 |
Ang Thong National Marine Park near Koh Samui
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong park is a protected area of more than 100 square kilometres of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing and simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are the main activities to enjoy on Ang Thong.
Most Ang Thong visitors arrive on a join-in day trip or by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are simple bungalows and camping tents available for rent at the Park Headquarters on Koh Wua Talab, where a simple restaurant is found as well. Though the park has started to get busy with day-trippers in the peak season, the Ang Thong islands remain the postcard-perfect image of a tropical paradise.
Coconut beach in Wua Ta Lap Island
History Coconut beach in Wua Ta Lap Island Ang Thong Marine National Park, established in 1980, covers an area of more than 80% of the entire archipelago. Its national park status has ensured that development has been minimal and only licensed tour operators are allowed entry into the park. Ang Thong gained widespread renown when it appeared in the novel ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland, as the destination where backpackers in search of a secret island utopia set up camp. The subsequent movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio was actually filmed on Koh Phi Phi, but by then Ang Thong was firmly in the imagination of many as an appealing holiday escape. Only one of its islands, Koh Paluay, is inhabited, home to a sea-gypsy community that largely maintains its traditional fishing lifestyle. |
