Thailand is becoming more and more popular with both regular people and celebrities. This is not only due to the fact it’s cheap but more because of the wonderful specter of culture, history, serenity and tranquility of the country and all the other aspects of it.
What stands out?
One particular part of Thailand that stands out is Ang Thong National Marine Park which is a unspoiled archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Its thick jungle, fertile mangroves, towering limestone mountains, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore are beauties you shouldn’t, or better – mustn’t miss out on!
Ang Thong Marine National Park was established in 1980. It is a space that covers more than 80% of the entire archipelago. It’s interesting that only licensed tour operators are allowed entry into the park. The popularity of Ang Thong raised with publishing of Alex Garland’s novel ‘The Beach’ where this particular destination is described as a place where backpackers in search of a secret island utopia set up camp.
What do I want to see there?
This gorgeous destination is a home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures with a protected area of more than 100 square kilometers of land and sea. Ang Thong are hiking, diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, sailing or simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches.
Visitors of this heaven on earth usually arrive by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan or on a join-in day trip. In case they wish to stay overnight, there are camping tents and bungalows available for rent at the Park Headquarters on Koh Wua Talab. As for food, that too is arranged – there is a simple restaurant with traditional cousin.
The Ang Thong islands remain the postcard-perfect image of a tropical paradise despite the fact that the park has started to get busy with day-trippers in the peak season.
What about highlights and features?
Visiting this particular part of Thailand will be a wonder for all of your senses! Ang Thong has some of the most spectacular sceneries in all of Thailand. Among other beauties, it prides on its steep limestone cliffs. Some of these cliffs are formed into wondrous shapes by centuries of erosion and are rising as high as 400 meters.
The wildlife of this ‘Golden Basin’ (‘Ang Thong’ translated) is incredibly rich and it definitely blends well with four distinct types of forest. Some of the creatures to be spotted here are hair-nosed otters, iguanas, little herons, langurs (long-tailed monkeys), pacific reef egrets, white-bellied sea eagles, sea turtles and pythons. If you are a lover of underwater joys, the surrounding sea is full of variety of colorful fish, offering some decent snorkeling and diving sights.
What are the best ways of getting there & around?
As mentioned before, Ang Thong has a status of a national park which means only government-approved tour boats may enter it. It’s not unusual for the park to be all booked on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao. A couple of other great features that can be arranged are speedboat charters and liveaboard cruise trips. So, if you are looking to have an unforgettable experience you could always make a day of combined activities such as sightseeing, hiking, kayaking and lounging on the beaches.
Thailand is definitely an amazing country to visit or even move to. Great living conditions are what will definitely persuade you into staying here, maybe even renting or buying a home. The stock market offers amazing deals here with far better options than Europe or other parts of Southern Asia.
Thailand seems like a place of limitless options, so if you were looking to relocate you may even build your own house here. If however you are looking to just visit a new destination no strings attached, Thailand is definitely a great option.
Everyone agrees the best time to visit Ang Thong is March to October when the seas are calmer. Sometimes in the months of November through January the park is closed due to inclement weather so choose your visits wisely.
Everything in Thailand screams culture, excitement, calamity and beauty. Make it your priority to visit this heaven on Earth and enjoy its every corner!
