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By far, the 'must see' attraction away from the Phangan beaches is the Angthong National Marine Park. This collection of 42 tiny limestone islets west of Koh Phangan sport virgin tropical rain forests, white sand beaches and coral reefs, all preserved as a national park. The park is normally visited as a day trip from Koh Phangan, operated by several agencies. Your hotel is sure to have a tour desk or nearby agency that can book a trip.
Ang Thong park is a protected area of more than 100 square kilometres of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.
Apart from swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and spelunking, our tour also stopped at Ko Mae Koh (Mother Island) that allowed us to view its hidden treasure - Emerald Lake or nicknamed as 'Blue Lagoon' in the movie 'The Beach' starring Leornardo de Caprio.
Discover the Ang Thong national marine park, cruise past several of the 42 islands and enjoy the natural beauty of this untouched region. Most Ang Thong visitors arrive on a join-in day trip or by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are simple bungalows and camping tents available for rent at the Park Headquarters on Koh Wua Talab, where a simple restaurant is found as well. Though the park has started to get busy with day-trippers in the peak season, the Ang Thong islands remain the postcard-perfect image of a tropical paradise.
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 Topography Ang Thon Marine National Park |
 Mostly part archipelago Ang Thong is located in gulf of Siam, Surat Thani province, and will consist of 42 islands. The main islands: Paluay, Wao Jiew, Wao Talub, Mae Khao, Samsao, Phai Luak, Kha, Hindub, Phi, Wao Khuntung, Mae Yud, Wao Te, Naiphud, Changsrome, Hanuman, Taiplao, Huaklong, and Kho Ban.
The mainly of islands will consist of limestone and tower above water approximately on 10-400 meters. As limestone can easily change the structure under influence of weather and chemical factors freakish forms have the majority of islands, strange - appearing caves and rocks, and some islands resemble on ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Prasart Hin Pimai. Bays of park have the area 102 кв.км ., from which only 18 square kilometres are the ground (on islands). The border of park contains approximately 82 % of a full circuit of islands and a sea zone.
Sea depth - approximately 10м a maximum. Development of a coral around of islands not extensively also is limited to a narrow strip, is close to coast surrounding each island, especially on southern, western and northern east parts.
Though n-w side of islands is most of all subject to monsoons; here are the coral grows. Here it is possible to find such kinds of corals as " a tusk of the elephant ", " a brain coral ", stragshorn a coral and in deeper waters - plates of a coral of sort Pavona and flower corals of sort Goniopora.
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Ang Thon Marine National Park weather and climate |
Weather in park is influenced with a monsoon which creates the big waves and rains, approximately 2000 mm. Because of influence of a monsoon all year average temperature - approximately 27 degrees. Best time to visit - between February and April. At this time the heat is established, but the sea easy and perfectly approaches for fans of snorkelling.
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Flora and Fauna of Ang Thon Marine National Park |
There is a considerable amount of wildlife inhabiting the islands including the Asian long tailed monkey (langur), hair nosed otters, pacific reef egrets, white bellied sea eagles, ashy drongos, tortoises, sea turtles, lizards and pythons.The surrounding sea is also the major spawning ground for the short bodied mackerel, a tasty Thai delicacy. Koh Sam Sao (Tripod Island) features a coral reef, a large and dramatic rock arch and some great hiking grounds. The snorkelling off Koh Mae Koh is quite good as well. |
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Attractions Ang Thon Marine National Park |
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- Wua Talap island is located in Kha Bay. There is a National Park Office. Before office - a white fantastic beach, best for swim and relax. If go upwards on mountain, approximately 500 meters, the traveller can see all next islands scattered in the sea in the chaotic order. In kilometer from office there is located Bua Boke cave. Inside it is possible to find beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
On island it is possible to rent bungalow and tents. The order for residing should be made beforehand, through a staff of park (phone 077286025). A payment for an entrance in 200 THB. On island there is a fresh water, and also cafe and restaurants.
One of the best ways to explore this area is by "Sea Canoe" giving you a far more rewarding experience than looking from afar. Your hand picked local guides will offer a wealth of information.
- Samsao Island is located opposite Mae Khao. There it is possible to find beautiful coral reefes, natural stone bridges in the sea and white pure coast into which it is possible to break camp and to have a rest or swim, observing a life of a coral reef.
- Taiplao and Woa Khuntung isalands. You will find here a coral reefes and fine snow-white beaches.
- Tale Nai . Tale Nai is located on Mae Ko island. It is the big natural reservoir surrounded with rock formation consisting from limestone. The area has the underwater cave connected to the external sea. You can rise from coast up to edge of lake on 40м to examine it from above.
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How to get Ang Thon Marine National Park |
As a national park, only government-approved tour boats may enter Ang Thong, which may be booked on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao. Sailing liveaboard cruise trips and speedboat charters may also be organised. Most tours stop at a few different locations and combine a day of hiking, sightseeing, kayaking and lounging on the beaches. Some of the hikes require a good level of fitness, so be sure to check with your guide or agent about the degree of difficulty before setting off! Ang Thong is 28 kilometres from Samui and 32 kilometres from Pha Ngan. The national park entry fee (sometimes included in the tour cost) is 200 baht for foreign adults, 100 baht for foreign children, and 40 baht for Thai nationals. The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine National Park is March to October |
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