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The Angthong National Park was established on 12th November 1980.
Koh Ang Thong is an archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand. More than 40 separate islands are spread like green perls in the blue sea. The main islands are Phaluai, Wua Ta Lap, Mae Koh, Sam Sao, Koh Hin Dap, Nai Phut and Koh Phai Luak.
The islands belong to the Ang Thong District, of Amphur Samui, in the Province Suratthani.. The national park covers a total area of aprox. 100 sq.km of which about only 18 sq.km is dry land.
Most of the islands consist of limestone mountains from 10 to 400 meters above sea level.
The National park does not enclose the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers only 82% of the total area.
There is a considerable amount of wildlife inhabiting the islands including the asian long-tailed monkey (langur), hair-nosed otters, pacific reef egrets, white-bellied sea eagles, ashy drongos, tortoises, sea turtles, lizards, common sandpiper, edible nest swiflet, oriental pied hornbill, southern pied hornbill, and pythons.The surrounding sea is also the major spawning ground for the short-bodied mackerel, a tasty Thai delicacy. Snorkelling, walking, exploring caves, swimming and ocasionally scuba diving are the most poular attractions of the region. The best time to visit this archipelago is late March to October when visibility is at its best. Get a few friends together and charter a boat so that you can explore the marvels of the 'Golden Basin' in your own time.On the larger islands with areas of undisturbed forest many species of animals are present.
Collared kingfisher, Monitor lizards, Tortoises, Sea Turtles and King Pythons. The area of the Gulf of Siam where the islands are located is at a maximum 10 - 12 meters depth.
The water is greatly influenced by turbid river waters from the mainland, the river water does not encounter deep water which will reduce its velocity and allow carried sediment to settle.
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.
The North-Western side of the islands is the area most influenced by the monsoon. At sheltered spots you will see young corals development especially elephants tusk coral, brain coral, stagshorn coral. In deeper water you'll find plate corals of the genus Pavona and flower corals of the genus Goniopora.
Animals found inhabiting these reefs include; Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingrays, Black Tip Sharks, many kinds of Groupers, Seahorses and more.
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Ang Thong check out the Forum>>
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