The coral reefs on the eastern coastline are scattered along the eastern and northern parts of various islands which are free from strong currents and the monsoons. Corals reefs are generally found at an average depth of 8-metres, and a medium depth of 8 to 15 metres around the offshore islands. Most prefer a depth of 2.5 metres.

The islands of Koh Tao - Turtle Island, and Koh Nang Yuan offer experienced divers virtually year-round diving opportunities with the exception of the November-December monsoon season.

Koh Tao, a bean-shaped island, has 11 bays, beautiful beaches and crystal clear seas with an 8-km. long coral reef teeming with marine life. At dive sites just 1 km. from the island, you'll be swimming in the midst of pelagics, barracudas, big-eyed jacks, tuna, giant travellys and the colourful clown fish. This proximity to the "underwater classrooms" for diving courses makes Koh Tao ideal for beginners.

The renowned diving site at Kong Hin Wong is adorned with huge sea fans, Cetmocella, sea whips and other soft corals.

Whale sharks are often spotted off Koh Hong Sai Daeng.

Hin Tung Ku and Kong Hin Khao are also interesting deep-sea diving sites, thanks to a myriad of marine animals and rare black coral.

HOW TO GET THERE

A 2.5 hours boat trip from Koh Pa-ngan to Koh Tao operates daily. The daily trip from Chumphon to Koh Tao takes 6 hours by ordinary boat and 2 hours by express boat.

Scenic Koh Nang Yuan is 15-minutes from Koh Tao.

ACCOMMODATION

Houses and resorts for tourists are available in every bay area, fully equipped with boats, cars and diving gear for rent.

The National Park extends over shoreline mangrove forest, underwater caves and up to 40 islands. Tourists are permitted to visit caves where concessionaire swift nest collection is undertaken on some of the islands. Fertile coral reefs abound in both deep and shallow seas, for instance the islands of Koh Rang Ka Chiu, Koh Charakae, Koh Ngarm Yai. Koh Ngam Noi island features deep sea species such as gigantic soft corals and sea anemones. Black corals, Daisy Coral and sea anemone can be seen at Hin Lak Ngam. Interconnected tunnel caves can be found at the islands of Koh Kalok and Koh Talu. Other attractions include outstanding dive sites at the Koh Mattra, Koh Lawa and Koh Kula islands. Pristine beaches at Koh Thong Lang and the vantage point at Khao Chao Mueang by the tip of Hat Sai Ri offers a picturesque view of Chumphon. HOW TO GET THERE Take the road from Amphoe Muang Chumphon (the city of Chumphon) to Pak Nam Chumphon for a distance of 21 kms. Travelling to the various islands is relatively easy and inexpensive as they are not far offshore. Local boats can be rented for a trip out to the diving sites. ACCOMMODATION Stay over in Amphoe Muang Chumphon (the city of Chumphon) or at the many resorts in Hat Sai Bi and Hat Thung Wua Laen, Mu Koh Chumphon National Park.

The natural splendour and mystical charm of sheer limestone cliffs with awe-inspiring stalagmites and stalactites characterise the landscape of the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park.

The Park covers 42 picturesque islands with white sandy beaches, hidden lagoons, fertile coral reefs featuring sea anemones, soft corals and sponges.

Koh Wua Ta Lap island on which the Park headquarters is located has pristine white beaches.

Tham Bua Bok has fascinating stalagmites and stalactites and offers an exhilarating mountaintop vantage point.

Koh Thai Phlao and Koh Wua Kantang islands are also impressive dive sites while Koh Sam Sao island, with a stone bridge leading towards the sea, is another good coral site.

Koh Mae Koh island is famous for its astounding emerald inland lake surrounded by piercing limestone outcrops.

February to April is the best time to visit the National Park.

HOW TO GET THERE

Join a tour programme or rent a boat from Koh Samui island. Boats leave from Na Thon Pier and Bo Phut Pier at 08:30 hours and arrive at the archipelago after an 1 hour 30 minutes cruise.

ACCOMMODATION

The Park provides 6 houses on Koh Wua Ta Lap island at a rate of 400 to 1,000 Baht per night. A camping area is also available.

Contact Information:
Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park
Phone : (66 77) 286 025 (mainland)
(66 77) 420 225 (on the island)

The National Park offers diverse attractions for all tastes ranging from lush forests, mountains with odd-shaped rock formations, gushing streams, waterfalls and an abundance of coral outcrops.

There are four waterfalls on the island, the largest being Than Sadet Waterfall which bears the the royal insignia of King Rama V carved into the rockface.

The island is known for its pristine beaches, particularly Hat Rin, said to be the longest beach and the best observation point for sunset and the full moon.

Paddle around Koh Taen Nai island and admire the surrounding coral reefs and caves.

GETTING THERE

Travel options available include:

A 3-4 hour trip on a ferry or express boat from Tha Thong Pier, Surat Thani
or Koh Pha-ngan
A 6-hour boat trip from Ban Don Pier
A 45-minute trip on an express boat from Na Thon Pier

Note:
Access to the waterfall during the rainy season is possible by four-wheel drive vehicles, but not by boat.

ACCOMMODATION:

Private accommodation is available, including Pha-ngan Hotel, located 4 kms. from the park, and several other resorts nearby.

Contact information:
Namtok Than Sadet National Park
Phone : (66 77) 238 275