Ang Thong Archipelago

Ang Thong or Golden bowl is a National Marine Park located 30 km. west of Samui. This famous marine park of Thailand is an archipelago of about 40 small islands merging absolute hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches limestone cliffs, and dense vegetation portrays a postcard-perfect view of the park. This wonderful archipelago covers an area of about 250 km and surprisingly it includes more than forty spectacular limestone islands. The abundant crevices and caves are home to a iety of flora and faunas. In the southwest of the park there's a narrow coral reef, which looks awesome. The park is a nature protected area. Its wide iety of fauna includes fourteen species of reptiles, sixteen species of mammals such as hogs, otters, langurs, and monkeys, five species of amphibians, and fifty-four species of birds. If you are going with a tour then you may book some of the bungalows available at the park headquarters on Ko Wat Ta Lap. But, you may not be able to reserve them if you do not know the track properly. The aquatic life of Ang Thong National Marine Park comprises of Blacktip reef sharks, Parrot fish, Angel fish, Butterfly fish, dolphins, Mackerel, and sometimes whales as well. One must not miss to visit Ko Mae Ko which is better known as Mother Island. You can see an emerald seawater lake in the middle of the island which is surrounded from all sides by limestone cliffs. The lake is connected by an underground tunnel to the sea. It may take 40 minutes or so to reach the lake. But, once you reach there, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the whole park. The Visitors Centre of the park is located in Ko Wau Talap from where you can enjoy the best panoramic view of the archipelago. This high area is situated at a height of 430 meters above the sea level. It may take around thirty minutes on foot. On many of the islands, one can witness numerous caves which are housing fascinating rock formations. You will experience something wonderful if you visit any of them. The beaches are encircled with amazing coral reefs which can offer you the best site for snorkeling and swimming. But maximum beaches found here in the archipelago are desolated. Arrange a boat and search out your own secret beach ideal to relax and away from the crowd.