In Koh Samui and wondering if the day tour to Ang Thong National Park is worth it? This post will review the Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour (by Big Boat) based on my experience when I went on it. I also provide some useful tips so you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful park and its adventurous activities.
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Intro: Ang Thong National Park Day Tour Review
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a breathtaking archipelago that is made up of 42 islands. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is a must-visit for those who love nature yet also seeks adventure. Taking a big boat tour is one of the most comfortable ways to navigate the marine park as opposed to taking a small speed boat where the waves and speed can make you feel uneasy (if you’re more susceptible to sea-sickness).
This review will go over my experience on the Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour from Koh Samui. It includes the boat ride, unforgettable views, adventurous hikes, and sea kayaking. Don’t forget to check out my tips to make the most of your adventure.
Ang Thong National Park Day Tour Tickets
I recommend booking a full-day tour to experience this since it includes boat transportation between Koh Samui and Ang Thong, access to two islands with breathtaking views, and a kayaking experience (if you choose this), as well as guides to give information every step of the way. The tour I went on can be booked here or in the widget below:
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Tour Experience
Tour Pickup & Head to Port
The tour begins with early morning pickup from your hotel. You can provide your hotel either during or after the time of booking. Note that the listed tour start time on the website may not match your actual pickup time from your hotel, so I recommend confirming your pickup time the day before the tour by contacting the tour operator. They will likely reach out first as well via the Viator app’s messaging feature.
I did not do confirm my pickup (and learned my lesson) because I thought we would get picked up at 8:30 AM, but at 7:00 AM, the front desk called my room and told me that the tour pickup shuttle was already there!!! This was so unexpected that we had to rush getting ready in 10 minutes.
We felt so bad when we got on the shuttle and definitely apologized to everyone who had to wait. Because of this, I advise to confirm what your PICK-UP time is, as opposed to the TOUR START time. This was a rookie mistake on my part.
Once we got on the shuttle, we picked up some other people and made our way to the port. We were picked up in Chaweng beach, located in west Koh Samui, and the drive took about an hour to get to the Koh Samui port, which is located on the east side of the island.
Boat Ride to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Once at the port, we boarded our spacious big boat for the day and received our life jackets. The boat was pretty big and had three levels. The bottom deck had the restrooms, the middle deck had mostly seating area, and the top deck had mats for people to lay out on.
Unlike speedboats (there are tours that use these instead), the larger vessel of this big boat was much more comfortable. It had plenty of room to move around, plenty of seating with table-tops, and a sundeck to soak in panoramic views. Not to mention, the larger size also helps with not feeling every single wave or current that a smaller boat will inevitably experience. So it’s important to note that crossing the ocean can sometimes mean having to go through choppy waves. If you’re susceptible to sea sicknesses like I am, be sure to take your Dramamine before boarding the boat!
The boat ride to the first activity took about 2 hours. In this time, we were able to enjoy our light breakfast and enjoy the sea breeze. Light breakfast is provided which included coffee, tea, fruit, and bread.
As we arrived in the area, I immediately noticed the large limestone island rocks jutting out of the ocean. It was as if we just cruised into a different world! It was hard to not take pictures.
Arrive at Koh Wua Ta Lap island
The first activity of the day was on the island of Koh Wua Ta Lap. On this island is a hike up to the famous Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint that has stunning panoramic views the surrounding area. Our boat had anchored down a bit off from the shore, and we all took turns taking a long tail boat to the shore.
Taking Long Tail Boat to Shore • photos by Jeanie A
Hike to Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint
The Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint is at 1640 feet (500 meters) high, where the hike is short and takes about one hour roundtrip. That is, 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down. On the way up, there are several viewpoints where each offers nice views. We were able to see our boat was and the other nearby islands almost immediately.
Even though the hike was short, I thought it to still be pretty challenging. It has steep rocky stair paths that required some effort, ESPECIALLY since it was paired with the humidity. I had to take frequent water breaks to not overexert myself. But once I got to the top, the views made it all worth it! It did really take me about 30 minutes to get to the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint. Phew.
Hiking up to the Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint • photos by Jeanie A
Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint
At the viewpoint is a breathtaking view where I saw tons of other limestone islands as far as the eye can see. Being up here really put my place on the planet into perspective. It also just blows my mind that these places exist and that I’m lucky enough to see it with my own two eyes. Really amazing.
Additionally, at the viewpoint, there is a guide that can take pictures of you with your phone if you want them to. After I had soaked in the views and got all my photos, then I began heading back down. To me, I felt like I needed to be more careful going down in fear of slipping and falling.
Then when it was time, we all got back on the long tail boats and returned to our big boat.
Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint • photos by Jeanie A
Hot Lunch on Big Boat
Once back on the boat, it was then time for lunch! The tour includes a buffet-style hot lunch and it was pretty good! I got a couple of meat dishes, rice and some veggies. I also got some refreshing watermelons too.
The boat also made its way to the next island. On the way, we saw more amazing limestone rocks and islands. I could also see that some of the bases of the rocks were eroded inwards!
Hot Lunch and passing more Limestone Rocks • photos by Jeanie A
Arrive Ko Mae Ko Island & Trail to Blue Lagoon (Emerald Lake)
The next island is Ko Mae Ko, where the Blue Lagoon, or Emerald Lake is located. Once we got to the island, we anchored and took smaller long tail boats to the shore again. Before heading on the short hike, there was a small cafe where I got more bottled water. There is also a restroom here although it wasn’t the cleanest but what do you expect from a remote island location.
The trail consists of narrow walkways and man-made stairs that were frighteningly steep where some were more like ladders. Because of this, I made sure to take advantage of all the railing opportunities to hold onto to not fall backwards.
Views along the trail to Emerald Lake • photos by Jeanie A
Blue Lagoon (Emerald Lake)
It doesn’t take long to reach the lagoon. But once there, I immediately noticed its unique teal color! The lagoon viewpoint felt like stepping into a secret paradise with just how hidden it was, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The teal waters were also so mesmerizing that it was a bit mind-blowing. However, it’s important to note that you cannot access and swim in these waters! Additionally, there are more incredible views of Ang Thong Park to enjoy on this trail. Just turn outward to the sea!
Once back at the bottom, I got another bottle of water and went into the water to help cool off a bit.
Emerald Lake views • photos by Jeanie A
Sea Kayaking Adventure
The last activity of the day was the kayaking experience! This was so much fun because we got to sea kayak through caves and limestone formations. This was also my first time cave and sea kayaking and I absolutely loved it!
We were briefed on which guide to follow and told to make sure to follow other kayakers so that we don’t stray away from each other or get lost. Our kayak was mostly in like the 4th position behind the front kayak guide so I always felt comfortable we were going the right way.
If you’ve never kayaked before, it’s best to try and row the oars in unison with your partner. This way the kayak is moving forward at a decent speed and turning will also be easier. This is especially important if there happens to be high sea currents that you need to get through. Luckily when I went, there wasn’t too much of a current to fight against so, at times, I relaxed while my partner did more of the legwork…or armwork.
Kayaking Experience
The coolest part of the kayaking experience was when we were approaching a large limestone rock with a dark open abyss at the base. We were getting closer and closer to the abyss and the kayakers ahead of us were disappearing into the darkness. Then as we entered the abyss, it was clear that we were kayaking through a unique sea caves. We even had to dodge and duck from the cave rock above us.
Then about halfway into the cave, there is a tall opening skylight section where light enters into the cave and gave this section an angelic lighting. Amazing! Right after, the top of the rock “ceiling” was so low that we literally had to lay flat into our kayaks to pass and exit the cave!
After we kayaked out the cave, we then continued to follow our fellow kayakers through narrow and cramped waterways. We were zigzagging through rocks and kayaking under natural rock arches (not as low as the cave though but still cool!).
As we approached back to shore, we passed alongside mountain cliffs that towered tall above us. This was definitely one of my most favorite kayaking adventures I’ve experienced solely based on all the natural rock formations that surrounded us. I just wish it lasted longer than the 40 minutes that it was.
Cave and sea kayaking through cramped caves and narrow waterways • photos by Jeanie A
Kayaking Alternative
Alternatively, if you don’t want to kayak, you can choose to not include the kayaking experience when you book your turn. Instead, you can snorkel or chill on the beach. I heard though that the visibility wasn’t exactly the best so there really wasn’t much to see underwater. But if you prefer to do this or simply don’t want to kayak, just be sure to select the Snorkel option when booking!
Enjoying the Beach • photos by Jeanie A
Return to Koh Samui & Hotel Drop-Off
After a fun day of adventure, it was then time to return back to Koh Samui and our hotels. The cruise back to the island was a bit bumpier than the morning, but it was nice to have the horizon to stare at. It took about 2 hours to get back to Koh Samui and then about another hour on the shuttle back to the hotel.
Overall Thoughts
The Ang Thong National Marine Park by Big Boat day tour was full of adventure with two hikes and sea kayaking through caves and cramped waterways. I also loved seeing breathtaking views and going to a hidden lagoon.
Even though I enjoyed all the activities, I did take off a star because the guides don’t really give information about the area, its geology, or any fascinating facts. Everything I learned was from reading about it on signs at the park, and simply researching a bit online too.
All that said, the guides still did a really great job directing people on where to go, getting us to each island safely, and guiding us on the kayaking portion of the tour. Overall, I really loved this experience and would definitely recommend it!
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Wear Your Bathing Suit
Instead of changing in the restrooms, it’s just convenient to already be wearing a bathing suit under your clothes. It’s also hot and humid so a bathing suit would feel much better in case you want to remove the outer layers.
2. Wear Breathable Clothing
The humidity really was high when I visited and the best way to not overheat is to wear clothes with breathable fabrics. Think light and airy outfits or workout clothes would also work.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes or Sandals
Wear comfortable shoes or sandals you can hike in. They should ideally also be waterproof so that you can also wear them on the kayak. I wore waterproof strappy sandals and these worked perfectly for me!
4. Bring a Water Bag And/or Waterproof Carrier
These will keep all your belongings dry when hanging on the beach or when kayaking. This also just gave us peace of mind that we had all our stuff with us and they wouldn’t get wet in case we tipped our kayak into the ocean. I brought my waterproof fanny pack to hold my smaller belongings and my partner brought our water backpack for our larger items.
5. Bring an Insulated Water Bottle
Since it was so hot and humid when I visited, having access to already-cold water was always a much-needed refreshment. We bought cold water bottles and refilled our insulated water bottles to ensure we always had cold water readily available.
6. Bring a Personal Fan
Having a fan continuously fanning me during the hikes worked wonders!! I never go to any hot destination or a hike without one so I can only recommend others to bring one as well.
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Final Words: Worth It!
The Ang Thong National Marine Park by Big Boat day tour is an incredible way to experience this stunning archipelago park. You can experience relaxing on a larger vessel and also complement your visit with some adventure! Hike up to viewpoints, awe at a beautifully-colored lagoon, and go on a thrilling sea kayaking adventure through caves and limestone formations. I hope this review urges you to add visiting the Ang Thong National Marine Park to your Koh Samui itinerary. Bon Voyage!
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Have you been to Ang Thong National Marine Park?
What was your experience like – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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