Central Thailand and Gulf of Thailand in 9 Days – Day 4
Ang Thong National Park is a marine park that consists of a group of small islands and is popular among tourists as a paradise for kayaking and snorkeling because of its natural beauty. Most of the islands are covered with beach, evergreen tropical rainforest, or limestone karsts, with the surrounding water, supporting a variety of wildlife. The best way to explore this archipelago is to book an organized group tour that will take you to hidden lagoons, caves, white sandy beaches along with providing facilities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Highlights of the Day
- Big Boat Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park
- Breakfast on the Boat on the Way to Koh Mae Koh
- Kayaking along the Coast to Koh Mae Koh
- Viewpoint of Koh Mae Koh and Emerald Lake
- Tasty Thai buffet lunch on board the tour boat
- Climbing to Viewpoint and Hiking to Bua Boke Cave at Koh Wua Ta Lap (optional)
- Snorkeling at Koh Wua Ta Lap
- Transfer Back to Hotel
Big Boat Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park
We booked out tour with a western managed tourist information center and tour agent based in Koh Samui. We were picked up by an aircon minibus with few other guests at 7.45 AM from our hotel.
Koh Mae Koh
At 8.30 AM, the big boat departed the Nathon pier.
Our first destination is Koh Mae Koh, meaning “Mother’s Island,” which is a popular site in Ang Thong due to its breathtaking viewpoint. It is also a popular kayaking site.
The English-speaking guide gave us a brief detailing about the activities of the day while the boat sailed toward Koh Mae Koh. We were also given light breakfast like toasts, bananas, and beverages while on the way.
We reached near Koh Mae Koh at around 10 AM and we started kayaking to the island from the big boat.
After reaching Koh Mae Koh, we climbed to the viewpoint to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Ang Thong marine body and the beautiful emerald green lake called Thale Nai on the other side.
We came down by 12 PM and were taken to the big boat by a longtail boat. Freshly prepared Thai buffet lunch was ready for us on arrival. Our next destination is Koh Wua Ta Lap.
Koh Wua Ta Lap
The national park has its headquarter and information center at Koh Wua Ta Lap.
It is popular for its white sandy beach and crystal clear water where you can snorkel, a series of viewpoints starting from 100 m to the most beautiful one at 500 m at the top of the cliff where you can climb, and Bua Buke cave where you can hike.
We reached the island at around 12.30 PM and had two-and-half hour to relax on our own – do any or all of the activities mentioned above.
At 3 PM, the big boat departed from Ang Thong National Park and we were back at the pier with loads of beautiful memories at 4.30 PM.
Fresh fruits served on the way back to the pier.
On reaching the pier, we were dropped to the hotel by the same aircon minivan to our hotel.
Inclusions of the Tour
- Round-trip transfer from our hotel to the pier
- Life-jacket
- Kayaking (two in a kayak)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- English-speaking guide – few of them can also speak other languages, such as German, French, Mandarin, and Russian
- Medicines in case of seasickness or other emergency
- Light breakfast, Thai-style buffet lunch, and fresh fruits on the way back
- Full insurance during kayaking and snorkeling trip
- Admission fee to Ang Thong Marine Park (300 ฿ Adults, 150 ฿ Children)
Exclusions of the Tour
- Fins or flippers are not included in the snorkeling equipment
- Towels and swimming clothes are not provided, so you must bring your own
What You Must Bring in the Tour?
- Sun protection
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera
- Suitable footwear
- Money for additional drinks or souvenirs
Dinner
After pool-time, we decided to stroll by the beach. We came across another popular resort called Samui Pier Beach Front Resort, which has an outdoor restaurant close to the sea. The food there was finger-licking good and I highly recommend to try their food at least once when you are in Koh Samui.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 4 in Thailand – Koh Samui.
- Day-trip to Ang Thong National Park from Koh Samui: 2000
- Entrance fee of Ang Thong National Park: 300
- Food: 230
- Miscellaneous: 110
Total expense (roughly): 2640 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Central Thailand and Gulf of Thailand in 9 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Looks lovely. I admire how often you manage to travel to such places, Shreya.
Priya, I have been living in Thailand since a couple of years.
This looks amazing, it reminds me of a few National parks that offer something similar here where I live, I wouldn’t lie I would be scared a tad when kayaking underneath a cliff-side, but everything else is simply mesmerizing. And the best way o finish a day off is probably with dinner at a restaurant near a beach, once again thank you for a in depth analyses of the expenses, it always come in handy.
It’s a lovely place.
that emerald lagoon is gorgeous – When I visited Thailand, I only did the cities – Bangkok and Chiang Mai – Next time I definitely plan to do more nature oriented stuff like this. Thanks for the info!
Yes surely, you must.
I love the details you shared in this post! Also, your pictures are just so beautiful 🙂
I am glad you liked them.
Definitely seems well worth it to do this package. Lots of different activities available for all types of travelers. We would enjoy the snorkeling but we would really enjoy the hiking part and seeing the great views. I like that they prepare breakfast and lunch for you as well. We have enjoyed kayaking lately and I am sure we would enjoy it in Thailand as well.
I love kayaking through the ocean waters in Thailand.
What a great way to spend a day in Thailand. The pricing is right too. I like the option of spending your 2.5 hours doing as much or as little as you wish.
Yes that’s a good day.
I really like this island and I would like to go there. This emerald saltwater lagoon in the middle of the island is simply amazing. This colour! Beautiful photos!
Hey thanks much!
I did Angthong Marine Park on a day trip from Thongsala – Koh Pha Ngan. It was one of my best trips in Thailand and I finally saw those emeralb waters and white beaches with palm trees. Great place to go and a must -see.
I agree.
This is super helpful and the kayaking looks great! Would love to return to Thailand sometime and check out this awesome area!
Sure, Jenn.
I love when you can experience a country by getting close to nature. The kayak trip in the national park looks like something that I would love to experience. I can’t get over that green lagoon. That is crazy!
Loved the lagoon!
Sign me up! I would love to go kayaking and snorkeling around the Ang Thong National Park! The emerald saltwater lagoon of Thale Nai looks amazing and the cliffs look so beautiful!
Come along!