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Explore the 42 islands of the Ang Thong archipelago with a speedboat or big boat tour from Koh Samui. Enjoy snorkeling over shallow reefs, kayaking through limestone cliffs, and hiking to panoramic viewpoints.
Free Cancellation Kayak, snorkel, and hike to the Mae Koh viewpoint on this day trip through the Angthong archipelago.
Free Cancellation A 20-year-old family tour providing direct booking support and fixed pricing for groups.
Free Cancellation Speedboats reach reefs faster than ferries for more snorkeling stops and direct beach access.
Free Cancellation Speedboat tour from Koh Samui to Angthong’s 42 islands for kayaking, the Emerald Lagoon, and a hilltop viewpoint.
Free Cancellation Snorkel Koh Wao Yai and climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint on a speed boat tour of Angthong's 42 islands.
Free Cancellation Snorkel underwater caves and kayak the limestone islands of Angthong Marine Park on this boat trip from Samui.
Free Cancellation Cruise 105 minutes to Ang Thong to hike the Emerald Lagoon and see the 42-island view from Koh Wua Ta Lap.
Free Cancellation Speedboat through 42 islands to snorkel Koh Wao and hike to the saltwater lake on Koh Mae Ko.
Free Cancellation Kayak through limestone lagoons and snorkel coral reefs on a speedboat tour of Ang Thong’s 40 islands.
Free Cancellation Sail through 42 limestone islands in Angthong National Marine Park to hike viewpoints and swim in emerald lagoons.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Ang Thong National Marine Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Day tours from Koh Samui cross 30 kilometers of the Gulf of Thailand to reach the 42 limestone islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. You spend the day moving between uninhabited islands to kayak along karst cliffs, snorkel shallow reefs, and climb steep trails for archipelago views. Most itineraries include three or four stops, using smaller longtail boats or kayaks to transfer from the main vessel to the beaches.
A steep 500-meter trail climbs 400 meters above sea level. You use ropes to pull yourself up the rocky path for a clear view of the entire island chain.
A 20-minute walk up a wooden staircase on Ko Mae Ko leads to Thale Nai. This jade-green saltwater lake connects to the ocean through underwater caves.
Guides lead groups through calm, sheltered channels between the limestone karsts. Children as young as five can ride in double kayaks with an adult.
Boats drop anchor near the northern islands where the water averages 10 meters deep. You look for green sea turtles and yellow-spotted trevally.
A one-kilometer hike from the park headquarters takes you into a cavern filled with stalagmites. Lotus-shaped flowstone formations cover the walls.
Ko Wua Ta Lap has two main beaches for swimming. Dusky leaf monkeys often sit in the trees near the shoreline.
Booking a boat tour is the only way to reach Ang Thong National Marine Park. Operators handle the logistics, but you need to choose the right vessel and bring cash for the rangers.
Speedboats cross the gulf in 45 minutes and carry fewer people. Large wooden ferries take up to two hours but offer a stable ride for anyone prone to seasickness.
Tour prices rarely cover the mandatory entrance fee. You pay 300 Baht per foreign adult and 150 Baht per child in cash directly to park staff upon arrival.
The park shuts down completely from November 1 to mid-December due to monsoon weather. Tours do not operate during this six-week window.
The main viewpoint hike on Ko Wua Ta Lap is a demanding scramble over sharp rocks. You need closed-toe shoes with solid grip to attempt it safely.
Flying a drone requires written permission from the Department of National Parks. Rangers enforce this strictly, and unauthorized flights risk fines up to 100,000 Baht.
Big boats work best for families with young children or elderly travelers. Kids as young as four can join the kayaking portions in a double kayak with an adult.
Most operators offer full refunds if you cancel 24 hours before departure. Weather cancellations result in a rescheduled date or your money back.
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| Speedboat Day Tour | Big Boat Day Tour | Private Charter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 7.5 - 8 hours | 8 - 10 hours | 8 hours |
| Vessel Type | Speedboat | Large wooden ferry | Private speedboat |
| Best For | Maximizing time at the islands | Families and seasick-prone travelers | Setting your own pace and avoiding crowds |
| Starting Price | $60 | $32 | $950 |
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Ang Thong National Marine Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The single restaurant near the visitor center on Ko Wua Ta Lap operates from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and opens again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for overnight guests.
The park closes completely from November 1 to December 15 every year. Monsoon weather makes the boat crossing dangerous during this period. The exact reopening date depends on sea conditions, usually falling between December 10 and 20.
You cannot take a public ferry to Ang Thong. Access requires booking a licensed tour or a private charter from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao.
Boats depart from Nathon Pier or Mae Nam Pier on Koh Samui. The journey covers roughly 30 kilometers. Speedboats make the crossing in 45 to 60 minutes. Large wooden tour boats take 90 to 120 minutes each way.
January to April offers the calmest seas and clearest skies. This is the peak season for tours. Snorkeling visibility is highest during these months.
May to September serves as a reliable shoulder season. You will see fewer crowds, though afternoon rain showers happen frequently. October brings rougher sea conditions and a higher risk of tour cancellations. Do not plan a visit in November or early December when the park is closed.
The park is not wheelchair accessible. Reaching the islands requires transferring from large boats into smaller longtail boats, or wading directly onto the sand.
The main viewpoint trail on Ko Wua Ta Lap involves steep, rocky climbs with rope assists. Elderly visitors or those with limited mobility should skip this hike. The shorter 20-minute walk to the Emerald Lagoon uses wooden stairs and is manageable for moderately fit travelers. Calm-water kayaking is suitable for most ages.
Ko Wua Ta Lap serves as the park headquarters. You will find a visitor center, basic restrooms, and one restaurant serving Thai food. There are no ATMs anywhere in the archipelago.
The Department of National Parks operates a small campground and three basic bungalows on this island. Booking these requires using the DNP website or calling the park office directly, as day-tour operators do not handle overnight accommodation.
No. Access is restricted to licensed tour operators and private charters. There are no public ferries to the islands.
Foreign adults pay 300 Baht and children aged 3 to 14 pay 150 Baht. This fee is usually excluded from tour prices and paid in cash to the rangers.
No. The park closes annually from November 1 to mid-December due to monsoon conditions. Tours resume once the weather clears in December.
Speedboats cross the 30-kilometer stretch in 45 to 60 minutes. Large wooden tour boats take 90 to 120 minutes each way.
You need written permission from the Department of National Parks to fly a drone. Rangers enforce this rule and issue heavy fines for unauthorized flights.
Yes. The 500-meter trail to the Wua Ta Lap viewpoint is steep, rocky, and requires pulling yourself up with ropes. Flip-flops are dangerous on this path.
The park inspired Alex Garland's novel, but the movie was not filmed here. The beach scenes were shot in the Phi Phi Islands, and the waterfall jump was filmed in Khao Yai National Park.
Yes. Kayaking in the calm channels is safe for children as young as four or five. They must ride in a double kayak with an adult and wear a provided life jacket.
Ko Wua Ta Lap has one restaurant near the visitor center. Most day tours include a buffet lunch on the boat or at a designated stop, but you should bring snacks.
Yes. You can rent a tent or book one of three basic bungalows on Ko Wua Ta Lap. You arrange this directly through the Thai Department of National Parks, not through day-tour operators.
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Boats leave the pier for a day of snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking in the Angthong archipelago. The itinerary starts with snorkeling over shallow coral reefs and schools of fish. It's about an hour's ride to the first stop. Most groups visit two or three islands. A steep set of stairs leads to the Mae Koh Island viewpoint. It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the summit, where you can see the saltwater lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs. Wear shoes with some grip. The metal steps are slick after it rains or when hikers track in sand. Pick the kayak option to get close to the limestone caves. If the wind picks up, park rangers might close certain snorkeling spots for safety. Bring plenty of sunscreen—there's very little shade on the boat deck.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Thai, English
This agency has run these specific routes for 20 years. We maintain lower rates than hotel tour desks by managing every booking through our own office. It’s a consistent, predictable operation. The itinerary is built for families with small children or seniors who need frequent stops. You’ll work with one coordinator from the initial reservation until the tour ends, which cuts down on miscommunications. If the forecast shows heavy rain, call the office before 8:00 AM to check for cancellations. It's the right choice for groups who value reliability over luxury.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Speedboats save at least two hours of travel time compared to larger ferries. This time goes toward at least three snorkeling stops. Big boats cannot navigate these shallow reefs. These boats pull directly onto the beach, so there's no need for a shuttle boat. Pick this for more time in the water. Sea kayaking is included in the price. You'll eat lunch on the island sand. Expect a bumpy ride if the wind picks up. Pack a dry bag for your phone.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Speedboats leave Koh Samui for the 42 islands of Angthong National Marine Park, reaching the archipelago faster than the larger wooden boats. At Wua Ta Lap, a steep 500-meter climb leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire chain of limestone peaks. The path is rocky and demanding. Wear sneakers instead of flip-flops if you plan to go all the way up. Below the cliffs, the beach is fine white sand for swimming. Kayaks let you get close to the limestone karst formations. You'll paddle through sea caves and around the base of the islands where the water has carved out deep undercuts. At Mae Koh, climb the wooden stairs to see Talay Nai, a saltwater lake trapped inside a collapsed cavern. The water is bright emerald. You can't swim in the lagoon itself, so save that for the outer beaches where the boat anchors for snorkeling. A Thai buffet lunch is served on the islands. The tour includes hotel transfers and all gear. If the Gulf of Thailand is choppy, the speedboat ride gets rough and jarring. Sit toward the back of the boat to minimize the bouncing.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Mr. Tu’s speed boat visits the 42 islands of Angthong Marine Park, starting with an hour of snorkeling at Koh Wao Yai. The boat carries fewer passengers than the large ferries. This helps you stay ahead of the largest groups at the reef. You'll find hard corals and schools of yellowtail fusiliers in the shallow water. It's the best snorkeling spot on this route. The climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint on Koh Mae Ko requires ascending 200 steep, narrow steps. The ascent takes about 15 minutes. From the top, you're directly above a saltwater lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs. Wear shoes with grip, as the metal stairs get slick with sand. Afterward, you'll eat lunch on the beach at Koh Sam Sao, also known as Tripod Island. The afternoon is for kayaking through limestone tunnels and under rock arches. These paddle-throughs are narrow. Watch your fingers on the sharp karst walls. If the wind picks up, the guides usually cancel the kayaking for safety. Bring a dry bag for your gear and plenty of sunscreen for the open boat ride back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Thai, Chinese, English
The tour leaves from Koh Samui's north coast on a large boat headed for the 42 islands of Angthong National Marine Park. It's a stable ride. That's better for those who get seasick when the Gulf of Thailand gets choppy in the afternoon. You'll spend the morning at Bua Boke Cave to see limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Lunch is a buffet served on the deck. The boat stops for snorkeling near soft corals and shallow underwater caves. You can also take a kayak out to reach the vertical rock walls the boat can't approach. The English-speaking guide handles the park entry and equipment, and hotel transfers are included in the price. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone if you're kayaking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The boat takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the 42 islands of the Ang Thong archipelago. You'll transfer to a long-tail boat at Koh Mae Koh to see the Emerald Green Lagoon, also known as Talay Nai—a saltwater lake encircled by limestone cliffs. The stairs to the top are narrow and get hot in the sun. It's a tough climb. Wear shoes with grip. Koh Wua Ta Lap has a 500-meter trail leading to a viewpoint that overlooks the entire island chain. Stay on the beach to swim or snorkel to skip the hike. Snorkeling here is shallow and limited to what you can see near the sand. For better reefs, pick a speedboat tour. Pre-book the kayaking option to paddle between the rock formations. Lunch is a Thai buffet served on the boat alongside fresh fruit, snacks, and soft drinks. They provide a light breakfast during the morning transit. Bring a dry bag for your gear. The long-tail transfer to the islands often gets passengers wet.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The 45-minute speedboat crossing reaches the 42 islands of the Emerald Green Lagoon in Angthong National Marine Park. Koh Wao—often called Koh Tay Plow—is the first stop for snorkeling. Visibility is usually best in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up. You'll see hard corals and schools of reef fish in the shallows. Book the speedboat over the slow boat if you want more time in the water. On Koh Mae Ko, a steep climb leads to the viewpoint over Talay Nai. This emerald saltwater lake sits inside a limestone basin and connects to the sea through underwater caves. The stairs are narrow and get slick when wet, so wear shoes with grip. Lunch is a Thai buffet served on the sand at midday. It's basic but filling—usually green curry, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. The afternoon is for kayaking around the limestone cliffs or climbing the main island's ridge. A 500-meter scramble over sharp rocks leads to the ridge top. It's a slog in the heat, but the view shows the entire archipelago stretching north. If you're tired, stick to the kayaks. They let you get close to the eroded caves at water level. The boat heads back before the sea gets choppy in the late afternoon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This speedboat tour visits several of the 40 islands within Ang Thong National Marine Park. Limestone cliffs shelter lagoons only reachable by kayak. You'll paddle through narrow rock openings to find beaches cut off from the main boat routes. Most people stick to the sand. But the climb to the top of Koh Mae Ko is better. A 15-minute climb up steep stairs leads to the Emerald Lake, a saltwater lagoon trapped inside a limestone crater. Boats head to the park's northern end for snorkeling because the water stays clearest there. Reefs here hold parrotfish and sea anemones, though visibility drops after heavy rain. Lunch is a buffet of Thai curries and rice served on one of the larger islands. You'll have an hour of downtime after eating. All gear is included, but bring your own towel—and don't forget the 300 THB park entry fee.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This boat tour covers the 42 uninhabited islands of Angthong National Marine Park, a 1,000-square-kilometer stretch of limestone cliffs and jungle. You’ll stop at Wua Ta Lap to climb the steep trail to the top viewpoint. It overlooks the entire archipelago. If you’ve got the legs for it, the 500-meter ascent is the best way to see the scale of the park — though the humidity makes it a slog. Nearby, Lotus Cave has limestone stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a dark, cooler break from the sun. A wooden staircase leads to the overlook for Talay Nai, a landlocked saltwater lagoon filled with emerald-green water. You'll spend the rest of the afternoon swimming and snorkeling off the white-sand beaches nearby. The crew serves a light breakfast and a Thai buffet lunch on the boat. Wear sturdy sandals or reef shoes. The limestone steps are sharp and get slippery after a quick rain.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English