Ang Tong National Park

This north-south string of rocky islands, with formations similar to those of Phang Nga Bay National Park, has been declared a marine national park.

The Ang Tong National Park, located 31 km northwest of Koh Samui, is a 250 km2 large National Park. There are about 50 small isles.

This National Park is full of fascinating beaches, caves and coral formations. The about 50 island group is abundant with marine resources. It contains many oddly shaped islands and rocks. The largest island on the group is Wua Talap on wich the Park Office and Administration is located, only on this island is it possible to get accomodation. The top of the 400 meter mountain on the island overlooks all the picturesque Ang Thon Islands.

The National Park does not allow a night stay, except at Wua Talap. It also out of reach to individual tourists, who will have to join a group organized by a tour agency to visit the place. Interested visitors can contact tour agencies on Samui who organize daytrips to the archipelago.

Ang Thong Islands

 The many high, sheer-sided islands with narrow passages between them offer lots of scenic cruising. The water is rather murky and there are no detailed charts of this group, so care must be taken in the following two places. Between Koh Wua Ta Lab and Koh Hanuman (Sphinx Head) there is a sharp point of rock just beneath the surface which is only visible at extreme low tides. Then, heading north from Koh Ang Thong to Koh Wua Ta Lab, north of the southern-most beach, there is a coral head right in the middle of the passage. It is possible to pass on either side of this.

During the calm season several tour boats bring tourists to these islands each day from Samui.  These islands are a very popular destination with local tourists, sine Ang Thong is on the list of 'must see' places for any Thai who wishes to say he's seen the entire country.

Fishing boats also seek shelter amongst the steep, protective islands here.There are few beaches here, and only a few places to go ashore.

 

Anchorages

Ang Thong

 

 

Koh Ang Thong

Anchor in 8 metres on a muddy bottom on the northwest side of the island.

Since Koh Ang Thong is the main island in this group, the national park headquarters have some bungalows available. If you feel like a good hike, a 45-minute climb will take you to a viewpoint overlooking the islands. Shoes are a must, and a bottle of water will prove a treat once you get to the top. South of the main beach you'll find a huge cave; keep an eye open for wild monkeys and bats.

 

 

Koh Wua Ta Lab

Approach from the north or from the southeast, avoiding the coral in mid-channel. Look for a very good anchorage in about 5-6 metres off the second beach coming from the south, on the east side of the island. Steps and a little platform offer access to a path leading to an inner lake, and a cave under the mountain.

 

 

Koh Lim

The anchorage is well off the island on the northeast side in 10 metres on a hard bottom. It is not suitable for overnight stays. This island, at the northern end of the group and away from the worst of the riverine sediment from the west, has reasonable coral formations in limited visibility.