Koh Samui: Day Tour to Ang Thong with Kayak, Snorkel & Lunch

Traveling to Koh Samui? If you’re craving a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and genuine Thai hospitality, the Day Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park is an experience worth considering. This tour offers a well-rounded day of exploration, from snorkeling with vibrant fish to conquering a challenging hike for breathtaking views.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the variety of activities packed into one day, the knowledgeable guides who keep things fun and safe, and the delicious buffet lunch that hits the spot after a morning of adventures. That said, it does involve a fair amount of travel via speedboat, which might be uncomfortable for some, especially those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who want to see the highlights of Ang Thong while enjoying a mix of relaxation and physical activity. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or are traveling with very young children or pregnant women, one of the more laid-back options might suit you better. But if you love a full day of exploring, this trip will deliver plenty of memorable moments.

• Variety of activities: Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and scenic viewpoints make for a full, engaging day.
• Expert guides: Guides like Tom and Ken receive praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and local knowledge.
• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking views from the Emerald Lake, Blue Lagoon, and the viewpoint of 42 islands.
• Good value: The tour includes all key activities, a buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and transfers, offering excellent bang for your buck.
• Active but flexible: Activities are optional—perfect for those who want to push themselves or prefer to relax.
• Weather dependency: The schedule may shift due to sea conditions; safety always comes first.

Pickup and Transportation: Starting the Day

The journey begins early, with pickup from your hotel between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The exact time depends on your location and is confirmed the day before. You’ll hop into a spacious shared minivan, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the pier. Reviewers consistently mention that the pickup runs smoothly, even if some hotels are a little tricky for the larger vans—walking a short distance to a main road is sometimes necessary.

Once at the pier, you’ll be greeted with snacks, tea, and coffee while waiting to board the speedboat. This initial stage sets a relaxed tone and gives you a chance to meet fellow travelers before heading out onto the water.

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The Speedboat Ride: Scenic and Sometimes Bumpy

The boat ride itself takes roughly an hour, passing notable islands such as Praying Monkey Island and Three Pillars Island. Expect the ride to be fun but bumpy, especially if the sea is lively. Many reviews praise the crew for their professionalism and for making the ride enjoyable despite the waves. Some mention that during rougher waters, the ride can be quite lively—so pack some motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive.

Snorkeling at Mu Ko Ang Thong

The first major activity is snorkeling at an ideal spot teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. Expect about 45 minutes in the water, with guides like Dan or Jeff helping less confident swimmers or snorkelers. Reviewers highlight the abundance of marine life and the clarity of the water, making it a memorable part of the day. Some mention that the site is busy but lively, with plenty of fish to see, and a perfect way to cool off after the boat ride.

Emerald Lake and the Blue Lagoon

Next, the tour takes you to Emerald Lake at Ko Mae Ko. Here, you’ll have about 45 minutes to take photos, walk around, and hike up to the viewpoint. The trail can be steep and rocky, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Many travelers, like Margaux and Hayley, mention that the climb is demanding but absolutely worth it for the panoramic views over the Blue Lagoon and surrounding islands.

Multiple reviews talk about the incredible scenery from the top—”the views are to die for,” as one guest put it. Guides like Ken are praised for their encouragement and helpfulness during the hike, making sure everyone stays safe and motivated.

Lunch at Koh Maekok

After the hike, you’ll head to Koh Maekok for a buffet lunch on the beach. The food quality receives positive comments, with many mentioning that it’s tasty and plentiful, especially considering it’s included in the tour. Vegetarian options are available, which is a bonus for those with dietary restrictions. You’ll have about an hour to relax, swim, or just soak in the scenery while enjoying fresh fruit and drinks.

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Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint: The Big Hike

Post-lunch, the tour moves on to Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint. The hike involves some steep sections, ropes, and rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Many reviewers find the effort challenging but worth it; the sweeping views of 42 islands are spectacular. Guides like Tom and Ken are again praised for their friendliness, safety tips, and encouragement.

Kayaking at Ko Wua Ta Lap

The final active stop is kayaking around limestone inlets near Ko Wua Ta Lap. This section lasts about an hour and is ideal for those who want a relaxing yet engaging activity. Reviewers like Vedang and Roshani mention that their guides helped with paddling if needed and that the calm sea made for smooth kayaking. It’s a peaceful way to explore the coastline, and many appreciate that it’s optional—giving you control over how much activity you want to do.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-off

After a full day of exploring, the speedboat takes you back to Koh Samui, with the return ride being roughly an hour. The boat crew is described as attentive and friendly, ensuring everyone is comfortable. Upon arriving at the pier, you’ll hop back into the minivan for the short drive to your hotel, with drop-offs between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Timing and Duration: The complete tour lasts about 8.5 hours, from hotel pickup to drop-off. Starting times vary between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, depending on your location.

Group Size: The maximum group size is around 40 people, which helps maintain a lively but manageable atmosphere. Smaller groups are often praised for more personalized attention.

Price and Value: While the tour covers a lot—including snorkeling gear, kayaking, a buffet lunch, drinks, and transfers—the marine park fee (around 300 Baht) is payable on the day and isn’t included in the initial price. Reviewers agree that considering the multiple activities and all-inclusive nature, the trip offers excellent value for money.

Activities and Fitness: Expect some physical effort, especially on hikes to viewpoints. The steep climbs and rocky paths require a good level of fitness, and wearing proper shoes is advised. Activities are optional, giving flexibility for less active guests or those with mobility issues.

Weather Conditions: The schedule is weather-dependent. If sea conditions are unsafe, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled. Safety always comes first, and guides are experienced at handling changing conditions.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, cash (for park fees and snacks), passport or copy, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

Not Suitable for: Children under 2, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to seasickness or with mobility issues.

Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides like Tom, Ken, and Jeff, who go above and beyond to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Many appreciated the personalized care, with guides helping less confident snorkelers or paddlers, and even assisting with photography.

The scenery is consistently described as breathtaking, especially from the viewpoints at Emerald Lake and the Big Viewpoint overlooking 42 islands. Several reviewers point out that the hikes, while challenging, are the highlight for those who enjoy physical activity and panoramic vistas.

Food also scores high—many describe the buffet lunch as tasty, well-prepared, and a perfect energy boost for the rest of the day. Drinks are plentiful, with unlimited water and Pepsi, plus options to buy beer and other beverages.

The overall organization impresses guests, who note the smooth flow from pickup to return, and the helpfulness of the crew at every step. The trip’s balance between activities and downtime is well-received, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

This Koh Samui day tour to Ang Thong Marine Park offers a fantastic mix of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxed beach time. It’s particularly well-suited for active travelers who want to make the most of their day and see the highlights of this stunning archipelago. The combination of knowledgeable guides, diverse activities, and good value makes it a standout choice.

If you’re after a day packed with snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and awe-inspiring views—plus a hearty lunch—this tour delivers. Just keep in mind the physical demands of some hikes and the sea conditions, especially if you’re sensitive to rough boat rides.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, memorable experience that will leave you with plenty of great stories and photos to share.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included from Koh Samui hotels, scheduled between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM depending on your location, with exact times sent the day before.

How long is the boat ride?
The speedboat ride to and from Ang Thong Marine Park lasts about an hour each way, with a scenic route passing notable islands.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, hiking to viewpoints, kayaking, and swimming are the main activities. All are optional, allowing flexibility based on your energy and interest.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included, served on the beach at Koh Maekok. Vegetarian options are available, and there’s fresh fruit and drinks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes (preferably sturdy for hikes), swimwear under clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. Pack motion sickness prevention if needed.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 2 years old, especially those comfortable with physical activity, as some hikes are steep and challenging.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 40 people, which helps keep the tour lively yet manageable.

Can I skip certain activities?
Yes, activities like kayaking and hiking are optional, so you can choose to relax or participate as you prefer.

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?
The tour will be canceled or rescheduled for safety reasons. You can receive a full refund or a new date.

This tour offers a great way to explore Ang Thong’s stunning islands with a balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re into hiking for panoramic views or enjoying snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, it’s a day packed with authentic experiences and beautiful scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: