AndSheXplores

During our stay in Koh Samui we took a 1 day trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Despite traveling in a large group this was one of the highlights of our Thai trip. Stunning views, majestic limestone formations, beautiful crystal clear water, dreamy beaches and Thailand’s most breathtaking viewpoint at Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Planning your trip

This is one of the few tours that I wished I planned differently. Let me explain.

We took one of the tours which are sold in the numerous tourist shops around Koh Samui. We had a hotel pick up but had to wait almost an hour before heading to wait for the other passengers. The ride was fine though the guides were trying too hard to be funny and the food was mediocre.

The Ang Thong park offers so many beautiful sights but traveling among tens of tourists packed on boats kind of took this magic away. Yes it is less expensive and more eco friendly but if we could do it again we would do one of the following:

1. Take a private transfer – This is what we did in Khao Sok and it was so worth it! The problem with tours is that all companies have the same schedule. Going to point A first, continuing to point B and so forth. This means that it is super crowded everywhere and all the time! With a private tour you can take a different path and enjoy the park much more. This option is expensive but if you are traveling in a group this is the way to go.

2. Sleep over on Koh Wua Talap island – Despite the rustic accommodation, I would still stay overnight on the island to watch the sunrise and sunsets from the best view we’ve seen. Climbing up in the middle of the day was no easy task but the view more than made up for it. One advantage is that you will have the climb at the stunning views all to yourself since the park is only open to visitors between 9 AM and 5 PM. Do book early though since there is just one accommodation option, managed by the government. There are only a handful of bungalows and they surely sell out at least a few days in advance.

What to do and see

Ultimate Thailand’s Viewpoint at Ang Thong National Marine Park: Koh Wua Talap

This is the view I was telling you about. The climb is actually consisted of 6 different viewpoints. The way takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your condition and the amount of photos you take 🙂 I really recommend not wearing flip flops but at least decent sneakers since it’s quite a steep climb. Be prepared to get sweaty along the way since it gets super hot both from the inside and outside. It took us 1 hour, but that’s on the account of taking photos (I hope :))

Stop #1 – Fantastic view of the beach

Stop #2 – Already amazing view of the island! What’s more to it?

Stop #3 – You can easily skip this one

Stop #4 – This keeps getting better and better

Stop #5 – Final stretch…

Stop #6 – You’ve made it to the top viewpoint of Ang Thong National Park

Emerald Lake (The Green Lagoon)

The signature sight on Koh Mae Ko. Climb up the steep stairs or more precisely ladders for about 10 minutes and see an emerald water lake down below. You can also get closer to the lake but it is forbidden to swim to preserve wildlife.

Take a swim and explore the wildlife below you

Refreshing in the crystal clear water after both climbs of viewpoints felt superb. The beaches though are so different; on Koh Wua Talap the beach is long and wide, while on Koh Mae Ko was more rugged and wild.

Kayaking

This is optional and at extra charge. If you haven’t kayaked before it’s a good place to get you started. We decide to skip it since being among 40 other kayakers is not so much fun.

Do check some other beautiful Thai islands we discovered in Krabi, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.