These days, untouristed beaches are few and far between, so we can all see the appeal of a story like The Beach, which follows a utopian community on a remote Thai island untouched by tourism. The blockbuster movie – famously starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Danny Boyle – was shot off Phuket, a sun-drenched tropical playground with a well-developed tourism industry. The real-life inspiration for Alex Garland’s best-selling book, however, was the undeveloped paradise of Ang Thong National Marine Park, a stunning 42-island archipelago off the east coast of southern Thailand and most easily reached from the laidback island of Koh Samui.

Connected to the sea through an underground tunnel, the hidden Emerald Lake on Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) in Ang Thong National Marine Park is a spectacular sight, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Photo by Lee Sheridan

Taking It All In

It’s easy to understand the choice of the park as the setting for a novel. Ninety minutes offshore, Ang Thong is the ultimate secret backpacker’s paradise. Known as the Golden Basin, this protected nature area covers roughly 250 square kilometres and encompasses dramatic seaside cliffs, unusual limestone outcrops, secluded caves and hidden lagoons.

If you’re in a rush, the park is becoming a popular destination for speedboat day tours, although it’s unlikely you will encounter more than one or two other boats all day. Most day trips include lunch and sea kayaking and/or snorkelling. Swimming about in the colourful coral gardens, you can expect to see angelfish, parrotfish and grouper, and glimpses of blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and oysters.

Kayaking is an exciting way to explore the limestone caves and hidden beaches through Ang Thong National Marine Park. Photo by Lee Sheridan

If you’ve got time to spare, consider spending a few nights on the islands, as there is lots more to explore amongst the deserted beaches and postcard-perfect coves. All of the islands are uninhabited with the exception of Ko Paluay, where there’s a small village of sea gypsies who earn their living from fishing. Savour some fresh island-style seafood at their village restaurant/bar before returning to the campground on Ko Wua Talab. Close to the park headquarters, a few rustic bungalows are also available.

Regardless of the approach you take, one must-see stop is the spectacular emerald lagoon on Ko Mae Ko, also known as Mother Island. This hidden saltwater lake lies at the centre of the island, ringed on all sides by towering limestone walls. There’s a steep hike to the heights, but it’s well worth the climb for the magical views.

Another near-vertical trek departs from the park’s visitor centre on Koh Wua Talab – the largest island – and rewards hikers who reach the summit with panoramic views of the entire Ang Thong park. On your way up, stay alert for spectacled monkeys, dusky langurs, crab-eating monkeys, iguanas, tree frogs and silver-haired bats. More than 50 bird species have also been sighted, including kingfishers, egrets, little herons and sea eagles.

Nearly every traveller to the island of Koh Samui pays at least one visit to the Big Buddha Shrine – where many come to light incense and pray. For anyone arriving by plane, the 12-metre-high golden statue is one of the first sights visible from the air. Photo by Lee Sheridan

On Nearby Koh Samui

Back on the island of Koh Samui, you will find accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, from charming boutique hotels boasting lavish swimming pools and spas to quaint private cottages and secluded Thai-style beachside bungalows.

Beaches are a highpoint of any stay on Koh Samui and some of the most popular are Chaweng, Lamai and Mae Nam. A quick pause in the sun could charge your batteries in time for some adventure, like hiring a moped for the day to explore the island’s tropical interior and more remote roads and coastlines.

Beat the heat with a side trip to the twin waterfalls of Na Muang, where a large natural rock pool is the perfect setting for a cool, midday swim. Explore the old-fashioned fishing village of Hua Thanon, where you can wander streets lined with old teakwood houses, brightly painted fishing boats and superb seafood establishments.

Round out the trip with a visit to the Big Buddha Shrine, a 12-metre-high golden relic that’s visible from a distance of several kilometres.

For more information about Koh Samui, including things to see and do, photos, tours and activities, contact your whl.travel local connection: Teamworkz Consulting at www.samui-hotel-link.com.

Tags: adventure sport, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Ang Thong tours, Asia, beach, birds, cave, ecotourism, fish, island, Ko Mae Ko, Koh Samui, Koh Samui hotels, Koh Samui tours, Laurel Angrist, local knowledge, nature, Thailand, Thailand tours, waterfall, wildlife

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Thailand, adventure travel, animal conservation, beaches, birds, ecotours, islands, marine conservation, responsible travel.