A Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park day trip is a fantastic way to visit some of the stunning collection of 42 islands, covering 102km2 area – half of that being the pristine waters themselves. While it is possible to stay overnight on the main island of Koh Wua Talap, depending on what accommodation you opt for, booking through the Thailand Government website may be necessary.
Most Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park day trips can be arranged so that the return leg of the tour happens at a later date – be it the next day or a bit longer. Check out this post for a full rundown on how to organize an overnight stay on Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, and what to do in this stunning group of islands.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park Day Trip Prices
From either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan island, a number of tour companies offer day trips throughout the marine park, with the final stop of my tour being Koh Wua Talap. The entire day is full of fantastic sights and well worth the price tag of around 1900 Baht ($78 AUD).
Our tour left Koh Phangan and on the way out to Ang Thong, the boat encountered some swell. This made my seat incredibly bouncy. One guy sitting across from me relaxed at the wrong moment as the boat slammed into the crest of a large wave. This launched him out of his seat! I think he regretted sitting up the front after that.
We were at the front of the speedboat, being at the back is suggested for a more peaceful ride. It took around 45 minutes at a high-speed to reach the boundary of Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park Stops – Koh Wua Ta Lap
Snorkeling Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Our first stop was a short snorkel spot. With it being monsoon season, as it is affectionately called, it reduced the visibility of the ocean due to the swell created. It was still great to have a swim along some of the cliff-like projections of the uninhabited islands of the marine park.
There was some marine life to be seen – including poisonous pitch-black spiny sea urchins with bright blue dots that looked like little glimmering eyes watching back at me. However, it was the stops still to come were what made this tour so special. Thailand is full of beautiful locations to improve your snorkel skills!
Koh Mae Ko Island and Lagoon
A very popular spot, as most, if not all tours stop here along the tour itinerary. It really isn’t hard to see why! While soft waves broke along the golden sand shoreline, the island’s main attraction laid inland.
A short and easy walk up a pathway and steps led to an emerald green lagoon, with a stunning high viewpoint. Picturesque is an understatement!
Back at the shoreline, the beach had a couple relaxing hammocks and swings to relax on if that’s more your style – soaking up the ocean views. The narrow stairs leading to the viewing platform for the island’s inland lagoon can get very busy. Allow yourself plenty of time for the small walk.
Kayaking Tour of Mu Ko AngThong National Marine Park
After the included buffet lunch and for an extra 200 Baht ($8 AUD), kayaks were provided for a short trip around the island’s cliff edges. The towering limestone face becomes so intimidating once you get closer to it!
As the tide falls slightly, the base of the cliff seems to be non-existent, as if these monsters are just hovering above the water. Within the 30-40 minute paddle, there were plenty of beautiful sights. Paddling underneath the out-cropping of the cliffs into the black abyss was both thrilling and beautiful at the same time.
Final Stop – Visiting Koh Wua Talap Island
While the day trippers returned to either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, this was mine and partner’s last stop for the day. As the various tour boats return to their respective islands, after spending about 1.5 hours on Koh Wua Talap, my partner and I watched the beach transform from overcrowded to empty – leaving just the two of us (plus park staff) on the island.
For a more detailed information of the island, it’s facilities and attractions. Including how to stay overnight in this tropical paradise, check out my blog post here!
As you only get a 90-minute stopover, the island’s many activities can’t be explored as well as they could be. Shy crabs and playful monkeys inhabit this beautiful place. Using your time to climb high up to the Mirador Ko Wu Talap Viewpoint or to do the intense bush hike to Bua Boke Cave would be my suggestions. Both are a little exhausting and relatively short in distance. But don’t underestimate the time required! Especially the cave – it’s more like rock climbing in some parts. Take good shoes if you plan to visit either!
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park Day Trip and Koh Wua Ta Lap Information
Most companies I researched provide similar tours, with the activities, locations and prices being identical. Most of the companies are located within walking distance of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan’s main pier, but shopping around is never a bad idea, just in case!
Some companies also offer the option to arrange pickup from either Koh Samui and drop off on Koh Phangan (or vice versa). So you could use that as the perfect segway to get from one to the other if you’re wanting to avoid another ferry ride and maximize time with activities!
If you will be spending some time on the beautiful Koh Samui, here’s a list of the best things to do!
Thailand is obviously a sun-soaked destination, couple that with the reflection of the unassuming crystal waters and sunburn happens incredibly easily!
Some parts of the tour’s main points of interest are steep and on uneven ground – especially the hike to Bua Boke Cave. Good walking shoes are recommended. While I was there I also came across one snake. So just be careful and take your time.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park Day Trip Tour Tips
The main island of Koh Wua Talap has no ATMs. Bringing a decent amount of money to cover snacks and drinks from the one restaurant and little snack shop is advised. However, most of these day trips do include a lunch and unlimited water.
Monkeys inhabit the island Koh Wua Talap. They are wild. They will possibly steal your belongings and/or become aggressive if they feel threatened. While it was lovely to watch them (and wake up to them playfully tormenting each other at 7 am the next morning). Always give them a wide berth.
Koh Wua Talap also has a large percentage of damp dense jungle, mosquitoes are common here. Especially when taking the jungle trail paths to the high-up viewpoint and to the cave.
Sit at the back of the speedboat for a much smoother ride to and from the Marine Park.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park Day Trip Highlights
- Mirador Ko Wu Talap Island Viewpoint on the main island of the marine park is absolutely stunning. It’s easy to see why it’s the most popular sight on the island.
- Kayaking along the limestone cliff faces of the secluded marine park was so peaceful
- Being able to stay overnight on Koh Wua Talap made the steep price tag of the day trip incredibly justified and well worth it!
Continue Your Thailand Adventures!
For more stunning attractions in southern Thailand, such as Phi Phi Island that has beautiful diving and a stunning island itself. Or the more backpacking orientated island of Koh Tao, diving and sights to see there are plenty as well!
Heading north is also full of great places to visit. Chiang Rai is a gem of northern Thailand. The tiny, backpacking town of Pai is full of beautiful sights and amazing day trips.
Have you visited Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, on either a day trip or an overnight stay before? What did you think? As always, comments and questions are more than welcome! Drop me a comment below!
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4 Comments
excellent work you are doing
Thanks Richard! It’s nice to hear from people that read what I post! Have a good one!
Hi Ben,
you are doing a really good job. Thanks a lot for this brilliant article and topic about Thailand. Before I never was up to date, that Thailand have so many interesting national parks. After I had read your informative horizonunknown, I decided to visit the Angthong National Park. It was a little bit tricky, to find out a reasonable agency where I could feel safe during the trip. Finally, I found one Koh Samui Tours, which offers all requirements with an excellent service. The National Park is such a nice place, and everybody needs to see it. I climb up on the top of the viewpoint, and I tell you, the view was amazing. The different colors in the ocean, the small islands, the atmosphere, incredibly. Unfortunately, I need to go the next day to Laos to extend my Visa, but definitely I will be back next year to see other islands around Ko Samui. I am looking forward to your next article and wish you all the best.
Thanks again and stay healthy.
Your Jona
Hey Jona, thanks for your comment! I’ve definitely heard of Koh Samui Tours before! Glad to hear you had a great experience and really enjoyed your time in the Mu Ko Ang THong National Marine Park! It’s one of my favorite places in Thailand to visit!