Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand

Ang Thong Marine Park was the inspiration for the book written by Alex Garland…… which lead to the movie of the same name 'The Beach'…..
the movie was actually filmed at Koh Phi Phi…… which has similar scenery…..

It was a definite on our 'to do' list so we had to visit…… this involved taking a speedboat over ….which was a little bumpy, but we did sit outside...
After about an hour we arrived at the first stop……for snorkeling for those who wished to do so….

… lots of fish were around the boat to be seen by those who didn't want to snorkel ….

….. after 30-45 mins we set off again to go by some of the other islands….

…….going uncomfortably close to some…..

There were quite a number of fishing boats….apparently they are allowed to fish within the Marine park but have to be 300m from any island……

this one looked a little closer than that!

We then arrived at a very small pristine beach where we were to stop and swim…....

Then we were essentially abandoned….. when asked if we intended walking up 150ft to a viewpoint we declined…..not knowing this meant we would be left behind. Thankfully one other couple also decided to stay……but it was rather lonely out there and we had to hope they were able to make it back for us! One couple on the boat were repeating their trip because their first boat (with a different company!) broke down for several hours and they were stranded until another boat did stop to help!

Alone……..no boat…...

However the small beach was very beautiful….

They did return for us before we got too concerned..…..

Then we had a choppy ride through many islands…….

before reaching our lunch destination…
This was on  a small island Koh Phaluai which is half state park and half owned by local fishermen known as sea gypsies…. who have found a good market for the fish they catch…..lunch for boat tours!

It was actually an excellent meal……

Then back on the boat to pass by more islands, there are 42 in total…..
and then another stop on another beautiful beach to swim or kayak…..

This time when we got back on board for the return journey….they discouraged anyone sitting outside  as they said it would be quite rough…. we knew they were serious when they advised putting away all bags, cameras etc in the hold!
….. and it was rough……large bumps going at a very fast speed….. over high waves coming quickly one after the other…...for over an hour!

We were happy to get back safely but also very happy to have done the trip. We chose to do it with Samui Boat Charter VIP tours as they do not crowd the boat, 14 maximum. Other speedboats of a similar size crowd in 20-30 persons!