In October, Ang Thong Marine National Park was designated an ASEAN Heritage Park. Here's what you should know about the pristine slice of paradise, which reopens in mid-December
42
Number of islets that make up the archipelago, each with soaring limestone mountains, verdant jungles and white-sand beaches. Among these is Koh Mae Ko, famed for the inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake.
>50
Number of bird species within the park, including the Pacific reef heron and the white-bellied sea eagle. The park’s waters are also teeming with wildlife, such as hairy-nosed otters, sea turtles and a colourful array of fish.
28km
Distance from Koh Samui, which can be covered via a one-hour speedboat ride, with day trip itineraries offered by various tour operators.
Nature's Playground
Other new ASEAN Heritage Parks to visit
18,756ha
The approximate area of the Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park in Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province, making it the single largest forested area in the region.
20km
Length of coastline at Hat Chao Mai National Park in Thailand, which includes islands such as Koh Muk and Koh Kradan. It is also home to the endangered dugong.
8
Total number of ASEAN Heritage Parks in Myanmar after the addition of the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, which joins other protected venues such as the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park and the Lampi Kyun Wildlife Reserve.
To book a flight to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Trail running northern Thailand’s forgotten mountain paths
This article was originally published in the December 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
