52
FAHTHAI
Check out our
destination guide
on page 119
and book
your flights at
bangkokair.com
Koh Mae
(Mother Island) is arguably the most highly
publicised attraction in Ang Thong National Marine Park,
owing mainly to the fact that it’s the site of the inland saltwater
lagoon, Emerald Lake. As it can’t be seen from the shore,
visitors have to know it’s there to find it – and reaching it
requires a fairly arduous, 10- to 15-minute hike up a steep hill.
Another of the key islands to visit is
Koh Wua Talap
, or
“Sleeping Cow Island”, where there’s a white-sand beach, a
stalagmite- and stalactite-filled cave, basic accommodation
and a 500m-high overlook. It’s also the home of the National
Park Headquarters. Adventure seekers who have snorkelling
or swimming in mind will want to head to the area around
Koh Sam Sao
, where they’ll be surrounded by a multi-coloured
army of fish, the likes of which just don’t exist anymore along
the shores of built-up Samui. The best kayaking can be had
near the northern islands of
Ko Tai Plaow
, while the waters
off the northernmost islands of
Ko Tungku
are ideal for scuba
diving. Other islands worth visiting include
Hin Dap
,
Nai Phu
t
and
Phai Luak
, which harbour thick forests, hidden waterfalls
and pristine beaches. Although the vast majority of the park is
uninhabited, a tribe of local fishermen, known as sea gypsies,
inhabit one of the “hidden” islands:
Koh PaLuai
. The sea
gypsies maintain a simple, traditional lifestyle. Government-
implemented solar panels and wind turbines allow them to
make use of green energy, and plans are under way to further
develop the island into Thailand’s first clean-energy island. The
initiative is part of the PaLuai Green Island Project, whose aim,
says executive director of the Bureau of Energy Research Sumrit
Haema, is “to improve quality of life and wellbeing through the
use of renewable energy and energy efficiency development.”
By next year, Thai authorities hope to market Koh PaLuai as an
eco-resort.
Armin Kundke, known as “Kunta”, is the managing director
of Samui Ocean Sports & Yacht Charter, the boating company
that has been running overnight sailing and yacht safaris to
the marine park for 18 years. Kunta explains that because Ang
ISOLATED
HEIGHTS
Visitors can hike
up the cliffs to find
stunning views
Most of the park
is uninhabited,
buta tribe of local
fishermen known
as sea gypsies
inhabit one of the
hidden islands
