Ang Thong, a must see marine park in Thailand
A trip to Koh Samui would not be complete without visiting the famed Ang Thong Marine National Park, located 31 kilometers west of the main island.
The park covers an area of more than 100 square kilometers and comprises about 40 islands, the most attractive being Koh Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), Koh Mae Ko (Mother island), Koh Prayat (Economical island), Koh Sam Sao (Tripod island), Koh Nai Put (Mr. Put's island), and Koh Wua Te (Kicking Cow island).
Most islands consist of limestone masses reaching a height of up to 400 meters, fringed by sandy beaches and rainforest. The islands are home to a wealth of flora and fauna.
Ang Thong (meaning "golden basin") park used to be kept closed by the Royal Thai Navy until 1980 when it was declared a marine national park.
Departing from Nathon pier at 8:30 a.m., a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park takes about two hours and costs about 750 baht per person, inclusive of lunch and afternoon tea. You would be advised to wear comfortable shoes, swimwear and other gear and, of course, take sunglasses and a hat!
A photographer at the pier will snap a picture of you as you climb onto the boat, to be developed and mounted on a decorative saucer for you to pick up at the end of the trip. The souvenir costs about 100 baht.
The two-hour trip can be a little tiring and reading a good book is a good way of whiling away the time. As for me, I just sat back, enjoyed the wind in my hair, sprinkles of salt water on my face and even took a little snooze!
First stop of the day is a visit to Koh Mae Ko or Mother island. It only has a small sandy inlet and visitors are taken ashore by another, smaller boat.
An inland emerald saltwater lake, Tale Nae (Inland Sea), is the main focus of the trip to Koh Mae Ko, but to reach the lake entails a mildly strenuous climb. No need for climbing boots, for this climb as an ascent is made easier by a set of steps.
Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to go up to the lakefront so definitely no swimming nor any water activities, as the lake's environment is kept fastidiously clean and in its natural state.
While some visitors take the climb to the lake, others can go sea canoeing and visit limestone caves that line the island. The necessary gear can be rented from the boat operator and a little snorkeling can be done here.
The second stop for the day is to the largest island in the group, Koh Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), where the park's headquarters is located. The island is also the only one that has a tourist facility in the area.
Those with a love of the sun will be spoilt for choice over what to do here, as activities include snorkeling, swimming, sea canoeing or even sunbathing.
For the more adventurous, an energetic hike to the 400-meter- high vantage point of the island will be rewarded by a fantastic view of the whole archipelago. Here you will need great stamina and sturdy hiking boots, because although thick ropes are laid out to lead the way and to help on difficult spots, the climb is tough.
On the way up, you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the Buabok (Waving Lotus) Cave, boasting stalactite and stalagmite formations in the shape of a lotus flower.
At 2:40 p.m. we got back on the boat for another two-hour trip back to Koh Samui.
As I looked out and away from the receding islands there seemed to be no boundary between the sky and the sea -- the boat seemed to be gliding on clouds. The sea was a deep green and calm, with no waves save those made by the boat.
-- Tantri Yuliandini