The tour in a nutshell
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 limestone islands draped in jungle and set on a turquoise sea. Caves, hidden lagoons, deserted beaches: it is THE jewel of the Gulf of Thailand, just an hour by boat from Koh Samui.
This is the park done properly. Instead of a 60-seat boat shuttling between the same three beaches, this departure is capped at 16 guests - one speedboat, one guide, and enough room to actually swim, paddle and look around. The day runs from a morning hotel pick-up to a mid-afternoon return: snorkeling over the reef at Koh Wao, the short climb on Koh Mae Ko to the viewpoint above the Hidden Emerald Lagoon, kayaking around the limestone stacks of Koh Na Tub, and a Thai buffet lunch with time on the beach.
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Highlights
👥
16 guests maximumA small-group boat, not a 60-seat shuttle, no queuing for gear or kayaks.
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Snorkeling at Koh WaoCoral gardens and tropical fish at the foot of the limestone cliffs.
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Hidden Emerald LagoonThe climb on Koh Mae Ko to the viewpoint over the park's hidden saltwater lake.
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Kayaking at Koh Na TubPaddle the inlets and cliff bases between the limestone stacks.
Itinerary
- 7:30 – 8:30 amPick-up at your hotel by air-conditioned minivan, exact time sent after booking
- 9:00 amCheck-in at the pier and departure by speedboat, 16 guests maximum on board
- 10:00 amKoh Wao: snorkeling over the coral reef among tropical fish
- 11:30 amKoh Mae Ko: the climb to the viewpoint above the Hidden Emerald Lagoon, or swim from the beach
- 12:30 pmKayaking around Koh Na Tub, through the inlets and limestone stacks
- 1:30 pmThai buffet lunch and free time on the beach
- 3:00 pmSpeedboat back to Koh Samui, then minivan drop-off at your hotel
Times are indicative: the day lasts around 7 hours on the water, and the order of the stops can change with the sea and weather conditions.
✅ What's included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan
- Small-group speedboat cruise - 16 guests maximum
- English-speaking guide
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak and paddle
- Thai buffet lunch
- Drinking water and snacks
- Insurance
❌ Not included
- National park fee, paid on site: ฿300 per adult, ฿150 per child under 130 cm
- Towel and reef-safe sunscreen
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional, appreciated)
What to bring
- Cash for the national park fee (฿300 per adult)
- Swimsuit, towel and sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Shoes with grip for the viewpoint climbs
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Camera - a dry bag is handy on the speedboat
💡 Good to know
🌦️ Weather policy: the tour runs whenever conditions are safe, rain on its own doesn't cancel it. If the crew judges the sea unsafe, the departure is cancelled and you are rescheduled or fully refunded.
🚐 Pick-up time: it depends on where you stay, and is sent to you by WhatsApp or email after booking. Making your own way there? You'll get the meeting point instead.
👶 Children: the child fare covers ages 5 to 10, infants 4 and under travel free, and the adult fare starts at 11. National park rules set a minimum age of 5 for kayaking.
⛰️ Fitness: the Koh Mae Ko viewpoint climb is short but steep and rocky, and needs proper shoes. It is optional, the beach is right there. Not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with reduced mobility or back problems.
🚤 The boat: a small-group speedboat capped at 16 guests, the whole point of this departure. Fewer people means more time in the water and less waiting for gear, but it also means dates go early. In a big swell the crossing can still be bumpy.
📅 Departure days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, year-round. Reservations close 10 hours before departure. A private version of this tour can also be booked.
🗣️ Guiding: in English by default; Thai-speaking guiding is also available.
Book this tour
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In pictures
Frequently asked questions
Is the national park entrance fee included?
No. The Mu Ko Ang Thong park fee is collected on the day, on site: ฿300 per adult (and children taller than 130 cm) and ฿150 per child under 130 cm. Bring it in cash, everything else on the day is included.
Is the viewpoint hike difficult?
The climb to the Koh Mae Ko viewpoint above the Hidden Emerald Lagoon is short but steep and rocky, and needs proper shoes. It is entirely optional: you can stay on the beach or swim instead.
Which days does the tour run?
Departures run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, all year round, weather permitting. Because the boat is capped at 16 guests, dates sell out well ahead in high season, book early. Reservations close 10 hours before departure.
How do I book, and can I cancel?
Booking is handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner: choose your date, get instant confirmation and a mobile voucher, and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. You can also reserve now and pay later. Reservations close 10 hours before departure.
Will I be picked up at my hotel?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan are included from any hotel on Koh Samui. The exact pick-up time depends on your address and is sent to you by WhatsApp or email after booking.
📖 From the blog: Ang Thong Marine Park: the complete guide · Best time to visit Koh Samui
