Not far from the beautiful diving island of Koh Tao is an island called Koh Nang Yuan.
You've seen the pictures. The captivating turquoise water, white sand, and picturesque rocks make for a perfect scene.
Due to its proximity to popular islands such as Koh Tao and Koh Samui, a visit to Koh Nang Yuan is often on every traveler's itinerary.
If you're looking to take a break from the underwater world while you're in Koh Tao, here's everything you need to know about day trips to Koh Nang Yuan.
I have lived in Thailand on and off for the past 9 years and Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are some of my favorite places in Thailand.
Overview of the Conan Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is a tranquil and beautiful island located just off the coast of Koh Tao, an attractive island in southern Thailand.
If you’re not familiar with Koh Tao, often referred to as “Turtle Island”, it’s a small but enchanting island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and excellent diving opportunities.
With its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and variety of water sports, it is a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and underwater adventure in one of Thailand's most scenic destinations.
There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Koh Tao, but one of them is heading to Koh Nang Yuan Island.
This tranquil paradise is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical vegetation.
What makes Koh Nang Yuan Island special is that it consists of three small islands connected by striking sandbars, providing visitors with a truly unique and fascinating experience.
The island’s pristine beaches and stunning viewpoints are what make it so popular. In terms of location, Koh Nang Yuan is just a stone’s throw away from Koh Tao and can be reached by longtail boat.
Please check the map below to clearly see the location of Koh Nang Yuan.
![](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Koh-Nang-Yuan-Map-1440x723.jpg)
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How to get to Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan in Koh Tao
In Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is just 15-20 minutes Take a long-tail boat. You can easily book a snorkeling trip with any tour operator or operator, but the cheapest option, and the one we recommend, is to charter a long-tail boat yourself.
Prices are negotiable but should be around 250-300 baht. If you don't plan on staying overnight on the island, make sure you secure a ride back and coordinate with the boatman in advance.
If you exchange contact information, you will never have to worry about finding a boat to return to Koh Tao.
![Koh Nang Yuan Island](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/nang-Yuan-Island-Koh-Tao-1440x960.jpg)
Koh Samui – Koh Nang Yuan
Given the distance, day trips from Koh Samui are much more expensive, making Koh Tao a much more ideal base for exploring Koh Nang Yuan.
You can book a snorkeling trip to Koh Nang Yuan with any tour operator, costing around 2,000-2,500 baht per person, which includes boat transfers, snorkeling gear, island entrance fees, and lunch.
Koh Nang Yuan Tour Options
Expectations for Koh Nang Yuan Island + Entrance Fee
- Admission Fees: From 2024, visitors will pay the following fees: 250 baht (Adult) / 120 baht (Child)
- It can get crowded! There are a lot of boats with lots of tourists. The island closes at 5pm and only resort guests can stay there at that time.
- The resort restaurant is the only place to buy food, and it is more expensive than your average Thai restaurant.
- As mentioned, there is currently only one resort on the island, Koh Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort. If you want to have the beach to yourself (until the tours arrive and leave), staying here may be your best option.
- Plastic water bottles will be confiscated upon arrival, so you will need to purchase water at the resort restaurant.
Insider info: If you have a non-disposable water bottle, bring it with you instead! It saves you the hassle of buying water at the resort and is good for the environment!
![Koh Nang Yuan Island](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Koh-nang-Yuan-Island-1440x960.jpg)
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Best time to visit Koh Nang Yuan Island
If you are planning a trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island, it is important to consider the best time to visit. For optimal weather conditions, it is recommended to plan your trip during the dry season, which generally lasts from November to April.
Warm and sunny weather is expected during this period, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Plus, it's the best time for snorkeling because the sea conditions are calm and visibility is good.
However, it is important to note that the island can get quite crowded during this time due to the large number of visitors. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October.
As Koh Tao is a very popular island, expect it to be very crowded during the summer months, so I prefer to visit around the summer time.
The weather may be a bit unpredictable this month, but with fewer tourists, you'll still be able to enjoy pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, if you are willing to brave the rain, it may be better to visit during the rainy season (July-October).
The weather can be unpredictable and some activities may be affected, but the lower prices and fewer crowds make for a budget-friendly and peaceful experience.
If you decide to visit during this period, pack appropriately and check the weather conditions carefully.
Things to do in Koh Nang Yuan
1. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint Hiking
Now, there are mixed reviews on the internet about this. Some people say it is worth seeing, others disagree. It is a 15-20 minute hike from the beach to the lookout, which I think is pretty cool.
We were lucky enough to get to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. There weren't many people there when we went. It must be a bit annoying to wait in line for a chance to take a photo of the scenery.
This short climb is doable in slippers, but be careful as there are some sections where you will literally have to climb over rocks.
Personally, if you come to Koh Tao to visit, hiking to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint is still worth it.
As soon as you reach the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of three islands connected by a sandbar. It was a bit cloudy when we went, but it was still a really nice place.
![](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/koh-nang-yuan_LEAD-960x640.jpg)
![](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/koh-nang-yuan_LEAD-960x640.jpg)
2. Enjoy the beaches of Koh Nang Yuan
Although a bit crowded, the beaches of Koh Nang Yuan are absolutely stunning! Depending on the time of year and the tide, you can enjoy white sand and crystal clear waters.
It wasn't that bad when we went, but it's important to keep your expectations in check given the number of tourists there.
We were lucky or just went in the off-season. The beaches of Koh Nang Yuan are nice, except for the crowded beaches. Best Beaches in Thailand It's a fun day trip from Koh Tao.
three. Go snorkeling or diving
Snorkeling on Koh Nang Yuan is pretty good compared to most islands, with plenty of soft and hard corals just a few metres off the beach.
Nearby are dive sites such as Twin Peak and Japanese Gardens, which are shallow enough for snorkelers. Other good dive sites nearby include White Rock and Green Rock.
The marine life of Koh Nang Yuan is rich and diverse. I remember seeing a huge triggerfish along with a parrotfish just a few meters from the shore. The resort has a dive shop where you can dive, but it is also quite common to take a trip to this spot from Koh Tao.
There are a few diving schools that you can inquire about for prices, like Duck N Dive Nangyuan.
Explore the underwater world and marvel at the diverse creatures and colorful corals found there.
![Bull shark diving](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/diving-bull-sharks4_LEAD1-960x640.jpg)
Related: Crazy Scuba Diving with Bull Sharks in Koh Phangan Review
4. Zipline
For those looking for something a little more adventurous, I’ve heard that ziplining is available on the island. I’m not sure if this is still in operation, but if this activity interests you, the resort staff will be happy to help.
So the island itself is quite touristy (as mentioned several times in the article!), but it was still a great day for us. We were lucky that the beach wasn't as crowded as we had expected.
Overall, if you want to enjoy the refreshing scenery, go to Koh Nang Yuan Island and spend a day or two relaxing and admiring the beauty of the clear sea water!
![Tom Nang Yuan Island Thailand](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMG_8435.jpg)
![Comfort Island Thailand](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMG_8433.jpg)
Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Nang Yuan Island
To have an enjoyable trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
Above all, it is important to show respect for the island's natural environment by not littering or disturbing the coral reefs.
Secondly, when exploring the island’s hiking trails, it is wise to wear appropriate footwear to avoid slipping and falling. Avoid taking souvenirs such as shells or corals, as they can be harmful to the island’s fragile ecosystem.
What to bring to Koh Nang Yuan
When packing for your trip, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Carrying a reusable water bottle will also help reduce plastic waste, and as beverage options are limited on the island, it’s essential to pack plenty of drinking water.
If you plan on snorkeling or diving, bringing a mask and fins can be a great way to explore the reef, while insect repellent and a light rain jacket can also be helpful in case of bad weather.
To ensure your safety while visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island, it is important to be aware of ocean currents and the latest sea conditions.
Lastly, it is always best to follow the advice of local guides and staff and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Check out the full guide What to pack for your trip to Thailand Check out the full list here.
![The beach of Nanyuan](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beaches-of-Nang-Yuan-Island-1440x960.jpg)
Where to eat in Koh Nang Yuan
There is one restaurant on the island, and as mentioned before, the prices are above average. Not entirely unreasonable, but if you are traveling on a budget, keep this in mind. Nevertheless, there is a wide variety of international and Thai food Choose from .
Where to stay in Koh Tao
If you don't plan on staying in Koh Nang Yuan, here are some tips on how to find accommodation in Koh Tao. But first, let's take a look at our Things to do in Koh Tao Island Guide…Must read!
Next, for your convenience, we have compiled the following list: Best places to stay in Koh TaoThis list features all types of accommodations, from budget to luxury.
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![Do you love exploring islands? Here’s everything you need to know about Koh Nang Yuan](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/koh-nangyuan-thailand-267x400.jpg)