Koh Pha Ngan: Day Tour to Ang Thong With Snorkeling & Lunch

Koh Pha Ngan, a picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand, offers adventurous travelers an unforgettable day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park. This full-day excursion combines the thrill of snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs, a scenic hike to the stunning Emerald Lake viewpoint, and a delectable beach lunch – all while immersed in the captivating natural beauty of this protected archipelago. For those seeking an exhilarating blend of outdoor exploration and local culinary delights, this tour presents a compelling opportunity to discover the wonders of Koh Pha Ngan‘s pristine marine environment.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Lunch Experiences In Koh Samui.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Koh Pha Ngan to Ang Thong National Marine Park, including a speedboat ride, snorkeling, and a buffet lunch on the beach.
• The tour provides an opportunity to explore the vibrant coral reef and hike to the Emerald Lake viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
• The tour is not recommended for certain groups due to the hike and boat ride, and participants should have a good fitness level.
• The tour offers a 5% discount and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with shared minivan pickup from most hotels.
• The tour has received an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on transportation, value for money, and the quality of the guided activities and lunch.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The day tour from Koh Pha Ngan to Ang Thong National Marine Park lasts approximately 8 hours and offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural wonders, including a vibrant coral reef for snorkeling and the scenic Emerald Lake viewpoint.

The tour is priced at €66.95 per person, with a 5% discount available. Pickup from most hotels is included, though some areas may require a short walk to the main road.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour isn’t recommended for certain groups due to the hike and boat ride, so it’s important to consider one’s fitness level and any health concerns before booking.

Detailed Itinerary

Shared minivans pick guests up from their hotels between 7:30 AM and 8:45 AM for the start of the day tour. The journey to Ang Thong National Marine Park takes around an hour by speedboat. Once there, visitors enjoy 45 minutes of snorkeling at a vibrant coral reef. Next, they hike for 45 minutes to a viewpoint overlooking the Emerald Lake, taking in the panoramic vistas. After exploring, a buffet lunch is served on the beach at Koh Maekok, lasting approximately an hour. The final stop is Ko Wua Ta Lap, where guests can choose to hike to a viewpoint or go kayaking in the sea. The tour wraps up with the return journey to Koh Pha Ngan.

Itinerary	Duration
Pickup	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Speedboat Ride	1 hour
Snorkeling	45 minutes
Emerald Lake Hike	45 minutes
Lunch	1 hour
Ko Wua Ta Lap	Optional activities
Return	Speedboat and minivan

Highlights of the Trip

Discovering Ang Thong National Marine Park by speedboat kicks off the day’s highlights, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant underwater world through a 45-minute snorkeling session.

After this, the trip takes travelers to the stunning Emerald Lake, where they can hike to a viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Lunch at Koh Maekok’s beach provides a delightful respite, with a buffet offering local flavors.

For those seeking more adventure, the optional hike to a viewpoint on Ko Wua Ta Lap and the chance to kayak in the sea add an extra layer of excitement.

Throughout the day, the tour showcases the natural beauty and diversity of this marine wonderland.

Important Considerations

When it comes to participating in this day tour, certain important considerations come into play.

Not all travelers may be suited for the physical demands, as the hike to the Emerald Lake viewpoint in particular requires a good level of fitness. Plus, those prone to seasickness or mobility issues may find portions of the itinerary challenging.

The tour is also not recommended for children under 2, pregnant women, or those with back problems. Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a copy of their passport.

While the overall experience earns high marks, the steep hike and time constraints may be limiting factors for some. Carefully reviewing the tour details is advised to ensure it aligns with one’s abilities and preferences.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Koh Pha Ngan day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 125 customer reviews.

Travelers praise the tour’s organization, knowledgeable guides, and delicious buffet lunch on the beach. However, some note the steepness of the hike and the time constraints.

The key customer feedback highlights include:

• Transportation was rated 4.5/5, with positive comments on the shared minivan pickup service.

• Value for money was rated 4.4/5, indicating the tour provides an excellent experience for the price.

• While most enjoyed the activities, a few mentioned the hike’s difficulty, suggesting it may not be suitable for all fitness levels.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes a shared minivan pickup service from most hotels on Koh Pha Ngan, with a pickup window between 7:30 AM and 8:45 AM. The minivan then transports guests to the pier, where they board a speedboat for the 1-hour journey to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Pickup Service	Timing
Shared Minivan	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Speedboat to Ang Thong	1 hour

This convenient door-to-door transportation ensures a smooth start to the day’s adventure. Guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive before embarking on the boat ride to the stunning archipelago.

Snorkeling and Coral Reef

After the boat ride, guests enjoy a 45-minute snorkeling session at a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful marine life. The snorkeling experience offers a chance to marvel at the underwater wonders of Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Highlights include:

1. Spotting a variety of tropical fish, such as clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish, as they dart through the coral formations.

2. Observing the intricate and vibrant coral structures that make up the reef, showcasing nature’s incredible diversity.

3. Feeling the gentle current as you glide through the clear, turquoise waters, immersed in the serene marine environment.

The snorkeling activity provides a captivating introduction to the park’s abundant marine ecosystems, setting the stage for the rest of the day’s explorations.

Emerald Lake Viewpoint

From the vibrant coral reefs, the tour moves on to the Emerald Lake, where guests embark on a 45-minute hike to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the stunning landscapes. The trail is known to be steep, so a good fitness level is required. Reaching the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the emerald-green lake nestled amidst towering limestone cliffs. This natural wonder is a highlight of the day tour, providing a serene moment to appreciate the park’s natural beauty.

Hiking Time	Difficulty	Viewpoint	Scenery
45 minutes	Steep	Panoramic	Emerald Lake, Limestone Cliffs

The Emerald Lake viewpoint is a must-see on this Ang Thong adventure, offering a chance to disconnect and take in the park’s stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Number of Participants Allowed?

The tour is not suitable for certain participants, including children under 2, pregnant women, those with back problems, seasickness, or mobility issues. However, the maximum number of participants is not explicitly stated in the provided information.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour operator provides snorkeling gear for those who don’t have their own. Using the provided equipment is recommended to ensure proper fit and functioning.

Is Alcohol Served During the Lunch Buffet?

The tour’s lunch buffet doesn’t serve alcohol. While some excursions provide alcoholic beverages, this particular day tour focuses on sightseeing and snorkeling in Ang Thong National Marine Park without any mention of alcohol being available during the included lunch.

Can I Swim in the Emerald Lake?

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to swim in the Emerald Lake. The lake is a protected ecosystem within the national park, and swimming is prohibited to preserve its delicate natural environment. Visitors can only view the lake from the designated viewpoint.

Can I Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, guests can upgrade to a private tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park. This would provide a more personalized experience with a private speedboat and guide. Prices for the private tour option are available upon request.

Recap

This day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Pha Ngan offers an exhilarating blend of nature, relaxation, and local flavors.

Travelers can enjoy a scenic speedboat ride, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, hike to the Emerald Lake viewpoint, and savor a delicious beach lunch.

It’s an adventure-packed experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise.

You can check if your dates are available here: