Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park

Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park Review

Although some visitors prefer sunbathing on the white sand and swimming in the blue sea of Samui Island, many choose a trip to Angthong National Marine Park. Angthong is an archipelago of 42 islands, which cover some 250 square km (90 square mi) and lie 35 km (22 mi) northwest of Samui. The seven main islands are Wua Ta Lap Island, which houses the national park's headquarters; Phaluai Island; Mae Koh Island; Sam Sao Island; Hin Dap Island; Nai Phut Island; and Phai Luak Island. The islands feature limestone mountains, strangely shaped caves, and emerald-green water. Most tourists do a one-day trip, which can be arranged from Samui. Prices vary depending on the tour (i.e., some offer kayaking around several islands, while others take you out on small speedboats to do snorkeling or more comprehensive tours of the numerous caves and white-sand beaches). If you're interested in more than a one-day tour, you can hire a taxi-boat to take you out to the national park's headquarters on Wua Talap Island, where there are five huts for rent and a campsite. If you stay overnight you should also have time to hike up to the viewpoint at the top of Wua Talap. The park is open year-round, although the seas can be rough and the waters less clear during the monsoon season (October through December).