Ang Thong: the marine park from Koh Samui

Forty-two islands In the Gulf of Thailand, about one to two hours from Koh Samui depending on the boat type. Most of them are steep limestone cliffs rising straight from the water, and only a few are inhabited.

The stop everyone knows is Emerald Lake, a green seawater lake inside an island's crater, reached by a short, steep climb to a viewpoint. This is the picture people come for.

For the rest of the day you stop for snorkeling, the beach, and free time. The schedule changes according to the tide and the weather, and the order of the morning and afternoon may switch.

Ang Thong is A national marine park of 42 islands In the western part of the Gulf of Thailand, and it's a protected reserve, not an inhabited area.

The central island on the route is Koh Wua Talap, and it has the two things people come for: Viewpoint which you climb to, and Emerald Lake, a saltwater lake enclosed inside a rock crater.

The climb to the viewpoint is steep and not easy. About 500 steps and rocky trails, in heat and humidity. The view from above, the entire island chain, is what justifies it, but you need to know in advance.

You don't go into the water at the lake. It's surrounded by rock and protected, and you see it from a shorter viewpoint.

The rest of the day is Kayaks between the islands and snorkeling, and a stop at the beach for a meal.

The park is A national reserve, and entry to it is charged separately from the ticket: 300 THB for an adult and 150 for a child, in cash at the gate.

This isn't an add-on from us or from the operator, it's a government fee, and it's the same for every trip to Ang Thong from any supplier. We state it in advance so you don't arrive without cash.