Description of the attraction
Anthong Marine Park, which means "Golden Bowl" in Thai, is familiar to those who saw the film "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio in absentia. The scene of the struggle of the protagonist with crocodiles was filmed on the shore of Lake Tale Nai, which is also called Emerald. This natural body of water, connected to the sea by an underwater opening, is located on the island of Mae Ko and is considered one of the attractions of the marine park. The territory of the park, founded in 1980, covers 42 islands, only one of which is inhabited. They say that sea gypsies settled on it, who are engaged in fishing. The area of the reserve is 250 sq. km, but tourists will be able to see only a small part of it.
The archipelago is located near the island of Koh Samui, from where excursions to the marine park begin. Many travel companies in Koh Samui offer organized tours to several nearby islands. The trip to the nearest island takes about 2 hours, so the excursion is designed for the whole day. Tourists must be shown the largest island of Anthong - Koh Wua Talap. There is a kind of "headquarters" of the marine reserve, a small restaurant and a museum. Travelers get the opportunity to explore deserted beaches, swim in coastal waters, and see a coral reef with vibrant marine life. Some excursion organizers offer boat trips. This is the only way to visit inaccessible limestone caves.
Hiking on two or three islands will appeal to nature lovers. Ankhtong Marine Park is home to 16 species of mammals, 5 species of amphibians and many species of birds.
