Ang Thong Marine Park Cruise with Kayaking Option Koh Samui

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Ang Thong Marine Park Cruise with Kayaking Option Koh Samui
Ang Thong Marine Park Cruise with Kayaking Option Koh Samui
Ang Thong Marine Park Cruise with Kayaking Option Koh Samui
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Overview

This full-day cruise takes you from Koh Samui to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of 42 limestone islands in the Gulf of Thailand. You hike to a viewpoint on Ko Wua Ta Lap, visit the emerald lake on Ko Mae Ko, snorkel and, on the default option, kayak among granite boulders and caves. Hotel pickup, breakfast, a buffet lunch, snacks, snorkelling gear, life jackets, a guide and insurance are included. It suits adventurous travellers and families with older children, and the day lasts about nine hours.

Highlights

  • Cruise to the 42 islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
  • Hike to a viewpoint with panoramic views over the archipelago
  • Visit the emerald lake known as Thale Nai on Ko Mae Ko
  • Snorkel in clear water and see the natural arch at Ko Sam Sao
  • Kayaking among granite boulders and caves on the default option
  • Hotel pickup, breakfast, buffet lunch and snacks included
  • Choose kayaking, no kayaking or an overnight stay option

Full Description

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a protected archipelago of 42 islands about thirty kilometres from Koh Samui. Steep limestone cliffs rise from turquoise water, with beaches, caves and hidden lagoons among them. The park was declared in 1980 and has become the classic day cruise from Koh Samui.

Many visitors searching for an Ang Thong Marine Park tour want a mix of scenery and activity in one day, and this cruise delivers it. Weather and sea conditions can affect the route, so the guide adjusts the itinerary if needed.

Ko Wua Ta Lap and the viewpoint hike

Ko Wua Ta Lap is the central island of the park, where the boat anchors for a large part of the day. From the beach you can follow a steep nature trail with rest points to a viewpoint that looks out over the archipelago, one of the best views in the Gulf of Thailand.

The climb is demanding, with steps and rocky sections, so wear sturdy shoes, bring water and go at your own pace. If you would rather relax, the beach below is a lovely place to swim and unwind before lunch.

Ko Mae Ko, the emerald lake and snorkelling

Ko Mae Ko holds the emerald lake, Thale Nai, a landlocked lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. A short climb of about ten minutes up the steps takes you to the viewing platform, and a few more steps lead down to the beach below.

On the way you pass Ko Sam Sao and its natural stone arch, then stop to snorkel in clear water where reef fish and coral can be seen, depending on the sea and weather. Bring a waterproof camera if you have one. Take your time on the platform, because the light on the water changes the colour of the lake.

Kayaking and the practical details

On the default kayaking option, you paddle among granite boulders, along a dramatic coastline and into caves, with kayaking specialists guiding you and providing equipment and instruction. The option without kayaking follows the same cruise without the paddling, and the overnight option lets you stay in the park, with accommodation arranged separately.

Pickup starts from about 7:15 am depending on your area, and the boat leaves Nathon Pier at 8:30 am. Breakfast, a buffet lunch, snacks and seasickness pills are provided. The national park entrance fee is paid separately in cash at the check-in counter.

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickupPickup from your hotel starting from about 7:15 am, depending on your area.
  2. Nathon Pier and breakfastTransfer to the pier for breakfast before the boat leaves at 8:30 am.
  3. Cruise into the parkA sightseeing cruise of about an hour and a half to the archipelago.
  4. Ko Wua Ta LapOptional viewpoint hike, swimming and a buffet lunch on the central island.
  5. Ko Sam SaoA photo stop at the natural stone arch on the way to the next island.
  6. Ko Mae KoVisit the emerald lake, snorkel and, on the kayak option, paddle among caves and boulders.
  7. Return to Koh SamuiCruise back to Nathon Pier and transfer to your hotel.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Breakfast
  • Boat trip through Ang Thong Marine Park
  • Anti-fog snorkelling gear (adult and kids sizes)
  • Life jackets and waterproof bags
  • Licensed multilingual guides
  • Buffet lunch
  • Snacks during the trip
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Seasickness pills and first aid kit

Not included

  • National park entrance fee (cash, paid at the check-in counter)
  • Kayaking

Is this right for you?

Great for

  • Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
  • Anyone who wants to see it from the water

Think twice if

  • You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
  • You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • Travellers with mobility impairments
  • Children under five years who want to kayak, as kayaking is not available for them

Meeting point

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the Koh Samui pickup area, with pickup times starting from about 7:15 am depending on your area, and your confirmation gives your exact time. If your hotel is on a hill or far from the main road, the van may not reach it, and we will arrange a convenient meeting point on the main road. The boat leaves Nathon Pier at 8:30 am and the day lasts about nine hours.

Important information

  • Bring sunglasses, a towel, a camera, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and flip-flops.
  • The national park entrance fee is paid separately in cash at the check-in counter.
  • Kayaking is not available for children under five; one adult can stay with a small child while the other kayaks.
  • Special meals are available on request in advance.
  • There are two bathrooms on the boat.
  • Fishing and feeding animals are not allowed in the park.
  • Weather and sea conditions can change the route.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Ang Thong Marine Park cruise cost?

The price depends on the option you choose: with kayaking, without kayaking or overnight. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the Koh Samui pickup area. Pickup starts from about 7:15 am.

How long is the tour?

About nine hours, from hotel pickup to the return.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes for children who are comfortable on boats and in the water. Kayaking is not available for children under five.

What should I wear and bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes for the hike, flip-flops and a camera.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the dates you can choose.

What is the difference between the options?

The kayaking option adds a paddling session among granite boulders and caves, the no-kayaking option skips it, and the overnight option lets you stay in the park with accommodation arranged separately.

Are meals included?

Yes, breakfast, a buffet lunch and snacks are included. Special meals can be arranged on request in advance.

Is the national park fee included?

No, it is paid separately in cash at the check-in counter.

Is Ang Thong worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of the most scenic day trips from Koh Samui, with cliffs, a hidden lake, snorkelling and kayaking in one day.

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