Joanna James
Ang Thong is a collection of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is pristine, exotic and a place of staggering beauty. It is home to many of Thailand's animals and marine wildlife.
Ang Thong was only established as a marine national park in 1980 but has done wonders in preserving the natural beauty of the islands it encompasses and the wildlife that call the islands home. Ang Thong Marine National Park covers 80% of the archipelago with many rules and regulations set in place to keep development at a minimal and the islands in a pristine state. Only a handful of licensed tour operators are allowed to provide guided tours through the park and only one of the islands is actually inhabited. Ko Paluay is home to a settlement of sea gipsies who still maintain their traditional way of life and appreciate the protection offered by the nature reserve. The national park gained much fame from the novel 'The Beach' and was where hopefuls seeking the fabled beach were camped – it was not however used as a location in the movie.
The scenery around these islands is quite unusual but spectacular nonetheless. Abstract formations of limestone that have taken shape after hundreds of years of erosion and awe-inspiring cliffs that reach as high as 400m dot the landscape. Ang Thong has 4 different types of forests all full of their own unique inhabitants; langurs, little herons, pythons and hair nosed otters to name a few. There are many varieties of fish in the waters around national park however Koh Sam Sao is where you want to go snorkelling – the reef is stunning. The most visited island in the archipelago is undoubtedly Koh Mae – it has a stunning beach and inland salt-water lagoon called Emerald Lake. Most day tours would only include a trip to this island. There are a few hikes you can go on here as well.
Ang Thong is located just in sight of Koh Samui; which is a very popular destination and has many amazing resorts and hotels for you to choose from. There aren't any places to stay inside the national park itself but most people anyway prefer to stay in of the famous Chaweng beach resorts such as the highly acclaimed Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort and make a day trip to the islands. Koh Samui is a fun-filled place and regardless of however appealing the national park is, you'd probably want to spend a better part of your trip where the action is.
As it is a national park only certain government licensed tour boats are allowed to visit the islands; a tour can easily be booked from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Sailing live-aboard cruise trips and speedboat charters can also, however, be organised. And when planning your trip be sure to find a package that combines elements of sightseeing, hiking, kayaking and of course the most important part – relaxing on one of the many tranquil beaches Ang Thong has to offer.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
