Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand

Ang Thong Marine National Park is located in the Gulf of Thailand, at the shore of the Surat Thani Province. It is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, includes Koh Samui which is the largest in the archipelago.

The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations. Particular features are Mae Ko (a beautiful beach) and Thale Nai (an emerald saltwater lake) both found on Koh Mae Ko. Koh Sam Sao has a coral reef and a huge rock arch as well as a hill providing great views of the surrounding area.

There is a considerable amount of wildlife inhabiting the islands and a rich variety of marine life. Snorkeling, walking and swimming are the most popular attractions of the region. The best time to visit this archipelago is late March to October when visibility is at its best.

Things to See & Do

* Snorkeling & diving
* Visitor Centre
* Kayaking
* Koh Paluay fishing village
* Swimming at Koh Wao

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Baht (THB)
Language - Thai
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Land Area - 102 km²
Time - GMT plus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code - +66

Port Location - The main port at Ko Samui is located at Ma Thon, located on the western side of the island, facing the mainland.

Travel Links - From Surat Thani train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), there are combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui - some entail a 60 minute bus ride to Donsak pier followed by a 90 minute ferry crossing, others a 30 minute bus ride but the ferry takes extra time.

Ang Thong marine park is accessible by boat from Big Buddha island and Koh Samui. There are also boats based in koh Phangan and koh Tao that run cruises.

Ko Samui Airport has near-hourly departures to/from Bangkok. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket U-Tapao, and Singapore; four direct flights a week from Chiang Mai (but no direct flights in the opposite direction); and twice weekly flights to/from Hong Kong.