Ang Thong Tour: Which to Choose, Big Boat, Speedboat or VIP

Published 30 October 2026 · 9 min read

Every week someone stops me by the coffee stall in Bophut, phone in hand, with three Ang Thong tabs open and the same question: big boat, speedboat or VIP? The islands are the same 42 limestone peaks either way. What changes is how you get there, who you share the deck with and how your body feels at 5 pm.

So here is the honest version of the "Ang Thong tour, which to choose" decision, written after many trips and many conversations with guests who came back sunburnt, happy, or slightly green. I will tell you where each format shines, where it falls short, and who should skip it.

Ang Thong tour: which to choose in one minute?

Pick the big boat if budget matters most and you enjoy a slow day at sea. Pick the speedboat if you want more time on the islands and less time sitting. Pick the VIP if you hate crowds and want a small group with a calmer rhythm.

That is the short answer. The longer one depends on three things: how well you handle a boat ride, whether you travel with small children or older parents, and whether a few hundred baht of savings is worth an extra hour or more on the water.

Here is how the three tours compare on the points people actually ask about.

The real trade-off is not price against quality, it is price against time on the water. All three take you to the Emerald Lake and to Wua Talap. The cheaper the ticket, the more of your day is spent getting there.

What is the Ang Thong big boat tour really like?

The big boat is a traditional two-deck Thai tourist boat that leaves from Nathon Pier on the west coast. Pickup is at 07:30, the boat sails at 08:30, and you arrive at Wua Talap Island around 09:50. The tour page is honest about it: the crossing takes about 1.5 hours, twice as long as on a speedboat.

Is that a downside? For some people, not at all. You get a light breakfast on board, there is room to walk around, find shade, lie down or chat. Kids can move without being told to sit still every five minutes. On a calm morning the slow approach through the islands is one of the nicest parts of the day.

The first stop is Wua Talap, with its fine white sand, the Bua Boke cave and the trail up to the 500-metre viewpoint. Snorkelling mask and fins are provided. Watch your bags on the beach, the monkeys here are bold.

Lunch is served on board while the boat cruises past uninhabited islands: three Thai main dishes, a seasonal salad, fresh fruit and soft drinks. Then comes Mae Ko and the Emerald Lake. If you choose the itinerary with kayaking, you paddle around the islands. Without it, a longtail boat takes you ashore.

Who should skip it? Anyone with only a few days on Samui and a long list. Also anyone who gets bored easily on a boat: three hours of total crossing is a lot if you are not the type to read a book on deck.

Is the speedboat tour to Ang Thong worth the extra money?

For most visitors, yes. The speedboat tour at ฿1890 gives you the same park with far less sitting, and kayaking is included in the price rather than being an add-on.

The order of stops is different from the big boat. You start at Wua Island with snorkeling over coral, where parrotfish, rays, sea urchins and small neon fish are the usual company. Then Mae Ko and the Emerald Lagoon, where you climb to the viewing deck and can also walk down the steps to the lake itself.

Next is Tamarin Beach for kayaking along rocky grottos and wild beaches, followed by a buffet lunch at the island restaurant. The day finishes at Wua Talap with the Lotus Cave, the beach with the monkeys and the 500-metre viewpoint. That is a full programme, and the speed is what makes room for it.

The honest downside: speedboats bounce. On a flat day it is fun, like a long jet ski ride with a roof. On a windy day the ride back can feel like a fairground. Sit near the back of the boat, where the hull lifts less, and keep your phone in a dry bag.

There is also a small bonus that people forget. The speedboat page mentions a chance to spot Bryde's whales. Nothing is promised, but a faster boat that covers more water does give you more chances to see a dorsal fin.

What do you get on the VIP speedboat tour?

The VIP tour at ฿3890 is a speedboat day with a hard cap of 16 people, a light breakfast at Maenam Pier and the national park entrance fee included. It runs only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, so plan around those days.

Pickup is between 07:00 and 07:30, you check in and get a safety briefing at 08:00, and the boat leaves at 08:30. By 09:15 you are already inside the park. Maenam Pier is on the north coast, so if you stay in Maenam, Bophut or Bangrak the drive is short.

The route covers the Emerald Lake, the panoramic viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap over the 42 islands, snorkeling at Koh Wao, beach time and optional kayaking at Koh Sam Sao, and a buffet lunch on Koh Phaluai. There is also a stop at a secluded beach later in the day.

What you are really paying for is fewer people around you at every stop. On a big boat day, the viewpoint stairs can feel like a queue. With a small group, you move when the group is ready, and the guide can actually answer your questions.

Is it worth more than twice the price of the regular speedboat? For a honeymoon, a birthday or a family that wants a calm, organised day, I think it is. For a backpacker on a budget, the regular speedboat already shows you everything that matters.

How much time do you actually get on the islands?

The speedboat formats give you noticeably more time ashore, because they spend less of the 8 hours in transit. The big boat trades island time for comfort and price.

On the big boat, roughly three hours of the day go to the crossings alone, plus the transfer to Nathon. Lunch is on board, which helps: you eat while the boat moves, so no island time is lost to sitting at a table.

On both speedboat tours, the shorter crossing leaves room for more stops. The regular speedboat fits in Wua Island, Mae Ko, Tamarin Beach and Wua Talap. The VIP adds Koh Wao, Koh Sam Sao, Koh Phaluai and a quiet beach.

A small tip that matters more than people think: the Emerald Lake and the Wua Talap viewpoint both involve stairs. On a hot day, the climbs take longer than you expect. More time on the islands means you can do them slowly, rest in the shade and still have time to swim.

Which Ang Thong tour is best for kayaking and snorkeling?

For kayaking, the regular speedboat is the simplest choice because it is included at Tamarin Beach. For snorkeling, the VIP stop at Koh Wao over coral reefs is the most focused of the three.

Here is what each tour lists for time in and on the water:

• Big boat: snorkeling at Wua Talap with mask and fins provided, optional kayaking at Mae Ko, longtail transfer if you skip the kayak.
• Speedboat: snorkeling at Wua Island, kayaking at Tamarin Beach included, swimming at Wua Talap.
• VIP: snorkeling at Koh Wao, optional kayaking at Koh Sam Sao, beach and swim stops through the day.

Be realistic about snorkeling in Ang Thong. The water is often a little milky near the islands, especially after rain, and it is not Koh Tao. You will see fish and some coral, and it is lovely, but if snorkeling is your main goal, a Koh Tao and Nang Yuan day trip is the better pick.

Kayaking, on the other hand, is where Ang Thong is at its best. Paddling past cliffs and into small bays is the moment most guests mention when they get back. If you are unsure about paddling, share a two-seat kayak with a stronger partner and let them steer.

Which format suits families, couples and seasick travellers?

Families with small kids and anyone prone to seasickness usually do best on the big boat. Couples and active travellers tend to enjoy the speedboat. The VIP suits groups who want a quieter, more organised day and do not mind paying for it.

If you get seasick, the boat matters more than the price. A big, heavy boat rolls gently. A speedboat slams on waves. Take a seasickness tablet before pickup, not on board, and eat a light breakfast.

For families, think about the stairs too. The Emerald Lake and the Wua Talap viewpoint are real climbs in the heat. Little ones may need carrying, and grandparents may prefer to wait at the bottom. That is fine: the beaches below are the part kids remember anyway.

Couples who want photos without strangers in every frame should look at the VIP. Couples who just want a good day out are perfectly happy on the regular speedboat.

Here is a simple way to match each tour to your group. The big boat suits families and slow travellers on a budget, the speedboat suits couples and friends who want a full active day, and the VIP suits small groups who want space and a calmer pace.

When can you go, and what should you book around?

Ang Thong National Marine Park is usually closed every year from 1 November to 15 December, and no Ang Thong tours run during that time. Outside the closure, tours run through the year, but the sea decides a lot.

If you are on the island in late October, book soon: the closure starts on 1 November. If you arrive during the closure, plan Ang Thong for after 15 December and fill the first days with something closer to home, such as the half-day Pig Island tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan.

A few practical things before you book:

1. Bring a copy or photo of your passport: the speedboat and VIP pages both list it.
2. Pack swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and a towel. A waterproof bag for your phone is worth every baht.
3. Check the weather the evening before. If the sea is rough, a speedboat ride can be cancelled or moved, so keep a spare day.
4. Ask about the national park entrance fee when you book the big boat or regular speedboat. The VIP page lists it as included, the other two do not mention it.

You can compare the full programmes on the big boat Ang Thong tour page, the Ang Thong speedboat tour page and the VIP speedboat tour page. For a stop-by-stop look at the park itself, read the full Ang Thong day trip guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own snorkel mask on an Ang Thong tour?

Yes, many people do, especially if they have a mask that fits well. Snorkeling equipment is included on all three tours, so it is not necessary. A good mask is the one thing that improves the view more than the location.

Is lunch vegetarian friendly on the Ang Thong tours?

The lunch on all three tours is a Thai buffet, and buffets usually include rice, fruit and some vegetable dishes. Mention any dietary needs when you send the booking request so the team can pass it on. Strict vegans should bring some snacks as a backup.

Can children join the Ang Thong tours?

Yes, the tours are popular with families. The big boat is usually the easiest with small kids because they can move around on deck. Keep in mind the stairs to the viewpoints and the heat in the middle of the day.

What happens if the sea is too rough on the day?

Boat trips depend on the weather, and a tour can be moved if conditions are unsafe. Keep a free day in your plans when you book. Speedboats feel waves much more than the big boat, so wind affects them first.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel in Ang Thong?

No. Life jackets are provided on the speedboat and VIP tours, and you can float in one while snorkeling. Stay close to the boat or the beach and tell the guide if you are not confident in the water.

Are there monkeys on the islands, and are they dangerous?

Wua Talap is home to dusky langurs and long-tailed macaques, and both are fun to watch. Do not feed them and do not leave food or bags open on the beach. They are wild animals, so keep a little distance.

Can I combine Ang Thong with other tours at a lower price?

Yes, there is a 3-in-1 package that includes Angthong, a jungle safari and Koh Tao with Nang Yuan from ฿4190. It suits people who plan to do several big trips anyway. Check which Ang Thong format is included before you book.

Updated 30 October 2026.