Mu Ko Ang Thong

Mu Ko Ang Thong is a marine park with a total area of 102 km², of which only 18 km² are terrestrial. The park consists of 42 beautiful islands that extend in a north-south between the mainland and Koh Samui. Ang Thong means golden bowl, while Mu Ko simply means the group of islands. Mu Ko Ang Thong is 28 kilometers from Koh Samui and 32 kilometres from Koh Pha Ngan. Ang Thong has earned worldwide fame since it was mentioned in the novel 'The Beach', as the secret island discovered by backpackers protagonists of the book. Following the movie with Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed on Phi Phi Islands, but Ang Thong has remained in the minds of many as a place of escape paradise. The islands of the park are covered by limestone mountains, with lush forests and waterfalls, white sand beaches alternated by areas of fertile mangroves. There is an abundant bird life as well as monkeys, lizards, pythons and wild pigs; its crystal waters are rich of marine life. The best time to visit the park is from March to October, when the sea is calmer, during the monsoon, from November to January, the park is sometimes closed. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are some spartan bungalows and tents at the headquarters of the Park in Koh Wua Talap, where there is also a restaurant. Koh Wua Talap, as well as being the headquarters of the park, is one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. In its Kha Bay has a beautiful unspoiled white sand beach with crystal clear water, it is a real tropical paradise. From the bay a path leads up to the hill at a height of 400 meters, where is the View Point Hiking Trail; from this panoramic point you can see all the park's islands. On the island there are the caves Bua Bok, unique in their geological formation, where you can admire beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Another beautiful island of park is Koh Mae, which has a lake in its interior. The Thale Nai, also know as Emerald Lake, is connected to the sea by a natural tunnel. In the face of Koh Mae is the smallest Koh Sam Sao. The island is well known for its white sandy beaches and the beautiful coral reef, suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Koh Paluay is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. Here lives a small community of Moken Sea Gypsies, known locally as Chao Ley, which keeps unchanged the lifestyle based on the resources of the sea.
Getting there - From Koh Samui the most common way to visit Mu Ko Ang Thong is via one of several tour operators that offer day trips to the marine park, even because as a national park, only government-approved tour boats may enter. The boats depart from Bo Phut Pier, at the north-eastern tip of Koh Samui near the airport. The majority of these tours include the transfer by minivan from your hotel, the roundtrip by speedboat, lunch buffet, tropical fruit, drinking water, snorkelling equipment, tour guide and insurance. Prices of tours range from 2,000 to 2,500 THB depending on the company and eventual options chosen.Read More