Ang Thong National Marine Park

Well, as announced, there were still some highlights in Koh Samui. The first one we will report about here is the Ang Thon National Marine Park.

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a region in the Gulf of Thailand consisting of 42 small islands. The main islands are Phaluai, Wua Talap, Mae Ko, Sam Sao, Hin Dap, Nai Phut, and Phai luak. The island group is located just a few kilometers from Koh Samui. The entire park covers an area of 102 sq km, of which only 18 sq km is occupied by the islands. The national park was established on November 12, 1980.

Of course, we couldn't miss this spectacle and booked a day tour including kayaking. We were picked up early in the morning and taken to the port by shuttle. From there, we continued by ship to the island groups.

On board, we were surrounded by, once again, 90% Chinese.... they are everywhere here :) One thing is for sure, watching people has never been so much fun! Always well-styled.... lipstick, powder, and mascara were used continuously, they took an estimated million 'selfies' and posed skillfully.

The first point of the program was a viewpoint from which you could see the 'Green Lagoon' and the islands in front. The climb was quite steep and sweating was unavoidable. We were dripping from every pore. DRIPPING! But when we reached the top, the view was really beautiful. We also took out our camera and tried to take 'selfies'. See for yourself :)

After that, we went kayaking to the next island. Past impressive rock formations, through small caves, and back out to the open sea. We liked that! Instead of the 40 minutes we paddled, we would have loved to continue like this all day.

Having arrived at the island, we had the opportunity to snorkel, relax, or visit another viewpoint. We did everything, even though the ship wanted to leave after 90 minutes. First, we went snorkeling - a DISAPPOINTMENT!!! You couldn't see farther than 2 meters. That was really disappointing. We laid down on the beach and relaxed.

After a short time, it became boring and we decided to climb the viewpoint. Easier said than done. The climb was tough. Over rocks and stones, uphill, in scorching heat, wearing flip-flops, and without water. Uphill for a long time. Others were smarter than us. But anyway, we arrived panting at the top. The view was fantastic! The effort was worth it.

Jessy decided to go down on viewpoint no. 2. After all, the ship wanted to leave at some point. Thimo took his two legs in his hands and quickly climbed one more platform for the perfect picture. So, Thimo up - Jessy down. On the way down, Jessy could already hear the tour guide calling. Not a good sign. The ship was about to leave and the passengers were supposed to make their way to the ship. Her heart started beating a little faster because the thought of Thimo still wandering around on the mountain didn't please her very much. Would we reach the ship back to Koh Samui on time? Questionable...?! When Jessy finally reached the bottom, the quick descent also took 20 minutes, she saw that the ship was about to leave. She quickly packed up the things that were still lying on the beach. Okay - but what now? Get on the ship? Inform them that Thimo is still missing? Just wait until he comes down? In the end, all these questions became irrelevant when she saw the ship leaving.... without her and without Thimo on board.

She discussed the further course of action with various people and waited. Shortly afterward, Thimo returned from his trip and Jessy, somewhat annoyed, explained the situation to him. Once again, we had more luck than brains! The ship was called back, and we could return to Koh Samui without any additional costs. Slowly, our good mood returned, and we amused ourselves about the incident. After all, everything worked out just in time in the end! Typical! The entire way back, we relaxed on the sundeck and refreshed ourselves with a long nap.

It was an all-around beautiful trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Not as breathtaking as we had imagined, but still beautiful. Absolutely recommended for a more peaceful excursion.