Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Stretching across 10,000 hectares to the north-west of Koh Samui, the archipelago of Ang Thong National Park is a stunning collection of some 42 limestone rock formations, rainforest, beaches and natural caves.

With some of the islands looming over 400 metres above sea level, a boat trip through the marine park is an impressive must on any trip to Koh Samui. The waters of the park teem with all sorts of marine life, making snorkelling and scuba diving extremely popular in the area too. Visitors to Ang Thong can snorkel off the beautiful beach, or scuba dive along the offshore coral reef. Those willing to venture a little further can explore the fascinating caves carved out by the sea down through the years while those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land can simply chill on the beach.

Stop off on the island of Koh Mae for a bit of overland exploration. There is a route here which takes hikers right to the top of the island, offering a stunning panorama perfect for photographs. Also on the island is the breathtaking Emerald Lake. A saltwater lake fed by an underwater tunnel from the sea, visitors need to hike and climb a ladder to get to its shore, but it's well worth the effort – even if you can’t swim here!

If you're all hiked out and in need of nourishment, head to the park headquarters at Koh Wua Talab. The restaurant located here offers a wide range of reasonably priced dishes, and the portions are more than generous.

There are a variety of groups operating boat tours to the park from Koh Samui. Most leave early in the morning and range from slow boats with a group of other tourists to private speedboat tours with the itinerary built around what you want to do. Tours vary in content and quality but, generally, the more you pay, the more flexible your tour will be.

As Koh Samui, and southern Thailand as a whole, has a tropical monsoon climate, the park can sometimes be closed in November and December due to weather conditions, so check this information before you go.