A postcard-perfect paradise, visit this spectacular attraction and explore hidden lagoons, pristine beaches and tropical waterfalls.
An archipelago of 42 islands, Ang Thong National Park boasts some of the most unique and stunning scenery in all of Thailand, featuring towering limestone cliffs which rise 400 metres above the water that have been fantastically carved by the sea. Translated literally as “Golden Basin”, Ang Thong covers approximately 10,000 hectares of idyllic islands. If snorkelling, tramping, diving and sailing against an exotic backdrop sound like your idea of paradise, then this is the place for you!Explore the caves and lagoons by kayak, take up snorkelling and gaze into the glittering turquoise water teeming with colourful sea creatures, or simply relax on one of the many untouched beaches Ang Thong has to offer. A trip around the entire park would take weeks, but most people on daytrips tend to head straight for Koh Mae (Mother Island) which has a trail that leads you to the top of a mountain, boasting a sensational panorama over the shimmering sea-green lagoon called the Emerald Lake.Considered to be the real-life inspiration for Alex Garland’s best-selling novel “The Beach”, the Emerald Lake is a stunning, inland saltwater lagoon, created and linked to the sea by natural underground tunnels and is certainly worth the climb. Swimming here is prohibited but don’t worry, Koh Mae has a stunning beach near its outer shoreline where you can bathe to your heart’s content. If you get hungry and need a break from all the tramping and swimming, head back to camp headquarters at Koh Wua Talab and enjoy a light snack.Koh Samui is the departure point for these boat trips to Ang Thong and is just 30 kilometres away. Make sure you don’t sleep in as the boats generally leave the mainland early in morning. Tour operators can be found on both the north and west coasts offering different services at various prices. You can opt to visit the island with a larger group on a slow ferry ride, or if you prefer to do things your own way, you can charter a private speedboat and tailor the day to fit your own schedule. Bear in mind that the more you spend, the more flexibility you have.Take care if booking your trip in November and December as monsoonal weather sometimes causes the park to close during these months.
