ang thong tour from koh samui

ANGTHONG MARINE PARK SEMI-PRIVATE SUNSET TOUR

Discover Ang Thong National Park

Explore the best attractions and activities of the park!

Experience a fabulous day out!

Enjoy the most sought-after attractions and activities while no one else is!

Sail back & embrace the views of the radiant sunset

This day tour is sure to top your list as you plan your exciting adventures on Koh Samui. As a top destination, about 2,000+ visitors pass through the park daily. That said, our tour is specifically designed to allow you to enjoy the most sought-after attractions and activities while no one else is!

ang thong tour from koh samui

Departing for Ang Thong Marine Park

Step aboard our luxury yacht at Samui`s inner river jetty and meet your friendly crew for the day. After a brief description about the yacht’s facilities, safety procedures and what awaits you, take a moment to explore the yacht while familiarizing yourself with one of the many sunny or shaded areas on our decks.

Begin your journey at the southwest of Koh Samui towards the Five Islands. These islands hold a mysterious and rarely seen phenomenon, such as the harvesting of bird`s nests.

Voyage to Ang Thong Marine Park

Voyage towards the northernmost corner of the park and savor delicious appetizers as you cruise. Explore the magnificent scenery of the Gulf of Thailand, where dolphins and whales make their home. Arrive at the park’s most remote and magical spot, exclusive to our tour.

Optional sea kayaking: Go for guided sea kayaking along the coastline to explore, the Secret Lagoon, sensational cliffs and magical tunnels that are only found at this location. Spot secluded picturesque beaches and their crystal clear, calm waters. Alternatively, hop on our dinghy that accompanies the kayaks.

Snorkeling: Venture out of the park to the Ko Wao islands, where you will find the best snorkeling sites. As the only non-speedboat vessel to reach this destination, we can select the optimal site.

Lunch & Voyage: Enjoy freshly prepared Thai-fusion cuisine, prepared from scratch by our chefs, while you journey through the 42 islands of the park; home to hidden lagoons, spectacular clifftops, and limestone rock formations.

Emerald Lake Island Visit: Relax on the beach or climb up the steps through dense rain-forest and narrow ravines to see a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the surrounding islands. Take a stroll down the steps to witness the hidden saltwater lake completely enclosed by walls, nicknamed The Blue Lagoon (inspired by the movie The Beach).

Head to Koh Samui - Sunset Cruise

Cool down with a few drinks, take a dip in the jacuzzi, and enjoy the magnificent scenery. As you voyage, take a glimpse back and embrace the inspiring views of the islands as they sillouette off the radiant sunset.

Please note that semi-private tours are exclusively offered and operated by Tours Koh Samui who rent the yachts from us.

Red and Blue Dragon Classic Thai Yachts

ang thong tour from koh samui

The Red Dragon main sun deck

ang thong tour from koh samui

Kayaking at the most remote and magical spots such as the secret lagoon, exclusive to our tour

ang thong tour from koh samui

Snorkeling at Koh Wao tropical reef

ang thong tour from koh samui

Kayaking adventure at Ang Thong Park departing from the Blue Dragon yacht

ang thong tour from koh samui

Unlimited soft drinks during the trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

ang thong tour from koh samui

Light breakfast during the Ang Thong Park trip

ang thong tour from koh samui

Kayaking along the dramatic cliffs and caves

ang thong tour from koh samui

Relax at the Blue Dragon jacuzzi

ang thong tour from koh samui

Kayaking through the magical tunnel of the Marine Park

ang thong tour from koh samui

Snorkeling view in Koh Wao

ang thong tour from koh samui

Floating raft in Ang Thong Park assist our guests

ang thong tour from koh samui

Pink skunk clownfish & sea anemone at Koh Wao

ang thong tour from koh samui

Floating raft in Ang Thong Park

ang thong tour from koh samui

Lunch at the Red Dragon Classic Thai yacht

ang thong tour from koh samui

Lunch during the Ang Thong Park trip

ang thong tour from koh samui

Blue Dragon lounge and dining cabin

ang thong tour from koh samui

Views along the Marine Park at Sam Sao island

ang thong tour from koh samui

The Blue Dragon sun deck

ang thong tour from koh samui

Whale shark seen in Ang Thong

ang thong tour from koh samui

Monkey rock Hanuman

ang thong tour from koh samui

View of 42 islands

ang thong tour from koh samui

Climb up the steps to see the Emerald Lake view point

ang thong tour from koh samui

View along the climb to the Emerald Lagoon viewpoint

ang thong tour from koh samui

The viewpoint of the park's islands at the Emerald Lake

ang thong tour from koh samui

Emerald Lake from the Hollywood movie The Beach

ang thong tour from koh samui

View from Koh Mae Koh island

ang thong tour from koh samui

Shower after visiting Blue Lagoon

ang thong tour from koh samui

The Red Dragon jacuzzi

ang thong tour from koh samui

Cruise back from Ang Thong while enjoying the sunset

ang thong tour from koh samui

Ang Thong National Park: Koh Samui Thailand Day Trip

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a group of 42 paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand that you can visit on a day trip from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

There’s an ultra scenic viewpoint at Ang Thong (pictured above) that should be reason enough to go. You get to see bunches of mini islands covered in jungle and scattered out on the blue horizon, a bit like Thailand’s version of Raja Ampat. It’s famous for being one of the best panoramic views in the whole country!

This travel guide will explain how to get to Ang Thong, as well as some of the sights you can expect to see in the marine park, and how to do it on a budget.

ang thong tour from koh samui

How To Get To Ang Thong

The first step for visiting Ang Thong is to get to either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, Thailand’s two biggest islands in the Gulf.

Bangkok Airways has direct, nonstop flights to Samui (USM) from Bangkok (BKK) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL), but since the airport in Samui is privately owned by them, they have a monopoly on these flights and they tend to be a bit pricey at 3,000 Baht (~$100 USD). You can shop for flights to Koh Samui at Skyscanner.

AirAsia has flight/bus/ferry combo packages that go from Bangkok (DMK) or Kuala Lumpur to Samui or Phangan for less than 1,000 Baht (~$33 USD). Just type in Samui (Lipa Noi Pier) or Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) as your destination in the flight search box on their website and they will handle all of the transfers for you.

Once you reach Koh Samui or Phangan, a tour is essential to visit Ang Thong since the park has dozens of islands that are spread out over the sea and require lots of island hopping. More on that next!

ang thong tour from koh samui

Best Tour For Ang Thong Marine Park

Klook has day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui by speedboat for as low as 1,700 Baht (~$50 USD) including free hotel pickup/drop-off, buffet lunch, soft drinks, kayaking, and snorkeling (with snorkel gear provided). They also have a similar tour from Koh Phangan for the same price.

This is the best tour price for Ang Thong I was able to find anywhere in Thailand. If you can find anything cheaper, Klook will match the price. For comparison, most of the street stalls in Koh Samui and Phangan were charging 30% more for this exact same day trip, and some of them didn’t even include kayaking in the price!

We were really happy with the Klook tour and everything went very smoothly. The guides were always helpful, and the buffet lunch was one of the best we’ve ever had on a day tour like this. We saw all the highlights of the park, and also got to do plenty of snorkeling and kayaking.

Book Now: Ang Thong Day Tour From Koh Samui / Koh Phangan

ang thong tour from koh samui

Entrance Fees

  • Adults: 300 THB (~$10 USD)
  • Kids: 150 THB (under 120 cm)
  • Thais: 40 THB

These are special fees charged per person to visit Angthong since it’s a Thai national park.

Just be aware that this is not typically included in advertised tour prices, so your tour operator will have to collect it from you in cash on the day the tour starts.

ang thong tour from koh samui

Things To Do & See

🔸 snorkeling.

Snorkeling was the first stop on our tour. We spent a full hour snorkeling at some small unnamed islands north of the marine park.

Technically this part of the tour was outside of the national park, but the views were just as good and so was the snorkeling. We saw lots of fish and coral here.

ang thong tour from koh samui

Kayaking was included for free in our tour, so after lunch we got the opportunity to paddle out to two different white sand beaches.

Wifey and I got lazy and turned back before the end, but it was fun to explore the rocks and coastline by kayak, especially if you haven’t done something like this before!

ang thong tour from koh samui

🔸 Emerald Lake

The Emerald Lake (aka Talay Nai) is a special gem on Ko Mae Ko island.

After a 15 minute hike to the top of the limestone karst walls, you get to stare into this incredible Gumby colored lake fed by underground sea tunnels. It’s a short hike to the top, but still pretty strenuous.

My only gripe is the ridiculously narrow, steep stairs. They’re terrible, even by the Thai government’s standards.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

🔸 Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint

The highlight of any trip to Ang Thong would have to be the main viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap where you can see all the islands (or at least a dozen of them) stretching out into the distance.

The hike to the top only takes about 30 minutes and it’s mostly shaded, but it’s still a huge workout because of the steepness and the merciless Thai heat. Drink plenty of water!

The view from the top is absolutely amazing.

ang thong tour from koh samui

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ang Thong and the nearby islands is from February to September, when it’s sunny and there’s little rain.

The monsoon season runs from October to January, and these are generally the months with the most rain and potentially rough seas.

With that said, we went in early October and the weather was still cloudless and sunny, so it all worked out.

ang thong tour from koh samui

Where We Stayed

We stayed at a hotel called At Lamai Resort and paid $16 USD for a big double room with cold AC, hot shower, and fast WiFi.

This hotel is a great value. Even though it’s not located directly on Lamai Beach, you can easily reach the beach, markets, and restaurants with a 10 minute walk.

Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

ang thong tour from koh samui

Our Koh Samui hotel

Pinterest Ang Thong Guide

You may also like

Ternate island travel guide & best things to do (maluku), how to visit khao sok national park in thailand, how to spend 1 day in yosemite national park (itinerary), how to visit ciletuh geopark: waterfall valley in west java, fulidhoo island guide: shark & stingray beach in maldives, how to visit dhigurah island: budget paradise in maldives.

' src=

Hey Really Impressive! I am following you:) you are absolutely perfect in blogging. Nice to visit again.

' src=

We’re about to go here in a few weeks, coming from the Thailand area. I enjoyed reading about your trip.

' src=

The best place to go while relaxing on Koh Samui or Koh Phangan

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

SamuiTours.com

Ang thong marine park full-day big boat eco tour.

View of Angthong Marine Park Islands

Embark on an extraordinary nautical journey to the enchanting Angthong National Marine Park, a cluster of 42 islands woven into the fabric of Thailand’s oceanic splendor. Each island is a unique canvas, painted with the brushstrokes of nature’s most vivid colors and textures, ready to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Your adventure to the Angthong archipelago begins with the embrace of Thailand’s vibrant maritime culture. From the moment you embark on our spacious big boat, expect an experience that transcends the ordinary. Gaze out as the glistening waves dance in harmony with the warm tropical breeze, and let the panoramic majesty of the islands captivate your senses.

The voyage’s pinnacle is the exploration of the park’s most prized jewels—the Emerald Lagoon and the serene Wua Ta Lap Island. Drift into these havens where the water sparkles with clarity, the sands whisper tales of tranquility, and the lush canopies sway to the rhythm of island serenades. Here, time is yours to revel in the sun’s embrace, to merge with the marine tapestry while snorkeling, or to simply let the Gulf’s waters cradle you in their warm hold.

For souls stirred by adventure, the park offers a kayaking experience that promises to amplify the wonder. Glide beneath the towering limestone cliffs, paddle through the silence of hidden caves, and discover the whispered secrets of the park’s secluded shores, all for a modest additional fee.

Our full-day big boat eco tour is a sanctuary for every spirit—whether you are drawn to the whispers of nature, the adrenaline of exploration, or the bliss of day-long escapism. It’s more than a tour; it’s a passage to creating everlasting memories amidst the backdrop of Thailand’s iconic marine splendor.

The beauty of Angthong awaits. Secure your passage today and prepare to be a part of a narrative as timeless as the seas. With our expert guides at the helm, your journey will be more than a venture—it will be a treasure you’ll carry with you, long after our sails have folded.

Photo Gallery

More samui tours you may enjoy.

Ang Thong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Eco Tour

Samui Tour Transfer Services

koh-samui-airport-transfer.jpg

Airport Transfer

koh-samui-island-transfers.jpg

Island Transfer

koh-samui-vip-transfers.jpg

VIP Transfers

koh-samui-scooter-rentals.jpg

Scooter Rentals

Join our newsletter, samui tours, samui sites, samui transfers.

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

SAMUI TOURS

We typically reply within minutes

Hello! How are you? Any questions related to our tours?

WhatsApp Us

ONLINE: 8:00 - 18:00 (Samui Time)

WhatsApp us

BOOK NOW & PAY CASH LATER

Angthong National Marine Park

ANG THONG MARINE PARK

ALL ANGTHONG SEA TOURS

Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Economy Tour

Angthong marine park full-day speed boat vip tour, angthong marine park premium semi private speedboat tour, full day private speed boat tour - angthong marine park, angthong marine park camping overnight big boat transfer, fullday sailing boat tour to ang thong marine park, luxury experience sunset cruise - yacht excursion, dreamlike day trip angthong national nature park, ang thong attractions, koh mae koh.

Koh Mae Koh means Mother Island and is the island's landmark with the emerald green saltwater lagoon Thale Nai, connected to the sea by underwater caves. A 20-minute walk leads from a nearby beach to a terrific viewpoint over the lake.

KOH SAM SAO

Situated on the east side of the mother island, Koh Sam Sao has several beaches, a great coral reef and a campsite. Tents can only be rented from the headquarters in Ko Wua Ta Lap. There are no shops or restaurants located on the island.

The spectacular viewpoint, which is the park's main attraction, can be reached via a 500-metre steep trail from the headquarters. The trail is not for the faint-hearted, takes 25-30 minutes to hike, has a rope for assistance and points the way up.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mu ko ang thong national marine park.

Mu Ko Ang Thong (Golden Basin) is one of the most beautiful marine National Parks in the Gulf of Thailand. The National Park is located in Surat Thani Province on the coastal side between the mainland and Koh Samui. It covers 42 islands with a total area of more than 102 square kilometres, of which about approx. 50 square kilometres is terrestrial, and the rest is water.

The park was firstly established on 12 November in 1980. The important islands include Koh Wua Ta Lub, Koh Phaluai, Koh Wua Chio, Koh Mae Koh, Koh Samsao, Koh Phai Luak, Koh Ka, Koh Hin Dub, Koh Wua Kantang, etc.

The islands were once the forbidden territory of the navy, but later people migrated and settled there. The occupations of these people are coconut plantations, fishing and collecting birds' nests (there is a concession for swallows' nests on the island) in village No. 6, Ang Thong sub-district, Ko Samui district.

The Park is also very famous from the cinema film “The Beach” though Leonardo DiCaprio fights against crocodiles at the bright blue lake.

When is the best time to visit Angthong National Marine Park?

A visit to Ang Thong Park is possible all year round, except during the closed regeneration season. However, the best time to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park is usually from February to October when the weather is at its best and the sea is calm.

This year, however, the National Park is not closed during the winter monsoon months from November to January and you can enjoy your marine tour to the fullest.

How to get to Angthong National Marine Park?

There are no regular ferry services to Angthong National Marine Park, hence the best way to visit this wonderful National Marine Park is on a joint or private day trip.

Currently, the only day tours visiting to Angthong National Marine Park are departing from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.

What to do in Ang Thong National Park?

On the island of Koh Wua Ta Lap (the sleeping cow's eye) is the headquarter located, it features park accommodation, a campsite, a visitor centre, a restaurant/shop and a ranger station. The stunning Pha Chan Charat Vewpoint is also located here. The white sand beach offers other activities such as swimming, snorkelling and canoeing/kayaking.

Another park highlight is the Blue Lagoon (Emerald Lake) called Thale Nai and the beautiful greenery surroundings.

Of course, there is also snorkelling on Koh Woa Island, and there are many other islands to spot from afar.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park?

As the Ang Thong National Park trips are very popular, we strongly recommend booking the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park tours in advance to ensure availability.

You can book now and pay conveniently on tour day!

Which experiences are best for tours in Ang Thong?

These experiences are best suited for tours in Ang Thong:

- Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Economy Tour - Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Speed Boat VIP Tour - Full Day Private Speed Boat Tour - Angthong Marine Park - Fullday Sailing Boat Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park

Can you stay on Ang Thong?

Most visitors to Ang Thong arrive on a joint day trip or by private boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are 5 hotels listed (one is temporary closed) on Google. Camping tents are available to rent at the Park Headquarters on Koh Wua Talab, where there is also a simple restaurant.

1. Koh Phaluai Beach Bangalow 2. Koh Phaluay Eco Resort 3. Phaluay Beach Resort 4. Koh Phaluai Cottage 5. Phaluai Seaview Homestay

Prices are ranking from 1100 THB up.

Hike to Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint

The 500-metre steep walk up to the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint is arduous, but totally worth it.

Although the name sounds a bit like a cliché "bright moon", it is fitting when you arrive and see the water glistening around the forested limestone cliffs in the distance.

It takes most people 30-45 minutes to climb up and a little less to descend. Allow some more time for photos.

Hiking up with flip-flops is not recommended.

Green Lagoon (Emerald Lake)

It takes a 20-minute walk to reach Emerald Lagoon, arriving at a small beach and walking off the boat and up the steps over the mountain.

The green-hued saltwater lagoon is encircled by millennia-old limestone cliffs – a cinematic locale that has Hollywood's stamp of approval.

Tourists are not allowed to swim or snorkel in the lake, so the water remained as still as a glimmer of glass that no one dared touch.

Rules and regulations

All parks have rules and regulations. Rules are not just there, they are used to prevent damage to Angthong National Marine Park and its surroundings. Rules are also used to keep people using a park safe. If someone breaks a rule, there can be consequences such as a fine to be paid. Parks are for everyone and they are important for the environment. When people use a park properly, everyone enjoys it.

- Check the depth, temperature and current before swimming and be careful at the water's edge.

- Do not take your pets with you. Pets can scare or kill native wildlife; even the smell and sounds of dogs and cats are enough to scare away native wildlife.

- Take all your rubbish and litter home with you. Leaving rubbish in a bin can encourage animals to rely on human food.

- Leave plants, animals, stones, shells and soil as you find them. Stay on the trail if there is one. Disturbing stones and soil endanger animal and plant life and destroy their habitats.

- Use toilet facilities, not the bush. This will minimise damage to plants and soil.

- Do not stand on corals or kick corals with fins, they are alive!

Electric in the park Electricity is only available from 18:00 to 22:00 and is generated by a diesel generator. Feel free to bring solar powered battery chargers.

Internet and mobile phone service Free internet wifi signal is available on the main island of Koh Whua Talap (in and around the restaurant) as well as mobile phone signal and landline. 3G also works well.

Any question Else?

Please get in touch with us via contact form .

  • kohsamui.tours  
  • สมุยทัวร์.com  
  • kohsamuiausflug.de  
  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Opens in a new window.

The Koh Samui Guide logo

We send REALLY USEFUL emails

Angthong marine park: how to plan your day.

Let’s cover the basics of Ang Thong Marine Park quite quickly: it’s beautiful, and you need to go there. Actually, you’ve probably already seen it without realising. How so? Read on...

This post may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small commission on any resulting purchases at no cost to the customer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It keeps The Koh Samui Guide ad-free, never sponsored and 100% independent. See privacy policy for more details.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

So, where have you seen Ang Thong Marine Park? When Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t splendidly shirtless and fighting crocodiles, his character in The Beach spent some time at Ang Thong’s beautiful, bright blue lake: Thale Nai, or Emerald Lake.

What is Ang Thong?

42 islands comprise this protected archipelago. If you’re picturing a “park-park”, replace picnic benches in your mind with, oh, three dozen more islands. 41 of the islands are uninhabited. Sea gypsies are said to live on one, living as traditional fishermen.

Ang Thong Marine Park is 250 km², though most visitors will see only a tiny portion.

Why visit Ang Thong Marine Park?

Even if you’ve spent time in other beautiful corners of Thailand – this place has extra-special all over. It’s remote, a few hours’ boat ride from Koh Samui (depending on the boat), though the islands’ composition looks even further removed. (Mountains and rock faces are limestone, as opposed to Koh Samui’s rich, orange-red, earth). The trip’s highlight is Emerald Lake at Ang Thong which you’ll likely recognise from the movie The Beach.

How to plan your day-trip to Ang Thong

Tip: Get more tips, charter recommendations and more ideas for day-trips in The Koh Samui Guide . ‍

Group excursion vs private charter : You heard it here first: there will be other people at Ang Thong Marine Park! Still prettier than where you're currently sitting? To have more control over your day at Ang Thong and where you stop, considering booking a more personalised charter. Private charters are available from a number of companies, as are ‘more the merrier’ mass outings. Of course, smaller, faster boats with more customisable itineraries do cost more (and vice versa).

‍ Group bookings will depart on a set schedule with designated times at each island stop - i.e. a few hours set aside for snorkelling. If you like groups and get along with strangers, you’re assured of a great day out. Otherwise, consider a private charter. A trip Ang Thong is amongst the best of Koh Samui's experiences.‍

‍ When to go: We recommend giving yourself a few days on Koh Samui before your excursion, in order to adjust to the strong sun and heat. You don’t want to spend a day on a boat in full sun before you’ve accepted you need major SPF.

‍ Schedules to Ang Thong: Plan for a full day out. Most tours leave Koh Samui early in the morning, and the journey by boat to Ang Thong is a few hours.

Ferry and boat options from Koh Samui to Ang Thong

Before you hire a boat: Be sure to ask what’s included and not – i.e. life jackets, drinking water and snacks, snorkel gear, etc. Reputable companies provide water but do make sure. Also, check in advance the availability of shade on the boat you choose! (Especially important if you're coming to Koh Samui with children).Get there in a big boat, little boat, private boat, busy boat, fast boat or by sailboat. Many Koh Samui charter companies have a range of craft to suit your budget and size of group.

‍ How to hire a boat and make a booking: If you have a big group, a tight schedule or specific requirements – certainly inquire with boat charters in advance, by email. Many have expat involvement so English language communication isn’t a problem. However, if you’d like to wait and see, it’s definitely possible to book your Ang Thong day-trip with little notice once on Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. You’ll find booking offices and travel agents all over Samui. Otherwise, check with your hotel and have them do the legwork. It’ll cost more, but laziness and holidays go so well together.

‘Ang Thong’ means “Golden Bowl”.

What to bring on your Ang Thong tour?

Mosquito protection: Standard for anything you do in Thailand, but especially so if you'll take any hikes or walks through vegetation up to viewpoints. As you'll be in and out of the water all day, you might add waterproof repellent bracelets . As always, a bottle of quality mosquito repellent, like Incognito , should be one of the first things in your day bag or backpack ( see my favourites ).

‍ Sun protection: Now's the time to add a long-sleeve UPF 50+ swim t-shirt , and anything else that's UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Swim t-shirts tend to be thinner fabric than rash guards and are better for Thai heat and humidity. The joy of Ang Thong is a day of water and more water. Using sunscreen alone – even if you manage to reapply it on wet skin – you could end up badly sunburned by the end of the day. The genius of UPF fabric is that it retains its sun protection even when it's wet (unlike sunscreen which will give you 40 to 80 minutes depending on the brand). If you're fastidious about sun protection (or just don't want wrinkles), I recommend such a swim top as a vital packing inclusion.

‍ More sun protection: As for sunscreen? Note that common sunscreen ingredients known to harm coral reefs are (technically) banned in Thai national parks – including Ang Thong National Marine Park. If you'd like to stick to the letter of the law (or just do your bit for coral), pack a mineral sunscreen. I've tried most of them and prefer Blue Lizard Active Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion and Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray .

‍ Sun hat: Finish your sun safety with a wide-brimmed sunhat – again in a UPF fabric. My choice here is Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat – tried and tested by yours truly on fast boats in strong wind. If your hat choice doesn't have a drawstring, plan to spend the multi-hour boat trip holding it on your head. Final flourish? Don't forget your lips: Jack Black SPF Lip Balm is my favourite.

‍ Appropriate shoes : You want grippy sandals that can get wet and will stay on your feet. Ideally they can handle a bit of hiking, too. Something like Keen sports sandals (+ women's version ) are ideal – sturdy sandals like these can handle water and grip slick surfaces. Getting from your boat to the island, you’ll likely need to hop in and out of a longtail boat tender – just a mention if anyone in your group would struggle.

‍ Waterproofing: A floating waterproof case for your phone is handy, as is a dry bag if you want to keep your things with you while kayaking.

‍ Water: Check that your charter provides drinking water. If you're not used to strong heat, you might include a tube of electrolyte drink tabs (or pack a carton of coconut water).

‍ Your backpack: If you're planning lots of island-y adventures in Thailand, it's worth packing a dedicated daypack and keeping it stocked with some "just in case" bits. Many hiking daypacks fold up to a tiny travel pouch that fits in your hand, as do micofibre travel towels . Finally, a mini first aid kit and seasickness bands (if you're so afflicted) earn you an A+ in preparation.

Things to do at Ang Thong

On arrival, you’ll probably visit the largest island, Koh Wua Ta Lap (though boutique tour operators avoid this busy spot and find quieter stops). Wua Ta Lap operates as a sort of “Camp HQ”, with a small restaurant and adjacent museum (perhaps a stretch of the term – on our last visit there was a preserved dugong in a tank). You might then eat lunch. The food is along ‘get what you’re given’ lines – it’s basic but not really the point of your trip. Call it camp food – sustenance on a nature outing, rather than Pad Thai of a lifetime.

‍ Reality vs expectation: Unlike the movie and the postcards, there will be other people at Ang Thong. It’s a great spot and, while not over-run, many TripAdvisor comments bemoan: “Lovely spot, shame about everyone else”. Depart for Ang Thong with realistic expectations. Yes, it's absolute paradise, but it's not going to be all yours. (However, boutique tour operators come as close as possible and do an incredible job of avoiding the crowds).

‍ Hike to Leo’s Lake (Emerald Lake): To see Leo’s Lake, you’ve got the option of hiking up some stairs to enjoy the view. You can’t swim in it or go near it – but nature’s better appreciated in a “look but don’t touch” sort of way, right?The climbs up to the viewpoints are quite steep – highly recommended if you’re in decent shape (and are wearing shoes or sandals up to the job). Small children might struggle with this climb.

‍ Beaches and snorkelling: Back down at sea level, you’ll have time to enjoy your desert island experience, swim, snorkel and enjoy your group’s company. Some charters offer kayaking as a separate option – the only way to see some of the caves up close.

‍ Wildlife viewing: Keep your eyes open and bring some binoculars! 16 types of mammals are found across the island (or so says Wikipedia).

Ang Thong Marine Park weather

Above all else – check the weather forecast before you depart for Ang Thong. If poor weather is predicted, perhaps postpone your day trip to avoid a rough journey.

Channelling Leo in The Beach is one thing, Titanic… quite another.

Ang Thong National Marine Park closing period

Are you coming to Koh Samui in November or December? The park is usually closed to visitors from November 1st through December 23rd yearly, to give nature and its creatures a break. That said, this period is Koh Samui’s rainy season , with a high likelihood of very rough seas. You don’t want to go to Ang Thong at that time of year, anyway. Promise. (If rainy season is light, these dates adjust accordingly. Ask your tour operator for updates). However you make it happen – do be sure to get to Ang Thong Marine Park at least once in your lifetime.

ang thong tour from koh samui

"The most enjoyable vacation of my life"

How do I…? Where do I…? What's the best ...? Use The Koh Samui Guide to enjoy every second: from how to choose your perfect beach to planning romantic nights out.

Don't Miss

Koh Samui yoga

Recommended

Thailand Travel Adapter

Never miss an update

Get expert Thailand tips and learn how to plan your perfect trip (whenever that might be).

ang thong tour from koh samui

Ang Thong National Marine Park, Thailand: How to Visit & What To Expect

Ang Thong National Marine Park: How to Visit & What To Expect

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

Koh Wua Talap (the main island)

Other islands in ang thong national marine park, how to book accommodation on koh wua talap, overview: ang thong tours, ferry from koh samui, when to visit ang thong, what to bring to ang thong, minimise your impact.

Ang Thong National Marine Park seen from the stairs at Koh Wua Talap

Advertisement

Why you should visit Ang Thong National Marine Park

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.

Welcome to the national park

Ang Thong viewpoint: The viewpoint of viewpoints hike

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.

Top viewpoint stairs Ang Thong

Bua Bok Cave

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.

Trekking to Bua Bok Cave on Koh Wua Talap

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.

Koh Mae Ko boat tour

Staying overnight in Ang Thong

To our knowledge, Koh Wua Talap is the only place you can stay as a tourist in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.

We booked a night in one of the few bungalows in the national park to be able to spend more time soaking in the beauty of this place.

Being more or less alone on Koh Wua Talap also gave us the opportunity to witness the view from the top at both sunset and sunrise – all by ourselves.

Which was, perhaps almost needless to say, the highlight of our Ang Thong-trip (if not of our whole two months in Thailand!).

Standing up there was such a spectacular feeling.

Viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap in Thailand

Our bungalow

The bungalow had a bathroom with a shower, toilet and running water.

There were also toilet paper, soap and towels.

The beds were single beds .

We had a fan (which we didn’t need) and electricity was on until 23.00 in the evening.

It’s also possible to either sleep in a tent or bring your own.

House on Koh Wua Talap

There’s a restaurant on Koh Wua Talap serving tasty Thai meals for both breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Have patience.

Prices range from about 60 to 120 baht (~ 2 to 4 USD / 1.75 to 3.5 EUR) for a meal.

Thai curries with vegetables and rice

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 .

The settlement of Koh Wua Talap including the national park’s headquarters seen from above

How to get to Ang Thong National Marine Park

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.

ang thong tour from koh samui

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.

Speedboat or ferry in Ang Thong

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.

A typical ferry going to Ang Thong National Marine Park

Our tour included:

  • 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.

Our boat to Ang Thong from Koh Samui

Food on our ferry

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.

The tray of food from our tour with rice, vegetables, a spring roll and fruit

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.

Kayaking in Ang Thong

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.

The dinghy that had to take us to the larger ferry

  • Swimwear . You’ll really want to jump in!
  • A sarong or a quick-dry towel (adlinks) for drying and chilling on the beaches.
  • Sun protection ; a hat, sunglasses, light covering clothes and an eco-friendly sunscreen (adlink) .
  • Hiking shoes or sneakers if you want to walk to the Ang Thong viewpoint or to the cave.
  • You own snacks (you can also buy some on the boat or at the restaurant by the headquarters of the national park at Koh Wua Talap).
  • Thai baht in cash for the restaurant on Koh Wua Talap.
  • Headlamp or flashlight if you want to hike before sunrise or after sunset.
  • If you stay for one night or more, you might also want to bring mosquito spray .
  • A good camera – here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content .
  • Don’t bring your drone . Drones aren’t allowed in the national park.

Ang Thong National Marine Park stairs and viewpoint

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

  • Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle (adlink) .
  • Avoid single-use plastics , including straws.
  • Dispose of waste properly . Preferably take anything you bring to the national park back with you.
  • Check your sunscreen . Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to corals.
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints . Let shells and corals stay in their natural home.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.
  • Respect any wildlife you might encounter. Don’t feed the monkeys.

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

Thanks for reading

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.

Pin for later:

All you need to know about visiting Ang Thong in Thailand & how we stayed overnight on Koh Wua Talap in a bungalow to witness sunrise + lots of photos.

Our favourite travel resources:

  • Booking.com for cheap hotels.
  • Momondo for the best flight deals.
  • SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

  • Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
  • DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
  • Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
  • See all of our camera gear here .
  • Why You Shouldn’t Pick Up Baby Sea Turtles - They’re the cutest. But here’s why you should (probably) leave them alone
  • The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travellers (That You Can Buy On the Road) - We review and compare three different travel insurances that you can buy on the go
  • Koh Samui: Na Muang Waterfall 2 Viewpoint Travel Guide - All you need to know about visiting the Na Muang Waterfall 2 viewpoint in Koh Samui
  • Video: Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Phangan & Ang Thong) - A travel video from Thailand
  • The 8 Best Beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand - Here are the most stunning stretches of sand

ang thong tour from koh samui

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Booking logo

  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Travel Tips
  • Inspiration
  • Travel Videos
  • Work With Us

Copyright © 2024 Northabroad

  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Oceana Samui Charters

Angthong Exclusive

A semi-private luxury speedboat tour of the angthong marine park, maximum 14 guests onboard a luxury speedboat licensed for 25 pax. operating every monday , wednesday and saturday..

Angthong National Marine Park translates as ‘golden bowl’, occupies almost 250 sq. km and includes 50 sq. km of protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This island, Koh Paluay, is inhabited by “sea-gypsies” who still earn a living from fishing. The islands resemble Koh Samui 40 years ago, prior to the arrival of tourism and modern infrastructure. The Marine Park is famous for its natural beauty untouched by development. The islands range in size from mere rocks in the deep blue sea to little paradise islands with white beaches and coconut trees. The movie ‘the Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio was inspired by and partially filmed at this location. Being in the Marine Park gives you the feeling of being an explorer, discovering the far ends of the world. The water is clean, calm and inviting, creating the perfect conditions to explore the park’s hidden treasures. The best option to travel to the Marine Park is by luxury speedboat as they have the capacity to reach many different locations within a brief amount of time, perfect for this wondrous destination.

Skip the crowds with our special itinerary designed for your ultimate privacy!

What's included:.

Insurance, Hotel transfer, Life jackets, Snorkeling gear, Sea kayaks, English speaking guide, Traditional Thai Lunch, Marine Park Entry Fee, Bottled water and Soft drinks.

ang thong tour from koh samui

SNORKELING AT KOH WAO

ang thong tour from koh samui

TALAY NAI VIEWPOINT

Angthong Emerald Lagoon

EMERALD LAGOON

ang thong tour from koh samui

DELICIOUS THAI LUNCH

ang thong tour from koh samui

KAYAKING & RELAXATION

ang thong tour from koh samui

CRUISE BACK TO SAMUI

40 ft luxury speedboat.

ang thong tour from koh samui

  • Exclusively from Oceana Samui Charters
  • 40 ft luxury speedboat with a Maximum of 14 guests per group
  • Avoid waking up early and rushing breakfast with a delayed departure time

ang thong tour from koh samui

Inquire about Angthong Exclusive

Oceana Samui Charters

  • WhatsApp +66973641465 for immediate response.
  • ENG: +66 (0) 97 364 1465
  • THAI: +66 (0) 84 616 8269
  • [email protected]
  • 33/61 Moo 4 Bophut Koh Samui, Surat Thani Thailand 84320

Click to View on Google Maps

Angthong marine park private charter.

Please fill out this information below and our customer care agent will contact you to confirm and arrange for payment.

 BOOK NOW & PAY CASH LATER

  • island tour

kohsamui.tours

Your cart is currently empty.

kohsamui.tours

Scooter Rentals

kohsamui.tours

Koh Samui Tours

kohsamui.tours

Customer Reviews

Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Speed Boat Tour - kohsamui.tours

Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Speed Boat VIP Tour

ang thong tour from koh samui

  • Beschreibung

Join the Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Boat Tour! This full-day boat tour is one of the most beautiful and popular sea destinations. Discover the Angthong Marine Park (Golden Basin) archipelago with its 42 islands. On this trip you get the opportunity to explore the rock and cave landscapes with a kayak. You will also visit the green emerald lagoon and the island of Wua Talap (sleeping cow's eye) with its incredible viewpoint over the whole Angthong national park and a remarkable stalactite cave. As well you have enough time for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling at the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. Book your joint day tour to Angthong Marine Park now! Read less

Koh Samui Tours Thailand

This tour takes place every day  and was specially developed for hotel guests on the holiday Island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Unfortunately, there is no availability for  Cruise Ship Passengers! Click!   As usual, free places are available as long as you can select your desired date!

koh_samui_thailand_ausflug_ausfluege_aktivitaeten_sehenswuerdigkeiten_trips

Pick-up 07:00-08:00 Depending on your location, we will pick you up in an air-conditioned minibus and then guide you to the pier of departure, in the north of Koh Samui. Step by step, all other participants are collected during the transfer.

Boat Trip The ship leaves around 9:00 a.m. and arrives at the snorkeling activity spot at Koh Wao after an interesting 60-minute boat trip under normal sea conditions. Here you have time enough to explore the unique underwater world for 45 minutes or enjoy the view over the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Mae Koh Close to the deserted island of Koh Mae Koh (mother island), we will be anchored. From here you will be transported to the picturesque bay with a small dinghy. Here you have enough time to visit the beautiful green Emerald Lagoon. You can walk and explore the beauties of the desert island on permanently installed wooden hiking trails. 

Lunch While the generous lunch buffet with delicious local specialties is served for you on the neighbor island Koh Sam Sao, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the beauty of the marine park with its 42 island groups and the azure sea in different colors. Now you will have enough time to dine in this fantastic atmosphere and after you will have time to explore the amazing surroundings by kayak.

Koh Wua Talap You will then spend the afternoon on the island of Koh Wua Talap, where the activities can be customized: you can either climb to the most breathtaking viewpoint in the Gulf of Thailand, explore a fascinating stalactite cave, snorkel in front of the island or simply relax on the beautiful white sandy beach. We will stay here for approximately 90 minutes.

Back to Samui Around 4:00 p.m. we will start to return the way back to the starting point on Koh Samui. If the sea is calm, we should arrive there around 5:00 p.m. Lean back and let the impressions sink in when you see the rugged, rocky landscape and the water shimmering in different shades of blue.

Drop-off 17:00-17:30 We will pick you up in an air-conditioned minibus from the pier of arrival and then guide you back to the accommodation you have deposited. Step by step, all other participants will be dropped off during the return transfer.

You will receive a booking confirmation as well as another email, including your final pick-up time , until 18:00 the day before your selected tour date! Please check the given information and show the email to the driver waiting for you at the general car park of your accommodation! If you have booked for tomorrow after 17:30, then you will receive your pick up time until 21:00!

  • We recommend to bring your own towel, sturdy shoes for the ascent to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap.
  • If the road to your accommodation is too steep or inaccessible, we will have to pick you up at a nearby alternative pick-up location, which you need to reach on your own. If this is the case, you will receive a Google Maps Link shortly after your booking!
  • Depending on the weather and traffic conditions, the program can be adjusted.
  • *Pick-ups from Koh Phangan, from the area of Thong Nai Pan, require an extra charge of 300฿ per person.

Even more?  Explore the frequently asked questions!

You can cancel your order free of charge up to 24 hours before your selected tour date ( ToS: § 3 ).

  • For a free cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before your tour date, you must pay the full purchase amount.
  • If you do not reach the meeting point in time, the local operator is entitled to full payment.
  • Any changes made by yourself on your tour date can not be accepted free of charge.
  • Cancellations due bad weather based only on responsibility by local authorities.
  • Cancellations due illness require a medical certificate from a local doctor.
  • Cut-off times by latest 23:59 two days before your tour date (GMT+7).

For cancellations click here!

koh_samui_thailand_ausflug_ausfluege_aktivitaeten_sehenswuerdigkeiten_trips

Excelent trip yo the Ang Thong National Park with these guys. Really nice explanations, the lunch is great, perfect timing for the activities. I've been in other trips in Krabi and this is one step above all of them in all aspects. Keep going!

Perfect day; Very friendly and professional guides/crew Highly recommend!

Great value day out, collected at hotel promptly at advised time and taken to pier, where coffee & light snacks before departure. The boat crew were so helpful and friendly. From island to island refreshments were provided on the boat with lunch provided after kayaking. Well done to the team. The views, snorkelling, national park access had something for everyone. Also shout out to the booking agent in Kohsamui tours on Had Lamai Tours. Really helped in making the right decision for our day out . Great job (Dublin, Ireland)

User picture

Out of this world experience. Action packed and felt really looked after. The snorkelling experience was amazing. The scenery sensational. Thank you so much.

User picture

Brilliant value trip with Mr Tu and his team. Well organised, and ran like clockwork with Snorkelling stop (best marine life I’ve seen so far), Green Lagoon Hike, Lunch and Kayak under caves, then the ‘small hike’ for the best brown in Thailand, with swim on one of the prettiest beaches and soft sand. Thank you! Brilliant value when completed to other trips. speedboat has max of 30 persons.

User picture

Recently viewed Products

Customer login:, compare color, shopping cart.

Landscape of Mu Koh Ang Thong, Samui, Thailand

100 piece Classic

Photo: Day2505

Featured Puzzle

Granville St. Bridge, Vancouver, Canada

Granville St. Bridge, Vancouver, Canada

Photo: Kenny Louie

Save this puzzle

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Fitness & Wellbeing

Food & Drink

  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance Deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Climate 100
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Wine Offers
  • Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Thailand island you must visit now – before ‘The White Lotus’ effect hits

Koh samui has had a major glow up ahead of filming for the hit show, with plush resorts, michelin-starred restaurants and up-market spas. fiona mcintosh suggests making a trip soon – while it’s still possible to find good deals, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

The pristine white sands of Thailand’s Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui is well worth a visit

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

T he Thai island Koh Samui is about to be hit by the “ White Lotus Effect ”.

Filming for the third series is currently underway and when the show is finally released in early 2025, the island will become one of the most coveted destinations in the world. So now is the time to book that trip before prices go bananas.

As with the first two series, filmed in Maui , Hawaii , and Taormina in Sicily respectively, much of the show will be filmed in the Four Seasons resort . The Koh Samui outpost of the famously upmarket US brand is a fantastical, tropical haven set on a hillside in the northwest corner of the island – all polished teak, cultivated jungle and a perfect arc of private beach.

But with prices currently starting at £1,000 for one night (and this is before it becomes one of the most famous film locations in the world), you need very deep pockets to stay there.

Shades of blue: a private pool at the Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

The good news is that there are plenty of other fabulous places to stay on Koh Samui, from family-friendly hotels, to Airbnb villas and some surprisingly swanky youth hostels.

The producers of The White Lotus have made a clever choice. Thailand ’s second-largest island is rapidly becoming known as the most upmarket island in the country. Whilst it’s historically been best-known as a launching pad for Full Moon wipeout parties on Koh Pha Ngan , a 40-minute ferry ride away, things have changed.

Read more on Thailand travel :

  • Thailand travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
  • Best hotels in Phuket: Where to stay for picturesque beaches and spa retreats
  • Why you should explore congested Bangkok by bike and boat

Koh Samui’s best restaurants are part of the Michelin Guide , it has its own boutique airline Bangkok Airways (which means you don’t have to suffer through that stomach-rolling ferry ride from the mainland), and it has the highest concentration of five-star hotels outside Bangkok .

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, shot from the highest point of Mae Island

This was made blindingly clear to me when we were whisked from the airport (which itself looks like an open-air resort hotel) to the Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui for three days of Hollywood-grade glamour. Let’s put this in context for a moment: the last time I was in Koh Samui 30 years ago, I slept on a palm mat in a beach hut. We didn’t have air con, but we did have a bottomless supply of cockroaches.

This time, I stayed in an ultimate pool billa on the 58-acre Ritz-Carlton estate, with panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand, complete with private plunge pool, a deep bath overlooking the ocean, Diptyque bath and body products and the sort of firm yet marshmallowy king-size bed that luxe American hotel brands seem to nail every time.

The ultimate pool villa at the Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

The resort has four restaurants (its steak house, Ranch, has made the Michelin Guide ), a spa village where my Thai fusion massage was one of the best one-hour experiences of my life, and a surprisingly chill and unstuffy beach bar where you can sip a pina colada from a green coconut before slipping into the infinity pool above the resort’s private, sandy cove.

If you ever get bored of doing absolutely nothing, there is complimentary kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, morning meditation and Muay Thai boxing lessons in an actual ring.

Bliss: the infinity pool and beach bar on the Ritz-Carlton’s private cove on Koh Samui

From the road (and there is only one that circumnavigates the island), Koh Samui looks like a chaotic mash-up of fruit stalls, cafes, massage parlours and scooter rentals. But it’s what lies behind that matters – fabulous restaurants, beaches, resort hotels, markets and beach clubs.

Chaweng Beach: Around 7km, a stretch of white, sandy beach and the main hub on the island. Head here for supercharged fun – bars, nightlife and shopping.

Lamai Beach: A lovely stretch of sand and deeper water (better for water sports) and less hectic than Chaweng but with plenty of small hotels and restaurants, including the chilled Baobab bar and restaurant. A good family option.

Bophut Beach: A three kilometre stretch of sandy beach on the north of the island with views towards Ko Phan Ngan. A great place to while away an afternoon. At 7pm and 9pm, grab a beanbag on the beach and a cocktail at Coco Tam’s for the excellent fire show.

Choengmon Beach: A quieter, smaller and more exclusive series of bays near the run of five star resort hotels. Good for a quieter day.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park: Book a boat trip and enjoy unmissable snorkelling at this nearby archipelago of jewel-like islands made famous in Alex Garland’s The Beach .

Fisherman’s Village Market, Koh Samui, Thailand

There are a number of markets on the island, but if you only do one, make sure it is the Fisherman’s Village Market at Bophut. The walking street, which still features wonky wooden fisherman’s cottages, buzzes with fresh seafood restaurants, food stalls, boutique shops and stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to knock-off designer handbags and dubious electronics.

Although not a patch on the boggling Grand Palace in Bangkok , the most impressive Buddhist landmark on the island is the golden Big Buddha, set within the grounds of the Wat Phra Yai temple. Close by, is the temple of Wat Plai Laem where you can pay your respects to Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy who looms above the water with her 18 outstretched arms.

Bangrak Beach with Koh Samui’s Big Buddha in the distance

The island is rammed with outstanding food options, including exceptional Thai, Chinese and Western restaurants.

Koh Thai Kitchen at the Four Seasons: Exquisite southern dishes, from a deeply fragrant massaman curry, to a red curry with prawns as big as a baby’s arm.

The Ranch at the Ritz Carlton: For when you just need a really amazing steak, wagyu and Angus from Australia , sizzled at your table.

Bang Por Seafood: Locals recommend this simple restaurant on the beach offering some of the most delicious seafood on the island at great prices.

The Jungle Club: Sit back in a bean bag on the deck of this fun restaurant with beautiful views over Chaweng Noi Beach, which serves a Thai and international menu.

Koh Samui is building a reputation as a key wellness destination . Drop in for a massage at one of the many roadside parlours (£10 for a one hour full-body massage). For a day spa experience, most of the resort hotels offer a suite of treatments. Baan Sabai on Bohput Beach offers massages and treatments by the sea. Kamalaya is the island’s most famous luxurious wellness retreat renowned for its A-list clients.

Where to stay

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: A luxurious American brand set in gorgeous gardens above a private cove.

Rooms available from {{#price}} {{price}} per night {{/price}} {{^price}} Check availability for dates and prices {{/price}}

Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing.

Outrigger: A busy, fun and good value family option with a kids club, situated near the Coco Splash Waterpark.

The Mud: Beachside bungalows, outdoor swimming pool, free wifi and onsite bar.

Getting there

Fly direct London to Bangkok with Thai Airways (flight time is roughly 11 hours and 30 minutes) or via Doha with British Airways . Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Koh Samui several times a day.

For the best prices, avoid peak season (Christmas and New Year, as well as European Easter and summer holidays) and aim for the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October. Rainy season sets in at the end of October and continues throughout November.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

COMMENTS

  1. Ang Thong National Marine Park tours

    Ang thong national marine park semi-private tour and private sunset charters - Luxury boat trips. ... Please note that semi-private tours are exclusively offered and operated by Tours Koh Samui who rent the yachts from us. Gallery. PRICES. ADULTS: 3900 THB: CHILDREN (ages 3 to 10) 2100 THB: INFANTS: Free of Charge:

  2. THE 10 BEST Ang Thong Tours & Excursions

    The 100 Degrees East Marine Team's signature tour to the Angthong National Marine Park tour presents an exciting alternative…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 99% of travelers. from. $174. per adult. 3. Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan. 47.

  3. Ang Thong National Park: Koh Samui Thailand Day Trip

    Best Tour For Ang Thong Marine Park. Klook has day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui by speedboat for as low as 1,700 Baht (~$50 USD) including free hotel pickup/drop-off, buffet lunch, soft drinks, kayaking, and snorkeling (with snorkel gear provided). They also have a similar tour from Koh Phangan for the same price.

  4. Full-Day Ang Thong Marine Park Private Speedboat Tour

    Islands: Ang Thong Marine Park. Tour Operator:: Oceana Samui Charters. Start Time: 9:00. Return Time: 17:00. Disembark From: Bangrak (Click for Google Map) Book Now. Welcome to Ang Thong Marine Park! Join us for an unforgettable experience aboard our luxurious private speedboat. Where you and up to 16 guests on a journey of discovery through ...

  5. Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui

    Leave the island of Koh Samui and set off on an adventure to explore the vast Ang Thong National Marine Park—an archipelago that comprises over 42 islands. During the trip, gain access to natural wonders that you wouldn't be able to get to without a boat transfer—such as the Emerald Lake. The trip also gives you the opportunity to explore the underwater world as snorkeling gear is provided.

  6. Discover Angthong Marine Park: Full-Day Tour from Koh Samui 2024

    Explore the turquoise waters and picturesque islands of the Angthong National Marine Park on this full-day discovery tour from Koh Samui. Including transfers on a big boat, sea kayaking, snorkeling over coral reefs and underwater caves, sightseeing, and a trip on a long-tail boat, this guided adventure day out is the perfect way to explore this stunning archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.

  7. Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui

    Ang Thong National Marine Park is a fascinating archipelago of 42 or so islands in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. It is northwest of Koh Samui Relax on beautiful beach and enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling or Kayaking in crystal clear sea water (all inclusive!).

  8. Angthong Marine Park Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui

    Our driver will pick you up in an air conditioned minivan. From there we head to the pier in the north of Koh Samui where the Angthong Marine Park tour starts. 08:30 - Arrival at the pier. 09:00 - Departure to Angthong Marine Park. 10:00 - Arrival at Koh Wau. 11:30 - Sightseeing at the Emerald Lake. 12:30 - Koh Wua Ta Lap and lunch.

  9. Koh Samui to Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park Kayaking Tour by Boat 2024

    Board a spacious boat for Angthong Marine Park on this full-day tour from Koh Samui. Explore the turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand with plenty of snorkeling opportunities. Ride a longtail boat to Mae Koh Island, or upgrade to kayak along the coastline. Hike to the summit for fantastic views of Emerald Lake, then continue on to the white-sand beach of Wua Talap Island, which features ...

  10. Ang Thong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Eco Tour

    1,550 THB. Book Now. Embark on an extraordinary nautical journey to the enchanting Angthong National Marine Park, a cluster of 42 islands woven into the fabric of Thailand's oceanic splendor. Each island is a unique canvas, painted with the brushstrokes of nature's most vivid colors and textures, ready to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

  11. Ang Thong National Marine Park Tours

    Daily Ang Thong Marine Park boat tours to the most stunning National Park in Thailand. Established in 1980 the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago with 42 islands. Beside the amazing viewpoint and blue lagoon you can go snorkeling, hiking or kayaking to expolore the Marin park. Book now & pay cash on tour!

  12. Koh Samui Ang Thong National Marine Park by Speedboat Tour

    Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park in Koh Samui, which covers over 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Go snorkeling and kayaking in the clear blue waters or relax in the islands' pristine white sand. Climb to the viewpoint on Wua Ta Lap Island and be rewarded with breathtaking sights. Experience this tour with hotel pick up and a ...

  13. Fullday Sailing Boat Tour to Angthong Marine Park

    4.9/5 based on 2775 reviews. Join our sailing boat tour from Koh Samui to the Ang Thong Marine Park on a comfortable and exclusive sailing ship. On the way through the beautiful islands of the archipelago, you will experience unique nature, rugged rocky landscapes, small caves, and colorful water. Our magnificent sailing ship offers enough space.

  14. Angthong Marine Park

    Join the Cruise Ship Tours from Koh Samui to the famous Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park! This full-day boat tour for cruise ship passengers to the Angthong National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful sea destinations in Thailand. Exploring the rock and cave landscape by kayak.

  15. Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Samui: How To Visit and FAQs

    A trip Ang Thong is amongst the best of Koh Samui's experiences.‍. ‍ When to go: We recommend giving yourself a few days on Koh Samui before your excursion, in order to adjust to the strong sun and heat. You don't want to spend a day on a boat in full sun before you've accepted you need major SPF. ‍ Schedules to Ang Thong: Plan for a ...

  16. Ang Thong National Marine Park: How to Visit & What To Expect

    Ferry from Koh Samui. 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.

  17. Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Economy Tour

    Bookings for tomorrow only until 20:30 (GMT+7) Join the Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Boat Tour! This full-day boat tour is one of the most beautiful and popular sea destinations. Discover the Angthong Marine Park (Golden Basin Ang Thong National Park) archipelago with its 42 islands.

  18. Angthong National Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui ...

    Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official) 15. from $27.55. $29.00 $1.45 savings. Bophut, Koh Samui. Explore Angthong National Marine Park's Hidden Gems by Speedboat. 3. from $76.05. Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here.

  19. Angthong Marine Park by Big Boat

    07.15-08.00 hrs. Transfer from the hotel by air-con minibus to Nathon pier. 08.30 hrs. Depart from Nathon pier, light breakfast served on board. 09.50 hrs. Boat arrives Angthong National Marine Park. Visit "Koh Wau Ta Lap" island located above a clean white and soft sandy beach. Climb up to a top viewpoint (approximately 262 meters from sea ...

  20. Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour

    The Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour starts from Koh Samui. Return transfer by Minivan from and to your hotel on Koh Samui is provided. Guests from Koh Phangan have to take the ferry to Koh Samui. We recommend taking Lomprayah Catamaran - it arrives right next to our boat in Nathon.

  21. Angthong VIP Tour

    Exclusively from Oceana Samui Charters. 40 ft luxury speedboat with a Maximum of 14 guests per group. Avoid waking up early and rushing breakfast with a delayed departure time. Angthong National Marine Park translates as 'golden bowl', occupies almost 250 sq. km and includes 50 sq. km of protected nature area consisting of over 40.

  22. Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Samui

    7 hours 30 minutes. Free Cancellation. from. $63.98. Likely to Sell Out. Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan. 80. Enjoy touring the Ang Thong National Marine Park in a small speed boat from Koh Phangan. As well as traveling quickly, there are other benefits to traveling by small boat.

  23. Angthong Marine Park Full-Day Speed Boat VIP Tour

    This full-day boat tour is one of the most beautiful and popular sea destinations. Discover the Angthong Marine Park (Golden Basin) archipelago with its 42 islands. On this trip you get the opportunity to explore the rock and cave landscapes with a kayak. You will also visit the green emerald lagoon and the island of Wua Talap (sleeping cow's ...

  24. Landscape of Mu Koh Ang Thong, Samui, Thailand jigsaw puzzle

    Landscape of Mu Koh Ang Thong, Samui, Thailand. 100 piece Classic. Photo: Day2505

  25. The Thailand island you must visit now

    Koh Samui has had a major glow up ahead of filming for the hit show, with plush resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants and up-market spas. ... Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, shot from the ...