A DAY WELL SPENT AT MU KOH ANG THONG NATIONAL PARK ISLANDS

Another island-hopping day!

Early in the morning we were picked up by a bus from our hotel, and we were transported to one of Koh Samui Marina port. From there we took a boat for almost 1 hour to a floating deck near to the what seems deserted Koh phi where we had to switch to a long tail boat towards the island beach due to the shallow water.

*viewpoint of Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park islands*

The most spectacular viewpoint

Once we became on the land we were welcomed by a sign directing us to Pha Jun Jaras Natural Trail one of the most spectacular viewpoint of Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park islands known under the name of Ko Wua Ta Lap. To reach the view point located at an altitude of 262 meters above the sea we had to climb a steep limestone cliff. The 500 m trail might not seem long, but it required a lot of climbing effort. Ropes were tied between trees and over rocks leading to 3 other picturesque viewpoints. In some places we used the ropes to pull ourselves higher on the trail.

Arrive first to enjoy the view

We started first of the group so that we could enjoy the panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand without any crowd. Within slightly over an hour of nonstop effort we reached the top. As planned we were the first to reach the magnificent viewpoint. We took few minutes to catch our breath while contemplating the breath taking 360 degree scenery of multitude of islands spread in the infinite emerald sea.

Mission Accomplished!

Thailand Island Hiking — Conquering the peak!

Thailand Island Hopping — Catching a Breath!

Now that we had accomplished our challenge, we took our time on our way down to enjoy each of the other viewpoints until we reached the white sandy beach. We picked up two ice cold fresh mango juices from the only available beach hut on that island and sipped on them in the shade of a coconut tree, right before we took a plunge into the refreshing translucid water.

Swimming in Thailand — Into the refreshing water

A couple of hours since we had arrived in the morning went by, and it was time for our next stop. We hopped back onto the Long tail boat and we were transported to Ko Mae Ko island and we were dropped off at Talay Nai beach.

Challenge #2

It wasn’t long before we were hit with another challenge. A set of literally vertical steel and wooden stairs. We gladly accepted the challenge with high anticipation of where those steps would led us. It took us around 15 minutes of climbing those stairs passing through dense rain forest and deep ravines until we reached the apex where we could sit and contemplate the hidden salt water lake known as the Blue Lagoon, located in the internal side of the island. Advice: wear comfortable footwear, as we had seen a lot of tourists who weren’t able to continues there way up barefoot due to the heat of the burning Thai sun.

Talay Nai beach — The Blue Lagoon view from the top

A moment of peace

After spending few minutes of serenity, the ridge started to get crowded with the loud type of tourist, so, we decided to hit our way back down which led us close to the lake. Stepping on the wooden balcony that was constructed above the lake was like stepping to another reality. We stood for a while, with no words to be said, surrounded with high limestone cliffs, on which greenery had grown wild without any humane interference, looking into the transparent water and watching a variety of fish swimming back and forth above of the Long spined black Urchi. It could only be described as a moment of peace.

Kayaking to our next destination

It was time to get back to the beach where we were dropped off, as we were informed that after a short trip by the long tails boat we will be Kayaking our way to the next destination. While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive we put on our snorkeling gear and roamed on the surface of the coral area just off the beach to the left. Although it wasn’t a much interesting coral reef we spent few minutes with our face down into the water observing the marine life as it goes beneath us. Shortly after, Chantal and I got our kayak and we made sure to follow closely our kayaking team leader to make the best out of the information he was sharing and the minute details that he had pulled our attention to. We pedaled in and out of some caves and beneath huge rocks hanging right above our heads and we were led into hidden lagoons through bizarre and tight water passages. It took us around an hour before we reached the beach where our boat was waiting to pick us up from our dream land into the shores of reality. What a splendid time we had spent exploring the magnificent Ang Thong Marine Park islands!

Exotic

Back at the hotel we had showered and got ready to our night ride towards the Fisherman’s Village Bophut. But before our departure, we had checked the Treasure Island Map, and we had decided to check the Na Mueang 1 and 2 waterfalls. Unfortunately, we reached them late in the afternoon and access was restricted to tourist at that time. That did not hinder us from completing our night ride passing through the fruit & vegetable market where we grabbed some of the exotic fruits we could find such as Mongo, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Jack fruit and many other types that we hadn’t seen before.

Dining like kings and queens

Late that night we reached Bophut village. After a stroll through the Bophut market and beach we finally stepped into the Happy Elephant Thai Cuisine where we had one of the most delicious seafood dinner. For us as Middle Easterns, lobsters are exquisite and their prices are considerably high and are available in specific unaffordable restaurants. Therefore, Lobster was always on the table whenever we had a decent lunch or dinner, and Happy Elephant Chef did some remarkable job in preparing it for us. That night our dinner was served on the sandy shore adorned by candlelight which played a huge role in keeping the romance factor high! After a couple of beers, we headed back to our lovely accommodation where we spent the rest of the night appreciating the jacuzzi at the balcony while we shared some laughs and few drinks.

Lawayn Next