42 islands
Green limestone islands.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luca Nebuloni — CC BY 2.0
An archipelago of forty-two green limestone islands in the Gulf of Thailand, west of Samui, protected as a national marine park. Islands of towering cliffs, dense forest, small sandy beaches and clear water make one of Thailand's loveliest seascapes. Its highlights are the inner Emerald Lake on Mae Koh island, a green saltwater lake ringed by cliffs, reached by a short stairway, and the viewpoint on Wua Talap island, with a panorama over the whole archipelago after a steep climb of about half an hour. Trips usually include snorkelling and kayaking between the islands. The park can only be visited on licensed tours, mostly full-day trips by large boat or speedboat from Samui, and the park fee for foreigners is about three hundred baht per adult and one hundred and fifty per child, usually not included in the tour price. The park sometimes closes in the windy season around November and December. Choose a tour that includes lunch, life jackets and snorkelling gear, and bring sun cream and shoes for the climb. It is one of Samui's finest trips for active families.
Green limestone islands.
A saltwater lake among cliffs.
A panorama of the archipelago.
An archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, about 30 km west of Samui
Yes: a steep rocky trail of about half an hour, some parts with ropes. Those who cannot manage it can enjoy the beach and the Emerald Lake, which is far easier.