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Koh Phangan is near a natural marvel, a magnificent aquatic world of 42 or more islands! On clear days, it serves as a panoramic view for us here on Koh Phangan, and it's just a short boat trip from the island.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is located on excellent real estate in the Gulf of Thailand, with Koh Samui, Phangan, and Koh Tao situated east and the Thai mainland to the west. The 42 islands vary in size and form, but they all have an unrivalled beauty.
The islands are covered in tropical forests and named "Sleeping Cow Island" and "Three Pillars Island" based on their geography. Because of its natural beauty, Angthong, which means "golden bowl," has been protected since 1980. Except for one, all of the islands are deserted and underdeveloped.
May you have heard of the novel and film ‘The Beach? This is where Alex Garland supposedly based the story, and the archipelago inspired him to write it. However, because it is protected, no part of the famous movie was filmed here. Instead, the scenes were shot at Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi.
Whether you go by speedboat or a more significant, slower boat depends on your chosen boat excursion. It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Angthong on a large boat, but it is a beautiful speed to travel in the morning when breakfast is typically provided, and you may relax and wake up while enjoying the journey on the sea.
If you are impatient or dislike long boat rides, a speedboat excursion is an alternative; however, you will not have access to entertaining features such as a slide and a sun deck. On the larger boats, they may also have kayaks to rent so that you can use them to move location from one island to the next or stay on the boat if you wish.
Even though it is not the largest island in Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Wua Talap is considered the archipelago's main island.
This is where the national park's headquarters are located, as well as Ang Thong's primary attraction: "the most beautiful sight in Thailand", a sweeping view of the islands and the clean seas surrounding them.
A beautiful beach, an intriguing cave with stalagmites and stalactites, and a few adorable monkeys can all be found on Koh Wua Talap. This is the island on which you sleep if you want to spend the night within the national park.
The walk to Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint is steep and strenuous, but it is well worth it.
Even though the name is a little clichéd, it feels appropriate when you watch the water glitter around the jungled limestone cliffs in the distance when you get there.
You'll have to climb almost 500 meters vertically to reach the summit, all on quite decent steps.
Most individuals will need 30-45 minutes to go up there and a bit less time to come down. Allow additional time for photographs.
You'll be much more comfortable if you go early or late in the day since you'll escape the mid-day heat and humidity.
Suppose you want to save time and your legs! On the climb up, you may stop at various viewpoints along the route that provide spectacular views of Koh Wua Talap's beach and the rest of the archipelago's islands.
On most day trips, you may pick between seeing the viewpoint or going to the cave.
The journey to the cave isn't lengthy, but it is strenuous, with some parts requiring scrambling and basic climbing. However, the stalagmites and stalactites are spectacular, and the cave is highly picturesque due to the light coming in from both sides.
Ko Mae Ko, which means "mother island," is an island with an emerald saltwater lake named Thale Nai that is linked to the sea via underwater tunnels. A 20-minute walk from a local beach leads to a spectacular lake view. Limestone cliffs surround the lake, one of the most stunning parts of Ang Thong. There are a few white beaches on the island also to enjoy.
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