By Laura Caiswell 
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Ang Thong Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, home to incredible landscapes. These range from pristine beaches to 400-meter-tall limestone cliffs.
There’s also rich marine and wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. It’s undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. You shouldn’t avoid visiting it if you have the chance!
The islands of Ang Thong, which means Golden Basin, became famous after appearing in Alex Garland’s novel ‘The Beach’. They retained their popularity due to their breathtaking beauty, and receive more visitors each year.
The limestone formations scattered all over Ang Thong date back to about 260 million years ago! Eroded and covered in vegetation, they are the main attraction in the Marine Park. That’s besides the sinkholes, inland lakes, caves, viewpoints… Uh, I’m so jealous you’re going!
Being one of the best day trips from Koh Samui, you’ll find that there are plenty of excursions departing from the island. Keep reading to find the best Ang Thong National Marine Park tours from Koh Samui!
In a rush? These are the best tours:
THE BEST TOUR Ang Thong Full-Day Discovery Cruise from Koh Samui
SUNSET TOUR Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour
TOUR BY SPEEDBOAT Angthong National Marine Park Day Trip by Speedboat
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTER Private Full-Day Red Dragon Yacht to Angthong
OUR PICK: The BEST Ang Thong Tour from Koh Samui
The tour I personally joined is the Ang Thong Full-Day Discovery Cruise from Koh Samui, by Boutique Yachting. This tour operator offers luxury cruises to Ang Thong Park on a gorgeous wooden sailing yacht, and it was such an amazing experience.
This yacht accommodates 30 people comfortably and has great facilities. It features a covered deck with dining tables and several lounge areas where you can relax, read a book or take a nap while you sail to Ang Thong.
During the two hours it takes to reach the National Park, you’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast, sunbathe on the sundeck, and take in the passing scenery.
Upon arrival at Ang Thong, you’ll start the exploration of Koh Wua Talap island, which boasts a glorious viewpoint located 1600 feet asl. I mean, look at the view!
Back onboard, refuel with a Thai buffet lunch. The quality of the food on this tour is exceptional, and one of the things I enjoyed most. Then, it’s time to visit Mae Koh Island, where you’ll find an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake.
Hike to another viewpoint, chill at the beach, or catch up with reading on the yacht’s deck. Whatever rocks your boat! At the end of the day, sail back to Koh Samui during sunset, the perfect way to end your day.
Why is this the best tour? For starters, I can personally vouch for it. I LOVED the experience, and recommend it wholeheartedly. The tour is comprehensive, taking you to all the major spots in the Marine Park in the most beautiful vessel I’ve seen in the area.
Besides, it keeps you fed with delicious food, provides all the gear for watersports, and delivers you back to your hotel. The time spent on each activity is also just right.
Other GREAT Ang Thong Tours from Koh Samui
The Angthong Marine Park VIP Guided Tour is a full-day adventure. Accompanied by a small group, you’ll sail toward Ang Thong to snorkel, kayak, and explore.
Relax on the boat as you cruise around the Marine Park, and jump into the water at Ko Wao Yai, where you’ll snorkel among colorful fish. Enjoy lunch on a pristine beach, and kayak along the coastline, discovering yet more idyllic coves and beaches.
Visit the Emerald Lagoon, and speed past Ko Wua Talap Island before heading back.
The Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour is a very comprehensive Koh Samui island hopping tour. You’ll sail around the gorgeous limestone formations at the Marine Park, getting to swim, snorkel, and kayak.
Visit the Emerald Lake, hike up to the Blue Lagoon Viewpoint, and relish a scrumptious breakfast and lunch onboard of the sleek yacht. Finally, relax in the vessel’s hot tub and enjoy the views as you sail back during sunset.
Check out the Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals. On this 8-hour excursion, you’ll travel aboard a 3-deck boat, taking in the magnificent sights of Ang Thong.
Choose to kayak around limestone cliffs as soon as you reach the park, or go straight to Ko Mae Ko, where you’ll hike up to the famous Emerald Lagoon. Back on the boat, indulge in a delicious Thai lunch.
The afternoon will have you kayaking at Wua Talap Island, or enjoying another hike to a vantage point with glorious views of Ang Thong. Visit the Lotus Cave, or spend the rest of the day chilling at the beach.
Ang Thong National Park Tour by Big Boat
How about this Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui? It’s a 9-hour trip that will have you exploring the best attractions of the archipelago.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Emerald Lake, snorkel with rich marine life, and kayak among limestone cliffs. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the Wua Talap hill for the most breathtaking views of Ang Thong. The tour includes lunch and beverages.
Ang Thong National Marine Park Tours by Speedboat
Would you rather zip across the sea on a speedboat? Check out this Samui: Angthong National Marine Park Day Trip by Speedboat. Visit the stunning archipelago for a day of adventures, exploring both land and sea.
Snorkel in clear waters, go kayaking along the coastline, and admire the islands’ striking landmarks. Hike up Mae Koh for glorious views, enjoy the panorama of the Emerald Lake, and relish delicious breakfast and lunch. Everything is covered in this all-inclusive tour.
The Ang Thong: Marine Park Full-Day Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour is a very fun alternative. Leave Koh Samui behind and cross the sea toward your destination: a land of adventures.
Visit Koh Tai Plao for a kayaking session, and spend some time swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. Then, refuel with an onboard lunch as you sail to your second stop: Koh Mae Ko.
Hike to a viewpoint for vistas of the Emerald Lake, and end your tour at the ultimate vantage point in Koh Wua Talap. Spend the rest of your day kayaking and swimming before heading back.
Private Boat Charters to Ang Thong Marine Park
The Private Full-Day Red Dragon Yacht to Angthong National Marine Park is as good as it gets. Your party of 10 will receive VIP treatment aboard a fully-equipped yacht. Relax in the hot tub, nap in the sun deck, and enjoy your meals in the dining area.
Once you reach the park, make the most of the provided kayaks, snorkel gear, and floating rafts. Visit the most striking spots around the archipelago, benefitting from your crew’s knowledge about the place.
A good alternative is the Private Full-Day Blue Dragon Yacht to Angthong National Marine Park. Sail in a private vessel equipped with a hot tub and fabulous sun decks.
Once in Ang Thong Marine Park, visit Emerald Lake and a few unspoiled beaches to snorkel and kayak in. Paddle through tunnels and caves, swim in the vibrant reef, and refuel with a buffet lunch.
You’ll also sail past striking islands such as Ko Wua Talap and Ko Sam Sao, and make the most of the boat’s facilities on the way back.
Want a different option? Check this one out: Samui Boat Charter, Private Speedboat Charter, Angthong National Marine Park. Your group of 10 will be whisked away to the gorgeous archipelago in a sleek vessel.
Relax on the park’s pristine beaches, snorkel in the clear waters, kayak along the shores, or sunbathe on your boat. The choice is yours! You’ll also get to sail past the magnificent limestone islands, and check out some attractions.
I highly recommend Emerald Lake and the Koh Wua Talap viewpoint!