Angthong National Marine Park (Mu Ko Angthong)

Angthong National Marine Park is composed of a group of 40 or so islands making stunning vistas of a forest full of rock formations.

Angthong, meaning 'golden bowl', occupies almost 250 sq km and includes 50 sq km of limestone islands and karsts topography. Most of the islands are close to each other making a breathtaking panorama sailing around the park. The park itself is inhabited by a considerable amount of asian wildlife and dolphins also live in the sea.

All the islands are of different sizes and shapes. Most of them are covered with tropical forests and named after their distinguishing geography, a kind of descriptive appellation, such as 'Sleeping Cow Island' and 'Three Pillar Island'.

Caves in many of the islands have intriguing rock formations. Visit one for an awesome experience. The beaches are surrounded with excellent coral reefs which make for perfect swimming and snorkeling. Hundreds of beaches here in the archipelago are deserted. Get a boat and find your own secret beach away from the crowds.

Mae Ko Island is a must to visit. Here lays an emerald seawater lake in the middle of the island encircled on all sides by limestone cliffs causing a perfectly calm sea. There is an underground tunnel connecting with the sea outside. You can climb from the seashore to the edge of the lake in 40 minutes or so for a rewarding and spectacular view across the whole park. Another major highlight is Wua Talap Island or 'sleeping cow'. The park headquarters is located on the island with basic bungalow accommodation. It takes some effort to climb up the steep 430 m hill to a viewpoint offering great scenery of the entire archipelago and the mainland.

The most common transport is to get tour boats taking 40-50 people, with lunch on board. Or else you can take speedboat tours which also provide a snorkeling program. It gets you to the archipelago faster. The best way is to put together a group of friends to hire a boat and explore the islands and beaches in your own time.

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