It might sound strange, but I remember the end of my excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park better than the beginning. Our boat was speeding back atop exceptionally rough seas, and the song that started playing was perhaps the most inappropriate one the captain could’ve chosen.
It was also hilarious, albeit more so in hindsight than at the time. “Every night in my dreams,” Céline Dion began singing earnestly as our own vessel seemed like it could suffer Titanic‘s fate. “I see you; I feel you.”
Of course, this post isn’t just a travelogue of my own experience in these islands. Rather, if you’re considering taking a day trip to Ang Thong from Koh Samui, it’s my goal to help you make your decision.
Why It Took Me So Long to Visit Ang Thong
I’ve wanted to take an Ang Thong Marine Park day trip for a while, but frankly my own mixed feelings toward Koh Samui have kept me from doing so. With the exception of my very first trip to the island, which saw me focus entirely on “mainland” sightseeing, I’ve done my best to travel onward as quickly as possible, i.e. heading over to Koh Pha Ngan and especially up to Koh Tao, both of which are more interesting than Samui itself.
There’s also the fact that my most recent visit to Koh Samui before this one was just as covid-19 was wrapping up. While it was possible to take a trip to Ang Thong at that time, departures were much less frequent than they are now. Moreover, onerous masking and other so-called “disease-control” measures were in place, which were especially maddening in the context of an excursion on the breezy open sea.
What to Know About Visiting Ang Thong Marine Park
All tours are the same
I’m not clairvoyant, but I can tell you how your tour to Ang Thong is going to go. After getting picked up at your hotel, you’ll be dropped off at Mae Nam pier along Koh Samui’s northern coast. Here, after waiting for a time, you’ll board a speedboat bound for the islands. And the rest…well, we’ll get to that in a moment.
(Well, mostly)
Of course, there are a couple of potential variations in how to get from Samui to Ang Thong. Some travelers, for example, will charter a private speedboat, though this is of course prohibitively expensive. On the flip side, there is technically a “slow boat” tour available, though I don’t personally understand how that could be possible, given how far away Ang Thong is.
They aren’t just about snorkeling
Don’t want to snorkel? Don’t worry. While snorkeling in the shallow waters off Koh Wao is a highlight for many travelers (and is generally your first stop of the day), it’s not the only option. Personally, I love the hike up to the viewpoint of Koh Wua Talap, which gives you a fantastic view of the entire park.
(Though there isn’t much beach time)
Koh Wua Talap technically has a beach, but it tends to be shaded during the hours you’ll be visiting Ang Thong from Samui. As a result, you shouldn’t plan on being able to swim here, even though it is technically possible. Likewise, while beautiful, the Emerald Lagoon within Koh Mae Ko island is not open to swimmers.
It’s an all-day affair
At some point during your trip, you’ll have a very simple lunch at the park headquarters on Koh Paluay. Here, in addition to eating and potentially having a beer (you obviously need to pay for these), you can hang out with colorful kingfisher birds. Whether or not it’s directly after lunch, you will head back to Koh Samui no earlier than 2 or 3 PM.
Onward Adventures from Koh Samui
As I’ve referenced elsewhere in this post, Ang Thong is a common day trip from Koh Samui, but it’s not the only place to go in and around the “main” island:
- Koh Pha Ngan is directly north of Koh Samui, and less than an hour away by boat. Whether you come for the Full Moon Party or just because, it’s a logical next step.
- The journey to Koh Tao is a bit farther, but in my opinion is worth it. The islets of Koh Nang Yuan are one of the most iconic views in Thailand, and the beaches are generally much better than those on Pha Ngan.
- Alternatively, you can head inland into Surat Thani province, most specifically to underrated Khao Sok National Park to boat beneath its limestone karsts.
Other FAQ About Visiting Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui
How to go from Koh Samui to Ang Thong?
If you want to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui, you will need to take an organized day trip. You can book one of these Ang Thong day tours online, or organize the trip through your hotel, or one of the many travel agencies along walking streets in Chaweng and Lamai.
Is Ang Thong worth visiting?
Ang Thong National Marine Park is definitely worth visiting, though it’s also smart to set realistic expectations. Namely, it isn’t at all “off the beaten path” and, in certain places, may actually end up being more crowded than the main island of Koh Samui itself.
How do I get to Ang Thong National Park?
The only realistic way to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park is via organized day tour. A private speed boat would be prohibitively expensive for most travelers, while the islands are too far from Koh Samui to realistic see via a long tail or other kind of “slow boat.”
The Bottom Line
Should you visit Ang Thong from Koh Samui? On one hand, the islands are an easy escape and because the tours are so standardized and well-designed, it’s difficult not to enjoy yourself. On the other hand, they’re not at all a well-kept secret, which means that certain spots may feel almost as crowded as Koh Samui itself. If you have a decent amount of time in this part of Thailand, I’d personally say that your time is better spent continuing onward to Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan, or even inland to Khao Sok National Park. Need personalized help putting your Thailand trip together? Consider commissioning a custom Thailand itinerary today!
