day. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check with the boat crew.

Once you reach Koh Wua Talap, approach the visitor centre to check-in.

Many boat companies operate daily tours to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Tickets can be bought from most travel agents around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or from Surat Thani on the mainland. You can also ask at your hotel or even at many restaurants – it is Thailand, after all.

It is certainly also possible to book your tour online (adlink).

Being the most popular tourist destination in the Gulf of Thailand, most Ang Thong tours leave from Koh Samui.

Ang Thong is located about 28 kilometres from Koh Samui and 32 kilometres from Koh Phangan.

You might be interested in:A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Samui: 32 Best Beaches & Things To Do Everything you need to know including where to stay, popular activities and where to eat

Speedboat tours for around 2,500 baht per person (~ 80 USD / 73 EUR) carrying a maximum of 30 people is a popular choice, while the slower ferries are cheaper.

Some ferries can sail with up to 50 people and some even carry up to 100 people.

Most tours make a stop at the emerald lake on Koh Mae Ko before heading to the national park’s headquarters at Koh Wua Talap.

Speedboats might be able to cram in an extra stop.

There’s an entrance fee of 300 baht per person (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR) to the national park which is sometimes included in the price of your tour.

Kayaking, snorkelling gear, food and drinks are sometimes included as well, but not always – so make sure to double-check with your travel agent.

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Prices vary across tour operators, but the standard price is around 1,800 baht per person (~ 58 USD / 52 EUR) including kayaking or 1,300 baht per person (~ 42 USD / 38 EUR) without a kayak. Children receive a discount.

We paid 1,100 baht (~ 36 USD / 32 EUR) for the trip to Ang Thong and back to Koh Samui on the following day.

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Mini bus transfers from around Samui (we drove to the harbour on our own bike, though).

Unlimited water from a water dispenser + soda from big bottles.

Coffee, tea and cocoa.

Simple breakfast.

Lunch buffet.

Life jackets.

Snorkelling equipment.

Dry bags (if you are going kayaking).

Marine park fees.

English speaking guides.

When we left from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui, breakfast was served on the ferry consisting of bananas and boring croissants. You could also help yourself to a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa (in powder form) with milk powder and sugar.

After our first stop on the boat tour, lunch was served as a small buffet with rice, spring rolls with rice noodles and vegetables, sweet chilli sauce, vegetables (corn, carrots and kale), curry with chicken and potatoes as well as watermelon and pineapple.

Drinking water was free from a big cooler. As we had brought our refillable bottles, we easily had enough to stay overnight.

Soda, beer and chips were sold from the small shop onboard along with dry bags to keep your phone dry.

If you have kayaking included in your trip, you’ll paddle along the limestone cliffs for about 20 minutes. You can borrow a dry bag for free.

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The seas in the Gulf of Thailand are at their calmest from March to October.

Between November and January, Ang Thong National Park may close due to bad weather conditions.

When we visited in February, the seas were too rough for the boat to pick us up at Koh Wua Talap, so we had to get transported in a dinghy. It was a fun adventure and nothing to be scared of.

It should be noted in this regard, though, that getting to and from the islands from the boats requires some balancing skills if there are waves.

To minimise your impact when visiting the Ang Thong National Marine Park, follow these guidelines:

Also, consider going beyond minimising your impact by joining the Adventure Bag Movement and pick up some trash during your exploring.

We hope this travel guide to visiting Ang Thong National Marine Park has been useful.

What do you think about the viewpoint of viewpoints?

If you’ve been to Ang Thong, it would be awesome to hear about your experience in the comments below.

If you haven’t been yet but would like to, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re only glad if we can help.