Thailand: Good Luck for You. - Day 11 (Ang Thong Marine National Park)

Koh Samui is famous not only for luxury resorts and restaurants with prices kindly adapted to the European pocket. It’s also known for its proximity to Ang Thong Marine National park. ‘Ang Thong’ means ‘Golden Bowl’ and it is basically an archipelago of 42 islands scattered across emerald waters. This was the place that in fact inspired Alex Garland, the author of ‘the Beach’, and was the original setting of the book. It’s actually true that the first ones to discover this hidden paradise were pirates, who inhabited the isles, while ravaging in the sea for years. Later it also belonged the military people who turned it into their closed base for quite some time, and only not long ago it was finally turned into a national park.

After an hour boat ride sunbathing on the top deck, it was so exciting to do kayaking around the isles and passing through stone aches and caves!

Hundreds of beaches here in the archipelago are deserted and their surroundings make a great place for snorkeling. Our first destination was Koh Mae Ko or Mother Island, one of the 2 biggest islands famous for the Thale Nai saltwater lake. This unusual lake encircled within green limestone cliffs owes its amazing color to the sea waters, nourishing it through underwater caves.

Thale Nai saltwater lake in the middle of Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island)

Another big island Wua Talap or 'Sleeping Cow' is popular for its caves and a high lookout point, from which you can get breathtaking 360-degree views of the whole park. We couldn’t imagine the climb to a 500m altitude would be such a challenge!

climbing up the steep 430m hill at  Koh Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow Island) in search of spectacular scenery      

first viewpoint

However, if you make it to the top, you get a reward: all the islands right at your feet! Here you feel almost dead but incredibly proud of yourself!

breathtaking view of all islands at your feet...  you feel almost dead after the tough climb but extremely proud of yourself!