Not too far from the famous diving islands of Koh Tao is a little slice of paradise called Koh Nang Yuan. This small island grove is actually made of three tiny islets connected by an enormous sandbar. Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, and majestic rocks, Koh Nang Yuan makes for a beautiful postcard from all angles.

Because of its proximity to major tourist islands, a visit to Koh Nang Yuan is part of many travelers’ itineraries. Despite the influx of visitors all throughout the year, it’s wonderful to see how this private island has maintained its mysterious charm. If you’re planning to visit this gem, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your day trip:

 

How to Get There

Koh Nang Yuan is a small island suitable for a day trip. Most tourists stay at Koh Tao and take a short long-tail boat ride to get to the little isle. The journey only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most hotels can organize your day trip, but if you prefer to plan your own journey, consider chartering a boat yourself. Just make sure to arrange a ride back to your resort!

Tourists coming from farther islands such as Koh Samui can rent high-speed catamarans from popular resorts. Although they will take you straight to the island grove, they are significantly more expensive and take longer. Unless you’re traveling with a group, it’s more practical to make Koh Tao your starting point.

 

Entrance Fee and Other Info

Since Koh Nang Yuan is privately owned, there is a small entrance fee of 100 baht to pay before you can enjoy the gorgeous beaches. The last boat trip going out is at 5:00 p.m. If you want to extend your trip and have the slice of paradise all to yourself, note that camping out is not allowed. Instead, you can stay at the only resort on this island, where you can choose between a luxurious room and a budget cabin.

If you want to pack a picnic, there’s nothing wrong with doing so. That said, note that plastic bags, bottles, and soda cans are not allowed on Koh Nang Yuan. Don’t want to cook? You can also dine at the resort’s main restaurant. It’s pricier than most restaurants in Thailand, but why not splurge a little for a hassle-free experience?

You’re also not allowed to lay out beach towels on the sand. Instead, you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella from the resort. While this is an additional expense, you’ll be happy for the shade come noontime.

 

Things to Do in Koh Nang Yuan

 

1. Go swimming

The crystal clear waters in Koh Nang Yuan are perfect for a day of swimming. During peak months, be prepared to share the beach with a crowd of tourists. If you want more privacy, be sure to come early!

 

2. Hike up towards the viewpoint

Besides hitting the beach, there’s a viewpoint on top of the smallest island that’s worth the 20-minute hike. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with a glorious panoramic view of the ocean and mountains. Stay a moment and savor the warm breeze and take lots of Instagram-worthy photos!

 

3. Snorkel and dive

Snorkeling is one of the main attractions of Koh Nang Yuan. You won’t have any trouble spotting beautiful coral and observing the bustling marine life just a few meters from the shore. If you don’t have snorkeling gear, rent a set from the resort. Want to kick the experience up a notch? The resort also offers diving sessions for the more adventurous folks. There are two famous dive sites here: the Twin Peak and Japanese Gardens.

 

Whether you’re traveling solo or touring with your family, there’s something for everyone at Koh Nang Yuan. The next time you’re coming to this part of Thailand, be sure to make a day trip to this island paradise!

If you’re looking to book a tour of Koh Nang Yuan, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!