Enjoying Ang Thong’s ample attractions

Posted by Full mooner on February 10th, 2012 filed in activities, sightseeing

Ang Thong translates into English as gold bowl and anybody who has ever visited Ang Thong National Park in southern Thailand will be able to explain where the name came from. The park is an archipelago of some 40 tropical islands covered with verdant rainforest set amid the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand. White sand beaches and calm bays on islands such as Samsao and Wua Kantang beckon arriving tourists.

The islands are east of Koh Samui and numerous boat and tour operators here offer cruises as well as kayaking and sailing trips to Ang Thong. People wishing to stay longer can book accommodation at the park’s visitor centre on Wua Talap Island. On this same island there are two hiking trails which offer great views over the archipelago. Thalay Nai is a unique location on Koh Mae Koh and boasts a stunning turquoise lagoon ringed by majestic limestone cliffs.

There are caves on a few of the islands and some of the tour companies include a spot of spelunking on their trips. Mangroves and rain forests as well as gentle breezes keep the islands cool even on the hottest days in April and May. Koh Sam Sao is noted for a large coral reef. The seas are calm enough to swim or snorkel in for most of the year, apart from November and December when seasonal winds and strong waves buffet the islands.