Angthong Marine Park

Angthong Marine Park tours

About Angthong Marine Park

Angthong (or Golden Bowl in Thai) Marine Park is located west of Koh Samui and is an archipelago of 42 islands (it is also known by this name) in the Gulf of Thailand. The islands covers around 102 square kilometers and are known for their stunning limestone cliffs, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical forests. Trips to Angthong are the best selling Koh Samui Tours.

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The marine park was established in 1980 as a protected area for the conservation of the natural resources. Angthong was once home to a thriving community of fishermen and farmers. But over time the population dwindled as people moved to the mainland in search of better opportunities.

These days the Angthong National Marine Park is the hottest tour destination from Koh Samui. If you are visiting Koh Samui you should definitely check it out! Enjoy the beautiful beaches and the rich marine life while snorkeling, kayaking or sightseeing. The marine park is home to a wide variety of fish, coral reefs, and other marine life, including rare species such as the Hawksbill turtle and the Dugong, a type of Manatee.

We offer several guided tours to the national park and if you want to stay overnight, please contact us to make an arrangement. When the boats leave you will have the whole park to yourself! As these accommodations are sold out quickly, please let us know well in advance if you want to stay overnight.

Overall, Angthong Marine Park is a truly unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a beautiful place to relax, the marine park is sure to impress!

Location and History

Ang Thong Marine Park is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 20 kilometers west of Koh Samui. The park consists of 42 islands, spread over 102 square kilometers of the sea. The name Ang Thong means “bowl of gold” in Thai, and it refers to the unique geological features of the islands. The park was established in 1980 and has been a popular tourist destination since then.

Geology and Ecology

Ang Thong Marine Park is a geological wonderland, with dramatic cliffs, hidden lagoons, and stunning rock formations. The islands are mainly composed of limestone, which has been shaped by the elements over millions of years.

The park also has a rich biodiversity, with over 50 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles, and more than 150 species of birds. 

monkeys at angthong marine park

Marine Life and Coral Reefs

The marine life in Ang Thong Marine Park is diverse and abundant, with over 80 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, and many other marine creatures. The coral reefs around the islands are also worth exploring, with a wide variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, and other invertebrates.

Beaches and Islands

The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with crystal-clear waters and white-sand shores. Each island has its unique features, from the towering cliffs of Koh Mae Ko to the hidden lagoons of Koh Sam Sao.

koh sam sao - Angthong Marine Park - Koh Samui tours

Activities and Attractions

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.

Hiking and Trekking

The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Camping and Accommodation

If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.

Hiking and Trekking

The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Camping and Accommodation

If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.

Getting to Ang Thong Marine Park

The easiest way to get to Ang Thong Marine Park is by boat from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. You can also join a guided tour from these islands or from the mainland, which you can book for the best price on Kohtour.com. The boat ride takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the type of boat you are using. The big boat and junk yacht take about 1,5 hours, while the speedboat takes around 45 minutes- 1 hour to arrive at the national park. 

speedboat angthong marine park

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine Park is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny. The peak season is from December to February when the weather is cooler, but the park can be crowded with tourists. 

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A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra

Our Terms

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra

Our Terms

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

Frequently asked questions about Angthong Marine Park

Angthong National Marine Park closes each year during the rainy season, usually from 16 October until 15 December, but these dates vary every year. It gives nature time to restore. Around this time it’s usually not safe to take a boat to the park due to high waves.

Yes, there are several campsites on the islands of Ang Thong Marine Park where you can spend the night. However, if you prefer more luxurious accommodations, you can stay in Koh Samui and take a day trip to the park.

If you join a guided tour, the tour company will provide snorkeling gear (mask + snorkel. No fins to protect the coral). However, if you rent a private boat or go on your own, you will need to bring your own gear.
There are a few restaurants on the islands of Ang Thong Marine Park, but the selection is limited. On our tours we provide lunch and most tours include a light breakfast. You will be back on Koh Samui in time for dinner.

Swimming with the marine creatures is not allowed in Ang Thong Marine Park to protect the fragile ecosystem. However, you can snorkel and observe the creatures from a safe distance.

The national park fee is THB 300 per adult and THB 150 per child (2 years and up). The fees are used by the national park organization to protect the marine life, preserve the area and to keep Angthong Marine park clean. This fee can only be paid in cash at the start of the tour and is excluded from the price in most of our Angthong Marine Park tours.