Koh Samui hotels and travel guide, Thailand. Hotel reservation for Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut & Maenam.
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Note:
The Ang Thong National Park is closed
for the rehabilitation of nature resources every year From 1 November - 23 December |
| Mu Ko Ang Thong
National Park consists of 42 islands. Its main islands are Phaluai
Island, Wua Chio Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Samsao
Island, Phai Luak Island, Kha Island, Hindap Island, Phi Island,
Wua Kantang Island, Mae Yat Island, Wua Te Island, Naiphut Island,
Changsom Island, Hanuman Island, Thaiphlao Island, Huaklong
Island, and Kho Ban Island. |
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The park covers a total area of 102 sq.km of which about only 18 sq.km is land. The National park does not encompass the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers about 82% of the total area. The park was established on 12th November 1980. |
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Most of the islands consists
of limestone mountains about 10-400 meters above sea level.
Because the limestone can change its structure easily by both
chemical condition and weather, the islands have many, strange-looking
caves and cliffs, and some islands look like ancient Angkor
Wat in Cambodia and Prasart Hin Pimai. Climate Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park has been influenced by monsoon that causes big waves and heavy rain, approximately 2,000 mm. of rain all the year round, and the temperature is approximately 23 oC. The appropriate time for visiting the islands is between February and April, although the temperature is quite hot but the sea is calm suitable for sailing. During monsoon (November and December) the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and is windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing during November and December every year. |
| Beach Forest, occurs
in a narrow strip around most of the larger islands, especially
in the area above high water mark on beaches. Species occuring
include; Terrminalia catappa, Thespesia populnea, Carophyllum
inophyllum, Scaevola taccada, Erythrina fusea, Pandanus monotheca
and Crinum sp. Limestone forest, occurs on the exposed cliff faces and in the very shallow soils on top of the limestone hills. Most of the plants found here are small and highly adapted to survive in the severe environment, species recorded include; Dracaena loureiri, Euphorbia antiquorum and Morinda sp. Mangrove forest, occurs in the very sheltered spots where sandbars and mudflats have developed. This forest type is best represented around Mae Ko island and on the eastern side of Phaluai island. These forest areas are well structured with many trees, both large and small, the dominant species is Rhizophora apiculata. On the larger islands with areas of undisturbed forest many species of animals are present. Occasionally seen are Spectacled langurs, Hairy-nosed otters, bats, Pacific reef-egret, Brahminy kite, White-bellied seaeagle, Common sandpiper, Edible nest swiflet, Oriental pied hornbill, Southern pied hornbill, Ashy drongo, Collared kingfisher, Monitor lizards, Tortoises, Sea Turtles and Pythons. The area of the Gulf of Thailand in which the islands are situated is at a maximum 10 meters deep. The islands rise up out of the water and are thus surrounded by water which is relatively shallow. This means that the water is greatly influenced by turbid river water from the mainland, the river water does not encounter deep water which will reduce its velocity and thus allow carried sediment to settle out. The water around the islands is thus fairly turbid all year round. The coral development on the islands is not extensive and is restricted to a narrow band encircling each island close to the shore, especially on the southwestern and northeastern sides. Although the Northwestern side of the islands is the area most influenced by the monsoon, in sheltered spots good corals develop especially; elephants tusk coral, brain coral, stagshorn coral and in deeper water plate corals of the genus Pavona and flower corals of the genus Goniopora. Animals found inhabiting these reefs include; Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingray, Black tip shark, Grouper and Cowrie shells. |
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| In areas where the water is not so clear
or is subjected to strong currents the species diversity is
poor and is dominated by Seaworms, Crabs and brown seaweeds,
of the genus Sargassum and Turbinaria. In places with steep rocky shorelines or where the water is very turbid coral cannot survive. In these areas sedentary marine life is prevalent including; Sea fans, Oysters, Clams and Mussels, which can be seen covering the exposed rock surfaces. |
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and
is unique in its geology condition.
Samsao
Island situates opposite Mae Ko Island. There have beautiful coral,
natural stone bridge curve out into the sea, and white and
clean beaches appropriate for camping and swimming to enjoy coral.
| Impressions from sightseeing tours to Marine Park ... | ||
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