- Ang Thong guide
- Koh Wua Ta Lap
Koh Wua Ta Lap the viewpoint over 42 islands
The park headquarters island, with a long white beach, dusky langurs in the trees and the steep trail to the most photographed view of Ang Thong: the whole archipelago below you.
- Viewpoint trail
- White beach
- Langurs
- Bua Bok cave
Koh Wua Ta Lap at a glance
Checked:
- Name
- Wua Ta Lap means "sleeping cow"
- Role
- Headquarters of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, with a ranger station, restaurant, bungalows and a campsite
- Size
- The second largest island of the park; one of its two inhabited islands, with Koh Phaluai
- Viewpoint
- A steep trail of about 500 meters to the top; much harder than the Emerald Lake stairway
- Also here
- White sand beach, Bua Bok cave with lotus-shaped stalactites, dusky langurs and hornbills
- Overnight
- Park bungalows and a campsite; day tours from Koh Samui do not include a stay
- Tours
- Speedboat, VIP speedboat, big boat and Red Baron all stop here
The trail to the top
Behind the beach a trail of about 500 meters climbs to the summit of Wua Ta Lap. It is steep, partly over rocks with ropes and rails, and in the heat of the day it takes real effort. At the top a small platform looks over the whole archipelago: dozens of green limestone islands scattered across a turquoise sea. This is the picture of Ang Thong you see on postcards.
Take water, wear proper shoes and leave enough time to come down at a calm pace; the guide tells you when the boat leaves. The climb is optional: if you prefer, stay on the beach.
Beach, langurs and Bua Bok cave
The headquarters beach is a long strip of white sand with clear water, good for a swim after the climb. Families of dusky langurs, the leaf monkeys with white rings around their eyes, live in the trees behind it and often come close. Please do not feed them.
A path from the beach leads to Bua Bok cave, named for its stalactites shaped like lotus flowers. Oriental pied hornbills are often seen and heard in the forest around the headquarters.
The park restaurant, the ranger station and the bungalows are next to the beach. You can also stay the night here, in the park bungalows or at the campsite.
Which tours go to Wua Ta Lap
Wua Ta Lap is a stop on every group tour, but at different times and for different lengths:
- Speedboat tourThe last stop, from about 14:00: time for the viewpoint or the beach before the boat leaves at 15:30.
- VIP speedboat tourThe second stop of the morning, right after the Emerald Lake. Park fee included.
- Big boat tourThe first island, from about 09:50: viewpoint trail, langurs, hornbills and the beach.
- Red Baron sailing cruiseThe Wua Ta Lap viewpoint in the afternoon, at about 15:30.
Koh Wua Ta Lap in pictures
Tours that go there
All tours include hotel pickup on Koh Samui. Book online, no payment now.
- Days
- Daily
- Time
- 07:40-16:30
- Boat
- Shared speedboat
- Park fee
- ฿300 extra
- Days
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Time
- 07:00-17:30
- Boat
- Small group, max 16
- Park fee
- Included
- Days
- Daily
- Time
- 07:30-17:00
- Boat
- Large tourist boat
- Park fee
- ฿300 extra
- Days
- Wed, Sat
- Time
- 07:30-19:00
- Boat
- Traditional sailing junk
- Park fee
- Included
Koh Wua Ta Lap: questions and answers
How long is the Wua Ta Lap viewpoint trail?
About 500 meters from the beach to the top, but steep, partly over rocks. It is much harder than the Emerald Lake stairway; take water and good shoes.
Can I stay overnight on Koh Wua Ta Lap?
Yes. The national park runs bungalows and a campsite at the headquarters. Day tours from Koh Samui do not include an overnight stay.
Are there monkeys on Wua Ta Lap?
Yes, dusky langurs live in the trees around the headquarters beach and are often seen up close. Long-tailed macaques also live in the park. Please do not feed them.
Which Ang Thong tours stop at Wua Ta Lap?
All the group tours: the speedboat, the VIP speedboat, the big boat and the Red Baron. A private boat can include it on your own route.
Is there food on Wua Ta Lap?
Yes, there is a park restaurant next to the beach. Lunch on the tours is included elsewhere: on Tamarin Beach (speedboat), Koh Phaluai (VIP) or on board (big boat and Red Baron).
