Thailand
SCUBA in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Angthong National Marine Park Credits: Bruno Leblanc
A one-hour boat ride from Koh Samui,
through the Gulf of Thailand, lands you
at the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine
Park. Its 42 islands cover a total area
of 18 km² out of the 102 km² of the
park. The island paradise is famous for
its boating, island resorts, beautiful
beaches, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving.
SCUBA is the only real way to
fully-experience the animals found
inhabiting the reefs of these islands.
You can expect to see: butterfly fish,
angelfish, parrotfish, stingray, black
tip shark, grouper, and cowrie shells.
If you get lucky, you might spot:
short-bodied mackerel, anchovy, and
squid.
Chumphon Pinnacle is a popular SCUBA
diving site because of its numerous
anemones, each with their resident
anemone fish. You will also see plenty
of batfish, jacks, and barracudas. The
number one attraction here, between
February and April, is the whale sharks.
You will never forget an encounter with
this gentle giant as it is the biggest
fish in the world.
Sail Rock is another popular SCUBA
diving site. It is also a pinnacle and
frequented by whale sharks. Whether you
are on the surface or below you will be
amazed at how long these sharks stay
around, seemingly enjoying all of the
attention. Batfish, trevallies, and reef
sharks also call Sail Rock home. If you
are really adventures, the swim-through
chimney known as: "The Chimney" will
attract you. You can enter the rock
through a hole at around 20 metres and
exit at either 15 metres or 10 metres
having checked out the masses of
glassfish, boxer shrimps, moray eels,
and other inhabitants of this enchanting
feature.
Even if you do not SCUBA dive, Mu Ko
Ang Thong National Marine Park is worth
a visit.
SCUBA video from Mu Ko Ang Thong
National Marine Park
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