Marine National Parks

Ang Thong Island Group National Park

Topography
Mu Koh Ang Thong national park, a larger part of an archipelago in the gulf of Thailand, contains 42 islands in Surat Thani province. The park coves an area of 102 square kilometers of which only 18 square kilometers are land (on the islands). The park boundary contains about 82% of the entire island chain and the sea around them. The park was established on 12 November 1980. The island group is close to the popular tourist destination of southern Thailand, Koh Samui island.

The sea depth is around 10 meters maximum, and the water is relatively under the influence of river water from the mainland. The water around the islands is thus fairly turbid or muddy with sediments all year round. The coral development around the islands is not extensive and is restricted to the narrow band encircling each island close to the shore, especially on the south western and north eastern sides.

Although the north western side of the islands is most influenced by the monsoon; coral developement are found in the sheltered spots. They are elephants tusk coral, brain coral, stragshorn coral and in deeper water plate corals of the genus Pavona and flower corals of the genus Goniopora. Marine animals found inhabiting these reefs include Butterfly fish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingray, Black tip shark, Grouper and Cowrie shells.

How to get there
To reach Mu Koh Ang Thong boats can be hired directly form Surat Thani town (about 70 km trip). One can also get the boat from Koh Samui to the national park (roughly 30 km distance). There are operators both on Koh Samui and in Surat Thani providing day return trips to the national park.

Contact address
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
147 Talard Lang road, Muang District
Surat Thani 84000
Tel: 077-283 025, 286 931