The group of islands to the west of Samui and Phangan are collectively known as Angthong, which translates as golden bowl, and quite rightly have been declared a national marine park. Comprising of 40 or so lime Stone islands and karsts that rise dramatically hundreds of meters above the ocean capture the imagination of all who visit. The islands are all sorts of shapes and sizes and many are covered with lush tropical forests and have descriptive names like "sleeping cow island" or " three pillar island"
      Covering some 250 square kilometers of which 50 square kilometers is land mass, most of the islands are in close proximity to each other which makes sailing through them an awesome experience. Sheer walls of shining lime stone loom almost 400 meters above the ocean and white sand beaches shine against the deep blue of the sea and the dark green of the islands.
      Many of the islands have caves with fascinating rock formations such as Tham Bua Bok or waving lotus cave, named after spectacular stalactites and stalagmites which time has carved into the rock. One of the main highlights of a visit to the park is Kho Mae Koh where and emerald seawater lake sits in the middle of the island surrounded on all sides by limestone cliffs an under ground tunnel connects with the sea outside. It takes about 40-minutes to climb from the shore to the rim of the lake and you get a great view across the whole park as well as this unique spectacle. Most tours also go to Koh Wua Talap-or sleeping cow island-where the park head-quarters are located and basic bungalow accommodation is available. There is a steep 430-meter climb (it takes about an hour up and down) from the park office to a viewpoint near the island's peak which offers an unrivaled panorama of the entire archipelago and the mainland. The views are especially fine at sunrise and sunset if you can arrange to be there. There is another walk from the offices that is worth the effort, which is a tough 200-meter climb (40-minutes up and down) to Tham Bua Bok, the waving lotus cave.

Baan Talay Resort - ( Koh Samui Hotels )