ENThailand
Ang Thong National Marine Park Guide 2026 | Fees, Hours, How to Reach

Ang Thong National Marine Park Guide 2026 | Fees, Hours, How to Reach

Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 20–35 kilometers west of Koh Samui. Towering limestone cliffs, an emerald lagoon, hidden caves, and thick jungle make it one of the most dramatic day-trip destinations in southern Thailand.

Established in 1980 as Thailand's 21st national park and now a Ramsar-listed wetland site, Ang Thong is accessible only by boat through licensed tour operators. Most visitors join a group speedboat or big-boat tour from Koh Samui, combining snorkeling, kayaking, beach time, and a hike up to a panoramic viewpoint on Ko Wua Ta Lap.

The park is closed to visitors for part of the year to allow the ecosystem to recover from monsoon conditions, so it's worth checking dates before booking.

No activities listed yet for this destination.

Browse all Koh Samui activities

Ang Thong National Marine Park Opening Hours

  • Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Seasonal Closure: The park is typically closed from around November 1 to mid-December each year (exact dates vary by monsoon conditions), to allow the islands to recover from the wet season.
  • Access: Entry is only possible by boat through licensed tour operators — there is no independent or walk-in access.

How to Get to Ang Thong National Marine Park

From Koh Samui

Daily group and private boat tours depart from piers around the island, most commonly from Nathon or Bangrak. The crossing takes roughly 1–2 hours depending on the boat type and specific islands visited.

From Koh Phangan or Koh Tao

Tours are also available departing from both neighboring islands, with similar journey times.

Entrance Fee

As of the most recent update, the National Park entrance fee is approximately ฿300 for foreign adults and ฿150 for foreign children, payable separately from the tour price, either to your tour operator in advance or directly at the park ranger station.


Best Time to Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park

The best time to visit is December to April, when sea conditions are calmest and skies are clearest, giving the best visibility for snorkeling and the smoothest boat crossings. Tours may still run outside this window depending on daily sea conditions, but expect more variability.


Ang Thong National Marine Park Highlights

  • Emerald Lake (Koh Mae Ko) – A striking green lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs, reachable via a steep viewpoint hike.
  • Ko Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint – A challenging but rewarding climb with panoramic views across the archipelago.
  • Snorkeling – Clear waters around several islands with visible coral and reef fish.
  • Sea Kayaking – Paddle through hidden lagoons and along dramatic limestone coastlines.
  • Beach Time – White-sand coves on several islands, most with far fewer visitors than Koh Samui's main beaches.
  • Wildlife – Home to native langurs, monitor lizards, and a range of seabirds.

Ang Thong National Marine Park is the standout day trip from Koh Samui for travelers who want dramatic scenery beyond the island's beaches — most visitors rate it among the best experiences of their whole Thailand trip.

Need to know

Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions answered

About Ang Thong National Marine Park

Plan your visit to Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui. Check opening hours, entrance fees, how to reach it, and top highlights.

All Koh Samui guides

No, access is only possible through licensed tour operators — there's no public ferry or walk-in access.

Top things to do in koh-samui

Top attractions in koh-samui

Everything you need for your koh-samui visit

Top destinations in Thailand