Tips for a nice stay on the Railay Peninsula in Thailand
January 14, 2025
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Have you heard of the Ang Thong Marine Park in Thailand? Maybe not, because this place is still quite often skipped in travel itineraries through Thailand. Even though it is at least as beautiful as the famous Koh Phi Phi! You will find the paradisiacal Ang Thong Marine National Park in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a protected national park that has incredibly surprised us with its natural beauty. The tropical nature reserve Ang Thong Marine in Thailand consists of 42 islands and is home to beautiful teal lagoons, tropical white beaches, rich marine life with colorful coral, hidden caves, rainforest and truly breathtaking viewpoints. We give you all our tips for visiting the stunning natural park!Â
The Ang Thong Marine National Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is located near the popular islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in Thailand and is therefore often combined with a visit to these islands. Highly recommended if you ask us, because where the above islands are very touristy, in the Ang Thong Marine Park you experience a little more the natural beauty of the country.Â
For centuries, the Ang Thong area of Thailand was a haven for pirates. The tucked-away caves and dozens of small islands were ideal places to hide looted treasures. Ang Thong means "pot of gold. It refers to the rich, enchanting underwater life surrounding the islands, but if you ask me, perhaps also to past piracy. The stories surrounding the area still have something exciting and exotic about them.Â
Only one island of the nature reserve is inhabited by a local fishing community, virtually cut off from other people. The two main islands Koh Mae and Koh Wua Talap are mainly visited by tourists. Despite this, there is absolutely no mass tourism in this area.
What is the best way to reach Ang Thong Marine Park?Â
Ang Thong Marine National Park is a two-hour boat ride from Koh Samui and is also easily accessible from Koh Phangan. There is no normal ferry going to Ang Thong Marine Park, so you will always have to book a day tour. Here you can choose between a boat tour by speedboat and the normal boat. On the website GetYourGuide several good and reliable tours are offered, ranging from about €30.00 to €100.00 per person. On most tours you visit the two main islands: Koh Mae and Koh Wua Talap. You also have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear water, kayak and hike in several places. Also, some tours take you past several caves and lagoons.Â
It can definitely pay to book a slightly more expensive tour. For example, on some boats you have a lot more space, which also gives you room to sunbathe on the deck. When booking the tour, also keep in mind the entrance fee to the national park. This is included on some tours and not on others. If this is not clear, please ask when booking your day trip to Ang Thong.
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The impressive Koh Mae in the Ang Thong Marine Park
The island of Koh Mae is best known for its blue-green seawater lagoon. With a steep staircase up a hundred steps you reach this lagoon. The climb is definitely worth it! In fact, at the top of the stairs a magnificent view of Talai Nai awaits you. This blue lagoon lies in the middle of the island and is completely surrounded by steep limestone cliffs.
Fun fact: at this blue lagoon, the idea of the book "The Beach" was born, which was later filmed with Leonardo DiCaprio. So that just proves how beautiful the lagoon is!
The breathtaking Koh Wua Talap in the Ang Thong Marine Park
Koh Wua Talap is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Thailand if you ask us. Upon arrival on the island, we were immediately greeted by the brillangurs, the monkeys that live on Koh Wua Talap. The monkeys are not at all shy, so watch your belongings!
On Koh Wua Talap we began a hike to the viewpoint at a whopping five hundred meters above sea level. We were very much mistaken about the altitude and had therefore gone up without a bottle of water. Tip: wear comfortable clothes and fine shoes and bring more than enough water and (if you have one) your camera!
Five hundred meters doesn't seem like much, but in the heat and with the steep road to the top, it's certainly quite a climb. The hike up takes about half an hour to three quarters of an hour, depending on how long you stop at the various viewpoints. There are a total of five viewpoints, each with phenomenal views. Once at the top, you immediately forget how hard the climb up was. At five hundred meters you look out over the entire Ang Thong Marine Park and enjoy an enchanting panoramic view.
The most beautiful beaches in the Ang Thong Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park are not known for their elongated sandy beaches, but there are a number of spots with little paradise beaches. For this, you need to be on the smaller islands of Koh Tai Plao, Koh Wuakantang and Koh Hintap. These have sandy beaches with sheltered bays. Do not expect beach clubs or beach bars where you can buy something to eat. So make sure you have plenty of water and some snacks with you and enjoy a tropical paradise that you don't have to share with many people.
Best travel time to visit Ang Thong Marine Park
The best travel time for Ang Thong National Marine Park is between March and October. Throughout November and the first three weeks of December, Ang Thong National Marine park is closed due to high waves and the rainy season. The local tour operator will certainly inform you about this, but this is good to know if you want to tour Thailand and add the park to your itinerary.Â
Spending the night in Ang Thong Marine Park: unusual sleeping spots on Koh Wua Talap
If you want to stay overnight in the Ang Thong National Marine Park, you can do so the island of Koh Wua Talap. There are a number of bungalows and tents on the island that you can rent. A bungalow costs 800 THB (about €22.00 converted) and a two-person tent 450 THB (about €12.00) in 2024. If you go in high season, it is advisable to book your overnight stay in advance.
Booking your accommodation in Ang Thong National Marine Park is only possible through the Thai government. The official website of Ang Thong Marine Park gives you simple instructions to process the booking and payment.
Combine a visit to the national park with a few days of relaxation on Koh Samui
A visit to Ang Thong National Park is the ideal opportunity to combine a bit of adventure with a stay at the nearby Koh Samui. It is only a short boat ride apart. Koh Samui is a wonderful island for relaxing. But there is also plenty to explore. There are beautiful temples to see, fine beaches for beach hopping and lively markets and shopping malls. Combine the impressive nature of Ang Thong with the laid-back atmosphere of Koh Samui for an unforgettable tour of Thailand.Â
Customized travel proposal for Thailand
Do you want to take a beautiful tour of Thailand, but already get stressed at the idea of having to figure out and plan everything? Let us help you! As personal travel consultants we organize your tailor-made tour through Thailand, completely based on your wishes and budget. Request a tailor-made travel proposal for your vacation to Thailand and enjoy a carefree trip to the land of smiles.Â
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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