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Explore the 42 limestone islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park on a fast speedboat or spacious big boat. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and steep viewpoint hikes with convenient hotel transfers included.
Free Cancellation This 22-year family tour has the lowest local rates and full support from booking to drop-off.
Free Cancellation This speedboat trip skips slow transfers to reach extra snorkel spots, including island kayaking and beach lunch.
Free Cancellation Speedboat to Angthong’s 42 islands to hike Wua Ta Lap’s peaks, kayak the limestone cliffs, and see the Emerald Lake.
Free Cancellation Speedboats cut travel time from Koh Phangan, landing directly on beaches for kayaking and a buffet lunch.
Free Cancellation Take a large boat from Koh Samui to Angthong for snorkeling, kayaking, and a hike to the stalactites of Lotus Cave.
Free Cancellation Visit the Emerald Lagoon and hike Koh Wua Ta Lap's 42-island viewpoint on this full-day cruise from the mainland.
Free Cancellation Hike, snorkel, and kayak through Angthong National Park on a nine-hour tour aboard Samui’s largest wooden boat.
Free Cancellation Snorkel Koh Wao and kayak through Angthong National Marine Park's 42 islands on this full-day speedboat tour.
Free Cancellation Speedboats reach Angthong’s 42 islands for kayaking, snorkeling, and the hike to the Emerald Green Lagoon.
Free Cancellation Sail through 42 islands in Angthong Marine Park to snorkel, explore Lotus Cave, and hike to the Talay Nai lagoon.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Ang Thong National Marine Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Ang Thong National Marine Park comprises 42 limestone islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand. Day tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan bring visitors here by speedboat or large wooden cruiser. You spend the day hiking steep trails, kayaking through karst channels, and swimming in shallow lagoons.
The main trail climbs 400 meters over a rocky 500-meter path. It takes 25 to 45 minutes of pulling yourself up with ropes. The summit looks out over the entire 42-island archipelago.
A 20-minute walk up wooden stairs on Ko Mae Ko leads to Thale Nai. This saltwater lake connects to the sea through underwater caves. High limestone walls block the wind, keeping the jade-green water completely still.
Most tours include an hour of paddling through sheltered channels. The water stays calm between the karst formations. Guides provide double kayaks and child-sized life jackets for kids as young as four.
Boats drop anchor near the northern islands where average water depths hit 10 meters. Visibility peaks between January and April. Swimmers often spot green sea turtles and yellow-spotted trevally over the coral gardens.
Dusky leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques live along the shoreline near the ranger station on Ko Wua Ta Lap. White-bellied sea eagles hunt above the water. Keep food secured in your dry bag.
Access to the park requires booking a licensed tour or private charter. There are no public ferries to the islands.
Speedboats cross the 30 kilometers from Koh Samui in 45 minutes. Large wooden cruisers take up to two hours but offer a much more stable ride. Pick the big boat if you get seasick easily.
Foreign adults pay 300 Baht and children pay 150 Baht to enter the park. Tour operators almost always exclude this from the booking price. You hand the cash to your guide or the park rangers upon arrival.
The Department of National Parks closes the archipelago from November 1 to December 15. Strong winds and rough seas make the crossing dangerous. Check exact reopening dates if you plan to visit in late December.
Shared minivans pick up passengers from main road hotels around 7:15 AM. Drivers cannot navigate steep hills. If your villa sits on an incline, you will have to walk down to a designated meeting point.
Tour companies prohibit pregnant women and travelers with spinal injuries from joining speedboat trips due to heavy bouncing. The steep viewpoint hikes require proper grip shoes. Flip-flops slip easily on the jagged limestone.
Flying a drone without a written permit from the park authority carries a 100,000 Baht fine. Rangers enforce this strictly. Leave the equipment at your hotel unless you secured approval weeks in advance.
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| Big Boat Group Tour | Speedboat Group Tour | Private Speedboat Charter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-9 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Vessel Type | Large wooden cruiser | Speedboat | Private speedboat |
| Best For | Families and travelers prone to seasickness | Maximizing time at the islands | Groups avoiding crowds |
| Starting Price | From $32 | From $60 | From $950 |
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The park operates daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It closes entirely from November 1 to December 15 due to the monsoon season.
The single restaurant near the visitor center on Ko Wua Ta Lap serves food from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Day tours usually depart the islands by 3:30 pm.
You can only reach the park via licensed tour boat or private charter. Most trips depart from Nathon Pier or Mae Nam on Koh Samui, covering a distance of 28 to 30 kilometers.
January to April brings the calmest seas and clearest skies. This window offers the best underwater visibility for snorkeling.
May to September acts as a reliable shoulder season. You will encounter fewer boats and occasional brief afternoon rain showers.
October sees rougher water and higher chances of tour cancellations. Do not plan a trip for November or early December, as the park shuts down entirely.
The park does not accommodate wheelchairs. Getting ashore requires transferring to small longtail boats or wading through shallow water.
The Wua Ta Lap viewpoint hike gains 400 meters in elevation over a rocky, uneven path. It requires pulling yourself up with ropes and is unsuitable for young children or travelers with heart conditions.
Elderly visitors can comfortably stay on the beaches, swim in the calm shallows, or join a guided double-kayak session.
Ko Wua Ta Lap hosts the park headquarters and the only visitor facilities. You will find a single restaurant, basic public restrooms, and a small ranger station.
The island has no ATMs. Bring small Thai Baht notes to pay the 300 Baht entrance fee and buy snacks.
Overnight guests can rent basic park bungalows for 600 to 1,500 Baht per night. Camping costs 80 Baht per person, with tent rentals available for 450 Baht.
No. Access requires a licensed tour operator or private charter. There are no public ferries connecting the mainland to the 42 islands.
Usually not. Most operators require you to pay the 300 Baht foreign adult fee in cash on the day of the trip. Rangers collect this directly at the island.
Speedboats cut the 30-kilometer crossing to 45 minutes but bounce heavily on the waves. Big boats take up to two hours but provide a stable ride for families and anyone prone to seasickness.
It is a strenuous climb. The 500-meter trail gains 400 meters of elevation over jagged limestone. You have to pull yourself up using ropes attached to the rock.
No. You need a written permit from the Department of National Parks to fly a drone. Rangers strictly enforce this rule and can issue fines up to 100,000 Baht.
Yes, if you stick to the water. Kids as young as four can ride in double kayaks. The steep viewpoint hikes are too dangerous for young children.
The archipelago inspired Alex Garland's novel. The actual film adaptation shot its beach scenes in the Phi Phi Islands and its waterfall jump in Khao Yai National Park.
Tours proceed in light rain as long as the sea remains safe. Operators will cancel and offer a refund or reschedule if wind and wave conditions become dangerous.
Yes. The park maintains a campground and a few basic bungalows on Ko Wua Ta Lap. You have to book these directly through the Thai Department of National Parks website or by calling the headquarters.
January through April provides the calmest water and best snorkeling visibility. Avoid November and the first half of December, when the park closes for the monsoon season.
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This tour has operated daily for 22 years. It’s the most affordable way for families to see the area without booking separate transport. You’ll deal with one coordinator for everything from the initial deposit to the final drop-off at your hotel. That’s the one to book if you’re traveling with a group. The itinerary follows paved paths and skips the steep ridge climbs found on other routes. This means strollers and seniors can keep up without a struggle. It’s a long day—about eight hours total—so bring a backup battery for your phone. If the morning fog doesn't clear by 9:00 AM, the valley views are blocked, but the tour goes ahead anyway. Check the weather the night before.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Speedboats cut roughly two hours off the travel time required by larger vessels. You'll pull directly onto the sand instead of waiting for a shuttle boat to ferry you from an offshore mooring. This gets you to the snorkeling spots before the midday heat peaks. It's the right choice if you'd rather spend the day in the water than on a deck. The itinerary includes extra snorkeling stops that larger groups usually skip. You'll have access to sea kayaks at no extra cost once you reach the island. Lunch is served on the beach, though the menu is fixed. Pack a dry bag for your phone, as the ride gets spray-heavy if the wind picks up in the afternoon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This speedboat trip leaves Koh Samui for the 42 limestone islands of Angthong National Marine Park. Most are uninhabited. On Wua Ta Lap, you'll climb a steep, rocky path to a viewpoint overlooking the entire archipelago. It's a sweaty 500-meter trek. If you'd rather stay low, the beach at the base has fine white sand and calm water for snorkeling. You'll kayak along the base of the cliffs to reach Talay Nai, a saltwater lake surrounded by sheer rock walls. Wooden stairs lead to a platform over the emerald-green water. Don't jump in; swimming is forbidden in the lagoon itself to protect the ecosystem. Lunch is a Thai buffet served between stops. The operator picks you up directly from your hotel in the morning, so you won't need to navigate the pier traffic yourself.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Speedboats cut about two hours off the round-trip travel time compared to the standard ferry. You'll pull right up to the beach, so there's no need to climb into a smaller shuttle boat to reach the shore. It's a bumpy ride when the wind picks up. If you've got a bad back, sit at the rear of the boat where the impact is lighter. Pickups are free across Koh Phangan, though guests in Thong Nai Pan have to arrange their own transport. The trip includes sea kayaking and a buffet lunch served on the island. The kayaks are available as soon as you land. It's basic Thai fare—mostly rice, curry, and fruit—but it's efficient. Bring a dry bag for your phone.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The tour departs the north coast of Koh Samui on a large boat bound for the 42 islands of Angthong National Marine Park. It’s a stable ride, which is the better choice for anyone prone to seasickness compared to the smaller speedboats. You’ll spend the morning snorkeling near soft coral reefs or paddling kayaks around the limestone cliffs. The water is usually clear, though visibility often drops for a day or two after heavy rain. Bua Boke Cave, or Lotus Cave, contains clusters of stalactites and stalagmites reachable by a short inland hike. The path is rocky and can be slippery—wear actual shoes rather than flip-flops if you plan to explore the interior. Between island stops, a buffet lunch is served on the deck. An English-speaking guide manages the schedule and points out the specific rock formations as the boat passes them. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. It’s a long day in the sun, so bring a dry bag for your gear and plenty of water. If you want to reach the famous viewpoint at Koh Wua Ta Lap, be ready for a steep 500-meter climb that requires a decent level of fitness.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
A 105-minute cruise reaches the 42 islands of the Ang Thong archipelago. It's a long ride. You'll start with a light breakfast on board before transferring to a traditional long-tail boat at Koh Mae Koh. This stop features the Emerald Green Lagoon, a saltwater lake enclosed by limestone cliffs. It's a short, steep climb to the lookout. Wear shoes with grip; the stairs are often slick. A 500-meter trail leads to the top viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap. From there, you can see the entire island chain. It's a tough climb. If you prefer to stay at sea level, you can swim from the sand or paddle a kayak around the limestone formations. A Thai buffet lunch is served on the boat with fresh fruit and coffee. Snorkeling here is basic. You'll walk in from the beach, and the visibility doesn't match the outer reefs. If you want high-quality snorkeling, book a speedboat tour instead. This cruise is for the hikers. Bring a dry bag for your camera during the long-tail boat transfers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Angthong National Park is a nine-hour trip from Koh Samui. You'll travel on the island's largest wooden tour boat. It's slower than a speedboat but has enough room for kids to move around. The day includes snorkeling, kayaking, and the steep climb to see the emerald lagoon. That's the one to book if you hate being cramped. Hiking to the main viewpoint takes 20 minutes on limestone stairs. They're slippery. Wear sandals with straps rather than flip-flops. The boat stays out for the full duration, so there's no way to head back early if the group gets tired. Check the weather the night before; if the wind picks up, park rangers often close the snorkeling sites. Bring a dry bag for your phone during the kayak leg.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Thai, English
Speedboats reach Angthong National Marine Park in 45 minutes, crossing from the mainland to a cluster of 42 islands. The first stop is Koh Wao, known locally as Koh Tay Plow, for snorkeling in the shallow reefs. The boat ride can get rough when the wind picks up—sit toward the stern to minimize the bouncing. A steep staircase on Koh Mae Ko leads to a viewpoint overlooking Talay Nai, a saltwater lagoon. Underwater caves link this emerald lake to the sea, though you can only view it from the platforms above. Lunch is a Thai buffet served on the sand at midday. It's basic fare, but there's plenty of it. You'll spend the afternoon kayaking around the limestone cliffs or hiking the 500-meter trail to the park’s highest viewpoint. The climb is a vertical slog using fixed ropes, so skip it if you aren't wearing shoes with grip. If the park rangers close the trail due to rain, stick to the sea caves.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Angthong National Marine Park consists of 42 limestone islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand. The main draw is Talay Nai, or the Emerald Green Lagoon, a saltwater lake encased by cliffs. It started as a massive cavern until the ceiling fell in, leaving a pool of still, bright green water. You'll reach the viewpoint via a steep wooden staircase. It's a sweaty climb. But the sight of the lagoon against the blue sea is why you're here. Speedboats get you to the park about an hour faster than the larger wooden tour boats. This leaves more time to kayak through narrow passages under limestone overhangs or jump directly from the boat to snorkel. Water visibility fluctuates based on the weather. If it rained the night before, the snorkeling won't be great. The ride is fast and can be jarring if the waves are high. Sit at the back of the boat if you have a sensitive back. That's where it's smoothest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
You'll visit 42 uninhabited islands across 1,000 square kilometers of the Angthong National Marine Park. At Wua Ta Lap, a steep path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire archipelago. It's a tough climb in the heat. Wear shoes with grip. Below the trail sits a white-sand beach and Lotus Cave, which houses limestone stalactites and stalagmites. The Talay Nai saltwater lagoon on Mae Ko Island is surrounded by limestone walls. You'll reach the emerald water by climbing a series of wooden stairs. Most people spend an hour here snorkeling or sunbathing on the beach. The boat serves a light breakfast and a Thai buffet lunch. If the sea is rough, the boat won't enter the smaller coves — check the marine forecast before heading to the pier.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English