Koh Nang Yuan

Picturesque island in the Gulf

Koh Nang Yuan with its picturesque sandy beach is one of the country’s most photographed spots. The island is much visited by tourists who go there for its natural beauty, great views and snorkeling right off the beach.

Three small islands

Koh Nang Yuan is a group of three very small islands just off Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. At low tide the islands are connected by a narrow stretch of sand.

Beach

A narrow strip of sandy beach emerges at low tide. Beach chairs and umbrellas are for rent at 150 Baht. It’s a great place to relax with views of the turquoise waters and huge boulders in the sea, although it can get very busy.

Bring plenty sun lotion. There is a beach bar and restaurant on one of the islands.

Snorkeling

The water around Koh Nang Yuan is warm and usually clear. Go snorkeling right off the beach and watch the underwater world with its corals and colorful tropical fish as sergeant major fish, butterflyfish and scorpion fish. If you’re lucky, you might see a turtle swimming by slowly.

Bring your own snorkeling gear or book a snorkeling trip from Sairee beach. Snorkeling fins are not allowed. It can get very busy, so go early if you don’t want to join the crowds.

Viewpoint

Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint offers stunning views of the three islands, the turquoise waters and the boats floating in the sea. To get there, walk the wooden walkway across the boulders to the start of the path. The trail of stone steps is quite steep and can be a challenge in the hot weather. As the viewpoint area is quite small, there is often a queue on a busy day.

Food & drinks

There is a restaurant on one of the islands that serves Thai and European food. The prices for food and drinks are much higher than on Koh Tao. It is not allowed to bring food or drinks to Koh Nang Yuan.

Accommodation

The only accommodation on the island is the Nangyuan Island dive resort. The resort’s attraction is its location, do not expect five-star luxury or excellent facilities. There is no nightlife on the island.

Getting to Koh Nang Yuan

Most fun to get to the island is by longtail boat from one of the Koh Tao beaches. A boat trip from Sairee will cost about 300 Baht, from Mae Haad about 500 Baht per person.

Alternatively rent a kayak at your resort and paddle there yourself or book a snorkeling trip from one of the beaches on Koh Tao. If you’re staying at one of the resorts at the Northwest tip of Koh Tao, walk over to Koh Nang Yuan across the narrow strip of beach at low tide.