Mu Ko Ang Thong: Treasure Of Thailand

Mu Ko Ang Thong: treasure of Thailand

By Anna Purpurpurpur

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is located about 1–1.5 hours from Koh Samui and is one of the most popular day trips from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Krabi.

Overall, Ang Thong Park consists of 42 islands and covers an area of 102 square kilometres.

The islands are home to some beautiful animals such as oriental pied hornbills, white-bellied sea eagles and dusky langurs, as well as fish and plants including the endemic Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid, found only here. The park might be closed during the monsoon period.

You can access the park only by booking through licensed tour operators. There are numerous tours available, from bigger boats to speedboats and long-tail boats; the majority are group ones, but you can go for a private one too. We went for a private speedboat and it was the best decision ever – we were able to move around at a comfortable pace.

The entry fee has to be paid at the rangers station Koh Mae Koh island or at the Visitor Centre on Ko Wua Talap depending on the requirements from your operator. And bring cash to pay for your entrance!

There are two different hiking trails here: the easier one – only 50 metres up – at Koh Mae Koh island, and a really tough one by the visitor centre on Ko Wua Talap.

1. Admire the scenery

Of course, the number one activity here is admiring the views, as the 250–300-million-year-old limestone rocks forming the islands were shaped by the elements into fantastic, spectacular shapes.

I’ve been to Phang Nga Bay before, but I must be honest with you: Ang Thong Park looks more impressive! Or maybe we were just lucky in August with the weather and fewer visitors, because the water was really blue and clear!

2. Hike on Ko Wua Talap

After paying your fees, come to Ko Wua Talap and its Kha Bay! It’s the main island for various experiences, with the park headquarters, a restaurant, a camping site and the starting point for a few other activities on the other (some operators collect fees here as well). Visitors come here for kayaking or sunbathing too.

But we came here for the views! The second trail of Ang thong |Park is liked here: it’s Pha Chan Charat, a difficult one going 500 m up and ocated by the park facilities.

We went for the longer one, with fewer tourists and more views, and although we prepared for it (we had the right shoes, water and sunscreen with us), unfortunately we didn’t make it to the top with our 5-year-old kid: we only went up to 300 metres, because the hiking trail is really tough, with uneven steps on a very steep hill – and factor in the heat and humidity too. However, I must note that locals who are used to it take it easy, going barefoot.

Even in our case, the views from the lower platforms were just jaw-dropping! You might also spot dusky langurs or hornbills on cooler days, but we weren’t that lucky.

3. See hornbills on Koh Phaluai

Koh Phaluai is the largest island in Ang Thong Park and, in contrast with the other islands, it’s actually inhabited. You can spot small fishing villages scattered around it.

Although not many groups actually come here, there are a few restaurants serving seafood alongside an improvised souvenir shop, and we stopped at Number One. Although the seafood with crab and prawns was very good there, the main reason people come is different: the flock of wild oriental pied hornbills that resides here.

Hornbills are one of my favourite birds ever, and since I’d only seen them properly in the wild in Borneo, I was absolutely thrilled! Sorry for the photo spam here, I just couldn’t get enough shots of them.

It’s definitely mind-blowing to watch the flock of riental pied hornbills snacking on the bananas the restaurant provides them with, just like pigeons.

In total, I suppose we saw at least 15 birds. Save this location if you’re a hornbill enthusiast as well!

4. Swim at a beach

If you have a chance, treat yourself to this piece of paradise! We made a stop at a secret beach to swim around a little bit, and it was absolutely surreal, with crystal-clean water and limestone rocks around us. This stop was totally a privilege that comes from hiring a private speedboat with guides who know where to stop, though. Imagine spending some time here – heaven on Earth indeed.

5. Look inside the caves

Ang Thong Park is also famous for its caves – we visited this one. It’s an absolutely magical place with an opening into the sky! I don’t even know its name, but here are its coordinates: 9.54650° N, 99.70780° E. Other caves might be accessible via kayaks.

6. Do some snorkelling

There are quite a few stops in Ang Thong Park for snorkelling, and we went for Koh Lao Yu and Koh Bo Kok.

The water was really crystal clear, despite this being a really popular spot with big boats making it a bit murky. Don’t judge me too harshly – this was my first ever experience of underwater shooting with an action camera. These are just a few shots featuring the gorgeous fish and sea urchins I was able to spot.

Where to stay: Vana Belle Koh Samui

We arrived at Ang Thong Park from Koh Samui, and we stayed there on the island for a week as well.

Vana Belle, a Marriott Luxury Collection hotel, is one of the options to consider for your Koh Samui trip. It’s a hillside hotel located approximately 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic, on the side of Samui famous for its beaches.

The grounds are quite compact and steep, so you move around in a buggy or by stairs. Our villa was quite secluded and featured a small cabin outside and a plunge pool. The space inside is quite limited, but the free-standing panoramic bathroom was really nice.

The breakfast area was fantastic, with a terrace overlooking the beach and the lush greenery of the hotel grounds thanks to the hillside location.

The Panali Thai restaurant by the pool served a very nice selection of Thai dishes, and their kids’ menu was excellent. In terms of breakfast selection (both buffet and à la carte) and guest care, Vana Belle was simply outstanding – literally everyone was not only friendly but really helpful and attentive.

We received lots of daily surprises from the team, and George even received a soft toy elephant made according to local tradition (many thanks, Tik!).

Besides that, if you’re in Koh Samui for a beach holiday, this is a good hotel option, as the stretch of sand here is wide and picturesque, with occasional natural rocks appearing to complete the picture (the beaches in this part of the island are considered the best).

Despite the really tiny space inside the villa, with the bathroom opening up to the bed and an unheated pool, we had a very good time there, mostly because of the incredibly nice and helpful staff.