The tour in a nutshell
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 limestone islands draped in jungle and set on a turquoise sea. Caves, hidden lagoons, deserted beaches: it is THE jewel of the Gulf of Thailand, just an hour by boat from Koh Samui.
The day itself: a speedboat weaving past Praying Monkey Island and Three Pillars Island, a snorkeling stop at the foot of the cliffs, the climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint above the Blue Lagoon on Koh Mae Ko, a buffet lunch on the beach, the legendary 42-island panorama from Koh Wua Ta Lap, and sea kayaking through the inlets before the ride home.
📅 Booking for this trip runs through GetYourGuide, our booking partner: live availability, instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Rated 4.7/5 by 1,617 travellers.
Highlights
🤿
SnorkelingCoral gardens and tropical fish at the foot of the limestone cliffs.
💚
Emerald LakeThe viewpoint over the Blue Lagoon, the park's hidden saltwater lake.
⛰️
42-island viewpointThe legendary panorama from the top of Koh Wua Ta Lap.
🛶
Sea kayakingPaddle the inlets and cliff bases before heading home.
Itinerary
- 7:30 – 8:30 amPick-up at your hotel by air-conditioned minivan — exact time sent after booking
- 9:00 amCheck-in at the pier: welcome snacks, tea or coffee, then boarding the speedboat
- 9:30 amInto the park, past Praying Monkey Island and Three Pillars Island
- 10:30 amFirst stop: snorkeling among coral and tropical fish below the cliffs
- 11:30 amKoh Mae Ko: climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint over the Blue Lagoon — or swim from the beach
- 12:30 pmBuffet lunch and fresh fruit on the beach at Koh Mae Ko
- 1:30 pmKoh Wua Ta Lap: optional hike up to the 42-island viewpoint
- 2:30 pmSea kayaking along the inlets and limestone cliffs
- 4:00 pmSpeedboat back to Koh Samui, then minivan drop-off at your hotel
Times are indicative: the day lasts 7.5 to 8.5 hours in total, and the order of the stops can change with the sea and weather conditions.
✅ What's included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan
- Speedboat cruise through the park
- English-speaking guide
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak and paddle
- Beach buffet lunch and fresh fruit
- Bottled water, welcome snacks, tea & coffee
- Insurance
❌ Not included
- National park fee, paid on site: ฿300 per adult, ฿150 per child 4–10 under 130 cm
- Towel and reef-safe sunscreen
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional, appreciated)
What to bring
- Cash for the national park fee (฿300 per adult)
- Swimsuit, towel and sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Shoes with grip for the viewpoint climbs
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Camera — a dry bag is handy on the speedboat
💡 Good to know
🌦️ Weather policy: the tour runs whenever conditions are safe — rain on its own doesn't cancel it. If the crew judges the sea unsafe, the departure is cancelled and you are rescheduled or fully refunded.
🚐 Pick-up time: it depends on where you stay, and is sent to you by WhatsApp or email after booking. Making your own way there? You'll get the meeting point instead.
👶 Children: from 2 years old (under 2 not permitted). Reduced fare for ages 4–10; national park rules set a minimum age of 5 for kayaking.
⛰️ Fitness: both viewpoint climbs are steep and rocky, and need proper shoes. Both are optional — the beaches are right there. Not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with reduced mobility or back problems.
🚤 The boat: a shared speedboat carrying up to 60 passengers, which also collects travellers on Koh Pha Ngan on the way. In a big swell the crossing can be bumpy — it's the only way to see the whole park in one day.
Book this tour
Pick your date below: availability, prices and payment are handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner. Instant confirmation, mobile voucher, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
This is a GetYourGuide partner link: it costs you nothing extra and helps us keep this page up to date. Prices are per person and set by GetYourGuide — ฿2,350 is the standard rate, and promotional dates can come in lower.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
Is the national park entrance fee included?
No. The Mu Ko Ang Thong park fee is collected on the day, on site: ฿300 per adult (and children taller than 130 cm) and ฿150 per child aged 4 to 10 under 130 cm. Bring it in cash — everything else on the day is included.
Is the viewpoint hike difficult?
The climb to the 42-island viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap is steep, rocky and needs a decent level of fitness plus proper shoes. It is entirely optional: you can stay on the beach or swim instead.
Does the tour run all year?
Almost. Mu Ko Ang Thong national park closes each year so nature can recover — there are no departures between 1 November and 15 December. The rest of the year departures run daily, weather permitting.
How do I book, and can I cancel?
Booking is handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner: choose your date, get instant confirmation and a mobile voucher, and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. You can also reserve now and pay later.
Will I be picked up at my hotel?
Yes — pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan are included from any hotel on Koh Samui. The exact pick-up time depends on your address and is sent to you by WhatsApp or email after booking.
📖 From the blog: Ang Thong Marine Park: the complete guide · Best time to visit Koh Samui
