Emerald Lake, Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park
Author: Terry Bouris
Emerald Lake, Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park. Emerald Lake called “Talay Nai” by the locals and occasionally “Blue Lagoon” from the Hollywood movie The Beach, is one of the most popular and stunning features of the 42 Island archipelago, Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is located in the Gulf of Thailand within the Koh Samui archipelago of Islands that also includes the famous party Islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan as well as the picturesque Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.
Emerald Lake, surrounded by immense limestone karst walls and lush green foliage is linked to the sea via an underground tunnel.
This stunning saltwater lake created by mother nature is better appreciated from a viewpoint reached using a combination of stairs and paths that take you 100 metres above the lake itself. This strenuous 20 to 30 minute walk is not for the faint hearted, it is hard work but well worth the effort.
From the lookout, in one direction you can see Emerald Lake, when you turn around you can see the limestone tropical uninhabited islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
From here you can climb down towards Emerald Lake, as tempting as it is, for conservation reasons, swimming is prohibited in the lake.
On the walk to or from the lookout it is very likely that you will see one of the local monkeys watching you as you puff and pant towards your goal.
After the walk back down the steps you can cool down with a swim, some snorkelling or for the more energetic, some kayaking.
Mu Koh is easily reached by speedboat from any of the neighbouring Islands within the Koh Samui Archipelago. Daily Tours can be arranged at local Tourism Authority of Thailand licenced agents.
