Sea of Love, a cute 2D children’s animation made by Thai creators, offers insight into the lives of marine animals living in Thailand’s tropical waters. Its animated form gives viewers a chance to experience the beauty that is usually hidden beneath the sea. Thailand has many gorgeous marine sites, especially in the south.
One favorite site is Ang Thong National Marine Park in Surat Thani. The national marine park consists of 42 mostly limestone islands, with Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, and Ko Sam Sao, being the most popular among tourists.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is good for visiting almost all year, except during the monsoon season when the park is closed each year during 1-30 November for tourist safety. If visiting in any other month, the following are the check-in spots you should not miss.
The park office is on this island. Its highlight is “Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint,” which requires a 500-meter trek to reach it. As the highest viewpoint on the island, it offers a 360-degree view of the rest of this enchanting archipelago. It also has a white sand beach and clear sea water with a chance to see pink dolphins swimming during March-April every year.
Another check-in attraction on Ko Wua Ta Lap is Bua Boke Cave. Named after stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave resemble the shape of blooming lotuses. This place is ideal for adventurous visitors who do not mind the uphill trek of about 300 meters. The trail inside also requires care and attention, but its beauty makes it worth the effort to reach it.
This natural emerald lagoon in the middle of Ko Mae Ko is created from a limestone pool that collapsed into the sea and became a lake surrounded by a wall of jagged limestone mountains. Visitors can climb 400 meters to its viewpoint to get a high-angle view of the surroundings.
Directly opposite Ko Mae Ko, this is a snorkeling site with a rich coral reef that stretches out for more than 1 kilometer. There is also a natural rock bridge that reaches out into the sea. Making it a favorite photo spot for visitors. Anyone who wants a high-angle view can enjoy the beautiful scenery by taking a 150-meter walk to the high ground.
This island has a beautiful beach which is the longest in the park. Despite not being as popular as the nearby Ko Wua Ta Lap, its surroundings consist of a rock formation that looks like a sculpture of thin rock sheets. Colorful rocks also add more dimension to this exotic scenery.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is famous for one-day excursions. Contact any of the many tour desks around Ko Samui or Surat Thani International Airport which offer day tours to the park. Prices vary by boat type.
Ferries usually take about 2 hours and are cheaper than speed boats which take about 1 hour. The Service includes breakfast, lunch, and a parking fee.
