This post was sent to us by Sukanya Na Nan, Thailand.

Ang Thong Archipelago
Ang Thong Marine National Park Archipelago

It is a wonderful day, the day after our journey to Ratchaprapa Dam.  We have come back to the same old bus station at Surat Thani and this time we have another escape planned with a relaxing weekend on the gulf islands and at Ang Thong Marine National Park, the splendid Gulf of Thailand archipelago located northeast of Surat Thani.

To get to Mu Koh Ang Thon, the bus first takes us due east along the Gulf of Thailand coastline for about 85 Kilometers, from Surat Thani city to Donsak.  At Donsak we then board a ferry for the 60 kilometer journey to Samui Island, more commonly referred to as Koh Samui.

As soon as we get to the island our bags are all carried to our guesthouse while we hurry to catch yet another boat; this time a taxi-boat destined for Ang Thong archipelago.

View from the top of Wua Talap Island
View from the top of Wua Talap Island

We enjoy yet another nice day with scenery of vast calm sea and green dots of islands all along the 35-kilometer boat ride.  Then a small pier looms closer and we know we are arriving at Wua Talab Island in the Ang Thong archipelago.

On the island, we have a chance to regain our land legs when we embark on a 500-meter trekking trail up a steep hillside slope and to a view point situated above the marine park headquarters. The view point offers us a picturesque panorama of the entire archipelago spread out over the blue sea and to the horizon.

Walking back to the headquarters office is much easier. We changed our clothes and joined others on the white sand beach and playing in the warm ocean, all before lunch time.

Thale Nai: Emerald lagoon
Thale Nai: Emerald lagoon

After a pause for meal, we were getting ready to take off for another “must visit” site called Thale (pronounced Talay) Nai on Mae Ko Island.

We make our way along another steep but not too strenuous hike and are well rewarded by Thale Nai, a natural lagoon hidden among limestone cliffs famous for its calm emerald saltwater lake and the underground tunnels connected to the outer sea.

Another highlight for this trip is a kayaking voyage to the opposite Island called Koh Sam Sao. We can even see colorful coral laying under the clear water and a natural stone bridge curving out to the sea while kayaking to the awaiting white and pristine beach.

Stop for kayaking
Stop for kayaking

Again time does fly on this day; here comes our guide’s voice calling to gather all visitors back to main land. We gradually get on the boat heading back to Samui Island and before sunset we leave Ang Thong archipelago with peace and with the pulsing of the waves.

For more information please contact:
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
145/1, Talat Lang rd, Talat Sub-district,
Amphur Muang Surat Thani
Surat Thani 84000 Thailand
Tel:  +66 (0) 77 286 025 ,  +66 (0) 77 280 222�
Fax: +66 (0) 77 286 588
E-mail: angthong_np@hotmail.com





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