About Ang Thong
Established as a marine national park in 1980, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands covering 102 km², located off the coast of Surat Thani Province, east of Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. The park is designated as a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty recognizing important wetlands. The name is often written incorrectly as “Angthong”; the correct spelling is “Ang Thong,” meaning “golden basin.”
The islands themselves cover about 18 km² of the park. Major islands include Ko Phaluai, Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Hin Dap, Ko Nai Phut, and Ko Phai Luak. The highest point is on Ko Phaluai at 396 meters above sea level. The landscape consists mainly of steep limestone hills, caves, sinkholes, and inland marine lakes.
There are small communities on Ko Phaluai and Ko Wua Ta Lap; the remaining islands are uninhabited. The park headquarters and basic visitor facilities are located on Ko Wua Ta Lap.
Nearby destinations include Ko Samui (~30 km), Ko Pha Ngan (~35 km), Ko Tao (~55 km), and Krabi (~240 km).
The park gained wider attention after the release of the film The Beach, based on the novel by Alex Garland and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. While the main beach scenes were filmed on Phi Phi Islands in Krabi Province, some sequences were filmed within Ang Thong. The well-known waterfall jump scene, however, was filmed at Haew Suwat Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park.
Wildlife
Vegetation includes dry evergreen forest on larger islands, limestone forest, and small areas of planted mangroves along beaches and bays. One notable plant is the Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum angthong), which is endemic to the park.
Recorded wildlife is relatively limited, with park authorities listing 16 mammal species, around 50 bird species, 14 reptiles, and 5 amphibians. Additional species likely occur but have not been fully documented. Mammals include dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, leopard cats, fishing cats, wild boar, and smooth-coated otters. Bird species include collared kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, black bazas, oriental pied hornbills, Eurasian woodcocks, Pacific reef herons, and common hill mynas.
Activities
The park is a common destination for day trips from nearby islands. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, beach visits, and hiking. Most visitors join organized tours, which can be arranged locally.
There are cones available only for the visitors staying overnight. Some tour operators arranges canoe activity.
There are a few dive sites, mainly around the northern islands, though conditions are generally more suitable for snorkeling. Average depths are around 10 meters, with often limited visibility due to sediment from the Tapi River. Marine life may include green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and yellow-spotted trevallies. The main diving season runs from February to October, with clearer conditions typically between March and April.
Visiting
Getting to the park
Access to the park is only possible through licensed tour operators. Group tours are the most common option, though private charters are also available.
Entrance fees & opening times
As of May 2026, entrance fees are 300 Baht for foreign adults (150 Baht for children aged 3–14) and 40 Baht for Thai adults (20 Baht for children).
The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is usually closed from 1 November to 15 December, depending on weather conditions during the monsoon season. Access to the park is only possible through licensed tour operators. Group tours are the most common option, though private charters are also available.
Stay & eat
Accommodation and camping are available on Ko Wua Ta Lap.
There are three park bungalows:
- Two units for 2 people at 600 Baht per night
- One unit for up to 8 people at 1,500 Baht per night
(A 30% discount may apply Monday–Thursday, excluding holidays.)
Bookings must be made in advance through the Department of National Parks (DNP) website. Payment is required within two days and is typically only practical from within Thailand, via bank transfer or 7-Eleven payment.
There is one restaurant near the visitor center. It is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Meals are usually included in organized tours.
Camping
Camping is available for 80 Baht per person per night. Tents (for up to three people) can be rented for 450 Baht. Additional items such as mats, sleeping bags, and pillows are available for an extra fee.
Phone(s)
You are recommended to ask a Thai speaking person to call on your behalf.
- Office (Mainland): 077 286 588
- Visitor Center (Island): 061 285 7364
Attractions of Ang Thong
Ko Wua Ta Lap
Ko Wua Talap is the main island where the park headquarters, the visitor center and other basic facilities are located. The visitor center is in Kha Bay at the northeast end of the island. There are two white beaches on the island, one at the visitor center vicinity, the other at the opposite side of the island on the west, accessible by a 700 meters long walk through the forest.
The headquarters area has park accomodations, a camping ground, a visitor center, a restaurant/shop and a ranger station.
The white beach offers activities like swimming, snorkeling and canoeing/kayaking.
Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint
The spectacular panoramic viewpoint which is the main attraction of the park, accessible by a 500 meters long steep trail from the headquarters. The trail is not for faint-hearted, takes 25-30 minutes to walk, has rope for support and shows the way up. The viewpoint offers a great vista over all islands.
Bua Bok Cave
A cave consisting of stalagmite and stalactite formations, accessible by a 1 km long hike from the headquarters.
Ko Mae Ko
Meaning mother island, Ko Mae Ko is the island with an emerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai, connected with sea though underwater caves. A trail that takes 20 minutes to walk leads from a nearby beach to a great viewpoint over the lake. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs. The island also has few white beaches.
Ko Sam Sao
Situated on the east side of Ko Mae Ko, this island has several beaches, a great coral reef and a camping ground. Tents are available for rent from headquarters at Ko Wua Ta Lap only. There are no shops or restaurants on the island. The water to the showers are collected in a water tank filled with rain-water, for most time there won't be any water.
The white beach at the north end of the island has a smaller natural stone arch curving out to the sea.