Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dens and spotting banded sea snakes and turtles. Soft powder beaches line
Ko Tai Plao
,
Ko
Wuakantang
and
Ko Hintap
.
Viewpoint
The island's viewpoint might just be the most stunning vista in all of Thailand. From the
top, visitors will have sweeping views of the jagged islands nearby as they burst through
the placid turquoise water in easily anthropomorphised formations. The trek to the lookout
is an arduous 450m trail that takes roughly an hour to complete. Hikers should wear
sturdy shoes and walk slowly on the sharp outcrops of limestone. A second trail leads to
Tham Bua Bok
, a cavern with lotus-shaped stalagmites and stalactites.
VIEWPOINT
Emerald Sea
The Emerald Sea (also called the Inner Sea) on
Ko Mae Ko
is another popular destination.
This large lake in the middle of the island spans an impressive 250m by 350m and has an
ethereal minty tint. You can look but you can't touch; the lagoon is strictly off limits to the
unclean human body. A dramatic
viewpoint
can be found at the top of a series of staircases
nearby.
LAKE
Tours
The best way to experience Ang Thong is by taking one of the many guided tours depart-
ing Ko Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan. The tours usually include lunch, snorkelling equipment,
hotel transfers and (with fingers crossed) a knowledgeable guide. If you're staying in lux-
ury accommodation, there's a good chance that your resort has a private boat for provid-
ing group tours. Some midrange and budget places also have their own boats, and if not,
they can easily set you up with a general tour operator. Dive centres on Ko Samui and Ko
Pha-Ngan offer
scuba trips
to the park, although Ang Thong doesn't offer the world-class
diving that can be found around Ko Tao and Ko Pha-Ngan.
Due to tumultuous petrol prices, tour companies tend to come and go like the wind. Ask
at your accommodation for a list of current operators.
Sleeping
Ang Thong does not have any resorts; however, on Ko Wua Talap the national park has
set up five bungalows, each housing between two and eight guests. Campers are also al-
lowed to pitch a tent in certain designated zones. Online bookings are possible, although
customers must forward a bank deposit within two days of making the reservation. For ad-
