Samui Islands
Angthong National Marine Park
This comprises some 40 islands and is about two hours by boat northwest of Ko Samui. The park covers 250 square kilometres, of which approximately one fifth is land mass. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), Ko Mae Ko (Mother island), Ko Prayat (Economical island), Ko Sam Sao (Tripod island), Ko Nai Put (Mr. Put's island) and Ko Wua Te (Kicking Cow island). Most islands comprise limestone masses reaching heights of up to 400 metres, and fringed by beaches and rain forest.
An emerald saltwater lake known as Tale Nai (Inland Sea) on Ko Mae Ko is the park's major scenic attraction, and entails a mildly strenuous climb. The resultant views are well worth the effort. Another popular venue is Ko Sam Sao where an extensive span of coral reef and a huge rock arch offer scenic fascination. The park office is on Ko Wua Talap where bungalow-style accommodation is available.
Visitors wishing to stay overnight should make advance bookings and specify whether meal services are required, either through the Angthong Marine National Park office, 26/1 Noo 5, Talatlang- Paknam Road Road, Surat Thani 8400, Tel: (077) 288-992, or the National Parks Division in Bangkok, Tel: 549-0529 or 579-4842.
Ko Pha Ngan
This increasingly popular 191-squarekilometre island is 60 minutes north of Ko Samui. Attractions include a hilltop temple, Wat Khao Tam, ideal for meditation, the Tan Sadet Waterfall some 30 kilometres from the district office, the Hat Rin Beach, some 12 kilometres from the district office, the Paeng National Park, some 4 kilometres from the district office, and satellite islands such as Ko Tao where pristine beaches and coral reefs are found.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
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