Thailand

South Thailand / Ang Thong Marine National Park

The park comprises some 40 islands northwest of Ko Samui covering some 250sqkm (97sqmi) of which 50sqkm (19sqmi) is land mass. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), Ko Mae Ko (Mother island), Ko Prayat (Economical island), Ko Sam Sao (Tripod island), Ko Nai Pud (Mr Pud's island), and Ko Wua Teh (Kicking Cow island). Most islands are limestone masses reaching heights of up to 400m (1313ft), fringed by beaches and tropical rain forest.

The park office is on Ko Wua Talap where bungalow-style accommodation is available. Popular sites include Hat Chan Charat (Moonlight Beach), a high viewpoint and the Tham Bua Bok (Wating Lotus Cave, named after spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations). An emerald saltwater lake known as Thale Nai on Ko Mae Ko is the park's major attraction; to reach it requires a strenuous climb, but the resultant view is well worth the effort.

Additional information on Ang Thong Marine National Park: