Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour Official

Exploring Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour Official: A Complete Guide

If you’re considering a day trip from Koh Samui to Angthong National Marine Park, you’re in for a treat that combines scenic views, outdoor activities, and moments of peaceful nature. While our review is based on other travelers’ experiences, it paints a clear picture of what to expect.

This tour is particularly appealing if you love adventure and nature, with highlights like hiking to panoramic viewpoints, kayaking through caves and limestone formations, and snorkeling amid vibrant marine life. We love that it offers a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, plus the chance to see some of the most impressive natural scenery around Koh Samui.

One thing to keep in mind is that snorkeling opportunities seem limited—some travelers expected more water-based exploration. So, if snorkeling is your main goal, this might not fully meet your expectations.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate well-organized trips, scenic hikes, and coastal adventures. If you’re looking for a full-day, multi-activity excursion that combines sightseeing with active fun, this tour could be just right.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip with hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and sightseeing
• Affordable price point at $34.79 per person, offering good value
• Expert guides and attention to safety, with professional kayaking instructions
• Limited snorkeling indicates more emphasis on land-based activities and scenic views
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off enhances the overall experience
• Ideal for active travelers who enjoy nature, adventure, and picturesque landscapes

What to Expect from the Angthong Tour Experience

This tour offers a full day on the water and on land, designed to showcase the diverse natural beauty of Angthong Marine Park. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, active day that highlights the best of Koh Samui’s surrounding archipelago.

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Check-in

The day starts early, with hotel pickups from Koh Samui via air-conditioned van, making transportation seamless and comfortable. Once at Nathon Pier, the check-in process is straightforward, with welcoming staff guiding you through the essentials and handing out tour instructions.

A light breakfast including bakery items, hot tea, coffee, and fresh fruit is served onboard, setting you up for the day ahead. The boat itself is designed for comfort, with three spacious decks, including a roof deck perfect for catching some sun and enjoying the sea breeze.

Exploring Ko Wua Ta Lap: The Heart of the Archipelago

Your first stop is Wua Ta Lap Island, the main hub of the park. Here, you’ll have around 2.5 hours to explore. The highlight is the JanJaras Nature Trail, which climbs to a viewpoint 500 meters above sea level, offering panoramic vistas of 42 islands. The trail features ladders and fixed ropes, so some level of fitness and comfort with heights are recommended—reviewers mention it’s a challenging hike but worth the effort for the scenery.

Alongside hiking, you can relax on the island’s white-sand beaches or snorkel in clear waters, provided you’re interested in exploring marine life. The Lotus Cave (Bua Boke) is another must-see, with stalactite and stalagmite formations that make for a fascinating short hike inside.

One reviewer noted that guides are very knowledgeable, making the hike easier to navigate and sharing insights about the park’s geology and ecology.

The Climax: Pha Jan Ja Ras Viewpoint

Next, the tour takes you to Pha Jan Ja Ras, a trail renowned for offering some of the most spectacular vistas in Thailand. The short, yet steep hike features ladders and fixed ropes, making it accessible for most active travelers.

From the top, you’ll get sweeping views over the archipelago’s limestone cliffs and islands—a true reward that many reviewers describe as breathtaking. The challenge of the climb is balanced by the awe-inspiring scenery that makes the effort worthwhile.

Exciting Water Activities at Ko Mae Ko

One of the most engaging parts of the tour is kayaking around Mae Koh Island. With a brief instructional session, even beginners can enjoy paddling through crystal-clear waters, exploring caves, limestone formations, and coastlines.

This activity is highly praised—one reviewer mentioned that it’s a perfect opportunity to learn kayaking with expert guidance, which adds a layer of confidence for novices. After kayaking, snorkeling is available, and you can expect to see colorful fish and vibrant corals, although the actual snorkeling experience appears to vary based on individual expectations and weather conditions.

The Blue Lagoon and Scenic Photo Opportunities

Later, hikers are invited to visit the Emerald Blue Lagoon, a stunning, landlocked lagoon surrounded by lush green mountains. It’s accessible via a short walk up steps, and the view is definitely one of the highlights for photos and relaxation.

A reviewer appreciated the chance to take selfies against the lush backdrop or simply enjoy the tranquil scenery before heading back down to snorkel or relax on the beach.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour concludes with a short cruise to Koh Sao, where you can admire the iconic natural arch stone bridge. The journey back to Koh Samui is filled with drinks, snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant end to an action-packed day.

Once back at Nathon Pier, a comfortable van awaits to return you to your hotel, completing a well-organized and enjoyable trip.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

While reviews are limited, they reveal some key points. One traveler called it an “excellent day tour”, praising the friendly staff, good food, and the variety of activities like canoeing and island sightseeing. They also appreciated the delicious breakfast and buffet lunch, highlighting the value included in the $34.79 price tag.

On the flip side, a different reviewer was disappointed, stating there was “no snorkeling at all”—the trip is largely about exploring on land and paddling around by kayak. They expressed confusion over the snorkeling offerings, which shows it’s crucial to set expectations accordingly.

It’s clear that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing insights that enrich the experience. The tour’s design seems to prioritize activity and scenic views over extensive water-based exploration, which is something to consider if snorkeling is a primary goal.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Value

The entire tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, beginning at 8:30 am with hotel pickup and ending back in Koh Samui by late afternoon or early evening. The price point of $34.79 per person offers respectable value for the range of activities, food, and transportation included.

The boat is designed with safety in mind, boasting three spacious decks and offering life jackets, snorkeling gear, dry bags, and sea sickness tablets—all important considerations if you’re prone to seasickness or just want peace of mind.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 80 travelers, ensuring you won’t be lost in a crowd, and bilingual guides help make the experience accessible to international visitors.

What’s Not Included

Entry fees to the national park (about 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children) are paid separately, so budget about $10 USD for this. Souvenir photos can be purchased after the trip if you want a keepsake.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a nature lover drawn to scenic hikes and stunning viewpoints, this tour offers incredible sights and a chance to stretch your legs.

Active travelers who enjoy kayaking and short treks will find plenty to keep them engaged. Families with kids comfortable with walking and light adventure may also find it suitable, especially given the safety measures and guided instructions.

However, if your main goal is snorkeling or underwater photography, you might want to explore other tours explicitly centered around water activities.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate a well-rounded day of exploration, with a mix of mountain hikes, coastal kayaking, and scenic vistas.

The Sum Up

The Angthong National Marine Park tour by Highsea offers a balanced mix of adventure and sightseeing, packed into a single day. With knowledgeable guides, delicious included meals, and stunning natural views, it provides a worthwhile escape from Koh Samui’s beaches to experience the archipelago’s rugged beauty.

While snorkeling opportunities are limited, the chance to hike panoramic trails, paddle around limestone formations, and relax in emerald lagoons makes it an attractive choice for active travelers. The tour’s reasonable price, combined with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, makes it a practical option for those wanting a full day of exploration without the hassle of organizing transportation or activities independently.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure that showcases some of the most spectacular scenery around Koh Samui, this trip fits the bill. Just keep your expectations in check regarding aquatic activities, and you’ll be rewarded with memorable views and engaging experiences.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours from start to finish.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
It focuses on scenic hikes, coastal kayaking, and island sightseeing rather than extensive snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Snorkeling gear, dry bags, and life jackets are provided, as well as kayaking equipment. You only need to bring essentials like sunscreen and water.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a light breakfast in the morning and a full buffet lunch with seasonal salads and fruits are included, with vegetarian options available.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable with walking and some physical activity, especially the hikes.

This tour offers an excellent way to see the best of Angthong’s natural beauty at a reasonable price, perfect for adventure-minded travelers eager to explore beyond Koh Samui’s beaches.