Ferry times, distances and transport options — everything you need to plan the logistics of your Ang Thong day trip.
Ang Thong Marine Park sits approximately 30 km northwest of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. There is no regular public ferry to the park — access is exclusively via organised tours or private charters.
All tour boats depart from Nathon Pier on the west coast of Koh Samui (the pier nearest to the park). Hotel pickup minivans collect you from your accommodation and drive you to the pier in time for departure.
You cannot hire a private longtail or speedboat independently to the park — regulations require tour operators to hold national park authorisation. All legitimate tours have this.
~30 km by sea from Nathon Pier to the park
30–45 min speedboat · 60–90 min big boat
Nathon Pier, west coast, Koh Samui
Transport to/from pier included in all recommended tours
| Option | Transit Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Boat Tour | 60–90 min each way | Stable, comfortable, family-friendly, cheapest | Slower, larger groups |
| Speedboat Tour | 30–45 min each way | Faster, smaller group, more time in park | Bumpy in rough seas, seasickness risk |
| Private Charter | 30–60 min each way | Flexible timing, private, no crowds | Best shared between 4–12 people |
There is no scheduled public ferry service to Ang Thong Marine Park. The term "ferry" is sometimes used loosely to describe the large tour boats that run daily — but these are booked as part of an organised day tour, not independent transport.
If you've seen references to a "Koh Samui to Ang Thong ferry," it almost certainly refers to the big-boat day tours departing from Nathon Pier. These depart at approximately 08:30 and return by 17:30.
The "ferry" (boat tour) is a big boat, including hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, snorkelling gear and guide. The park entrance fee is paid separately on arrival.
Hotel pickup is included with all recommended tours — you don't need to arrange transport to the pier yourself.
An air-conditioned minivan picks you up from your hotel lobby at the time given the night before. You'll be dropped back at the pier on return and transferred back to your accommodation.
If you prefer to meet at the pier (or have a specific accommodation arrangement), Nathon Pier is on the west coast of Koh Samui. Approximate taxi fares from major areas:
All transport to and from the park is included in the tours we recommend. Compare options and find the right one for your travel style.