Koh Nang Yuan Island: Is It Worth Visiting? (2026)

Planning a trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island in Thailand? Here’s everything you need to know, including how to get there, the best things to do, where to stay, and my top tips for making the most of your visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan Island is one of those places you’ll probably already have on your list.

You’ve likely seen that famous viewpoint all over Instagram, looking down over three tiny islands connected by a white sandbar and surrounded by ridiculously clear turquoise water. Thankfully, this is one place that really does look just as impressive in person.

So, is Koh Nang Yuan worth visiting? I think it is, especially if you’re already staying on Koh Tao. The viewpoint is gorgeous, the surrounding reefs make it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and it is close enough to visit as an easy day trip.

Just don’t expect a quiet hidden paradise, as the island can become very busy once the tour boats arrive.

I visited Koh Nang Yuan as part of a day trip from Koh Tao and have also dived in the waters around the island.

Timing your visit properly makes a huge difference, so knowing how to get there, what to do first, and what to expect will help you make the most of your time.

Visiting Koh Nang Yuan: All You Need To Know

bamboo pathway around koh nang yuan — walking around the bamboo paths around the island

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Is Koh Nang Yuan Worth Visiting?

When I first saw Koh Nang Yuan from the ferry into Koh Tao, I honestly couldn’t believe somewhere like this was real.

We made a quick stop to drop passengers off, and I remember staring out the window wishing I’d booked a stay there instead. Luckily, I made it my mission to come back and visit properly as part of a day trip from Koh Tao.

Planning a visit to Koh Tao? Check out my Koh Tao itinerary and travel guide.

Koh Nang Yuan is actually made up of three tiny islands connected by one strip of white sand, which is what gives it that ridiculously pretty shape. From the viewpoint, you can look straight down over the sandbar with water on either side and, honestly, it really is just as impressive in person.

The water around Koh Nang Yuan is also a huge reason people visit. Japanese Gardens is one of the best-known snorkeling spots nearby, and some of Koh Tao’s most popular dive sites are around the island too. I’ve dived in this area myself, and the coral and marine life are seriously amazing.

Most people come here to hike up to the viewpoint, go snorkeling, and hang out on the beach. Though there is also a resort on Koh Nang Yuan, which means you can stay overnight and experience the island once the day-trippers leave.

Personally, I think Koh Nang Yuan is well worth visiting while you’re on Koh Tao. It’s touristy, a little pricey, and definitely not a hidden gem, but that viewpoint alone makes the trip worth it.

How To Get To Koh Nang Yuan From Koh Tao

I still remember taking the Lomprayah ferry from mainland Thailand to Koh Tao. Just before arriving, we unexpectedly pulled into Koh Nang Yuan to drop off a few passengers.

Luckily, getting to Koh Nang Yuan is actually pretty easy. Whether you’re planning to stay overnight or just visit on a day trip from Koh Tao, there are a few different ways to get there.

Coming from further afield? Find out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. I also have a full guide on my 3 weeks in Thailand itinerary if you’re looking for what route to take.

Ferry To Koh Nang Yuan

One of the easiest and most comfortable ways to get to Koh Nang Yuan is with Lomprayah. They operate high-speed catamarans throughout the Gulf of Thailand, including services connecting Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.

I always use them when in this part of the country, they are a lot safer and more reliable than the other options available.

Book tickets on 12.Go Asia to Koh Nang Yuan

The boat ride from Koh Tao takes around 15 minutes, though in the low season it operates on demand rather than following a reliable daily timetable like in the dry season. Because of this, I recommend checking directly with Lomprayah and organizing your tickets in advance.

Some Lomprayah ferries traveling between Chumphon and Koh Tao also stop at Koh Nang Yuan to drop off passengers. This is actually how I first saw the island, though you’ll need to book Koh Nang Yuan as your destination rather than assuming every ferry will stop there.

Lomprayah also runs a full-day snorkeling trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. This includes return transport, a speedboat, lunch, hotel transfers, and snorkeling equipment, making it a good option if you’re visiting from Koh Samui and don’t plan to stay on Koh Tao.

Long Tail Boat To Koh Nang Yuan

One of the most popular ways to visit Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao is by taking a long-tail boat. These traditional wooden boats are used all over Thailand, and honestly, they are one of my favorite ways to travel between islands.

To find one, head down to one of the beaches along the western side of Koh Tao. Sairee Beach is a good spot to find drivers waiting for customers. Though if it’s particularly busy, head towards Lotus Bar, which operates as a bit of an informal boat-taxi stand.

You’ll need to negotiate the price directly with the driver. The going rate is around 200 THB / US$6.00 for a one-way journey, while Lotus Bar charges around $10.00 / 300 THB for a return trip. This is pretty reasonable and shouldn’t put too much of a dent in your Thailand travel budget.

Make sure that when you book your long-tail boat journey also agree on a return time with the driver.

The journey only takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on the waves. Personally, I’d choose a longtail boat every time. It’s a much more fun way to travel than sitting inside a ferry, plus you’ll get some pretty awesome views of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan along the way.

arriving at koh nang yuan on a long tail boat — *arriving at the bamboo pier*

Kayak To Koh Nang Yuan

It is possible to kayak from Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan, though you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure the conditions are safe before setting off.

First, you’ll need to hire a kayak. There are plenty of places around Koh Tao offering rentals, including resorts and dive shops.

Prices for a double kayak generally start from around 200 THB / US$6.00 per hour, with Ban’s Diving Resort and Dusit Buncha Resort being two popular places to check.

Depending on where you leave from, the journey can take around 45 minutes to one hour each way. However, Dusit Buncha Resort is much closer, with the paddle taking roughly 15 minutes.

Lastly, make sure you check the wind and sea conditions before leaving, as the paddle back can be much harder if the weather changes.

Taking A Tour Of Koh Nang Yuan

I visited Koh Nang Yuan as part of a snorkeling tour from Koh Tao. These full-day group tours now cost around 900–1,100 THB / US$27.00–$33.00 per person.

Make sure you check whether the 250 THB / US$7.50 Koh Nang Yuan entrance fee is included, as some tours charge this separately.

Read my guide on taking a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao

Koh Nang Yuan was the first stop of the day, and we had just over an hour to explore. This was enough time to hike up to the viewpoint and have a quick snorkel, though we spent a ridiculous amount of that time waiting in line to actually reach the top.

Afterwards, we went for a snorkel in the sandy shallows. There wasn’t any coral where we entered, but there were still plenty of interesting fish around, and the water was calm and nicely sheltered.

Book the most popular and recommended Koh Nang Yuan Snorkeling tour for travelers!

Personally, I think a tour is a good option if you also want to snorkel around other parts of Koh Tao. However, if your main priority is Koh Nang Yuan and you don’t want to feel rushed, I’d visit independently instead.

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Swim To Koh Nang Yuan From Koh Tao

Can you technically swim between the closest points of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan? Yes. Should you do it? Absolutely not.

It may look super close from the shore, but distances across the water are always much more deceiving than they seem. Once you’re out there, you also have currents, boat traffic, waves, and changing conditions to deal with.

Honestly, it just isn’t worth the risk. Please do not try to swim between Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Take a longtail boat, ferry, kayak, or tour instead.

on koh nang yuang looking towards koh tao in the distance — *the view back across the ocean from koh nang yuan to koh tao*

Koh Nang Yuan Entrance Fee And Opening Hours

The entrance fee for Koh Nang Yuan is currently 250 THB / US$7.50 per person, which you’ll pay when you arrive. If you’re visiting as part of a tour, double-check whether this is included or not.

Koh Nang Yuan is privately owned, so day visitors can’t access the island whenever they like. It’s only open from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm, while anyone staying at the resort can enjoy it anytime.

This is one of the main perks of booking overnight there, as you’ll get to enjoy the island once the tour boats and day-trippers have left.

Things To Do On Koh Nang Yuan Island

I’m not going to lie, there aren’t loads of things to do on Koh Nang Yuan Island. This isn’t somewhere you visit with a packed itinerary. It’s more about slowing down, enjoying the beach, and making the most of the ridiculously pretty surroundings.

That said, there are still a few things you definitely shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Swim

The clear water around Koh Nang Yuan is honestly hard to resist. When I visited, we swam in the sandy shallows near the sandbar, where the water was calm, nicely sheltered, and easy to get into.

This is generally the best area for a swim, especially if you aren’t super confident in the water. The waves are usually pretty small, though conditions can still change around high tide.

Keep an eye on the current, stay close to shore, and ask one of the staff members if you’re unsure.

There are also a few quieter spots around the island where you can jump in and cool off. If you’re staying overnight, head down early in the morning or later in the afternoon once the day-trippers have left. Having the beach almost to yourself would be seriously amazing.

swimming during high tide at koh nang yuan — *swimming at the beach which connects the islands*

Sunbathe

If relaxing on the beach is more your thing, Koh Nang Yuan is a pretty nice place to spend a few hours. Just keep in mind that the amount of sand changes a lot throughout the day. At low tide, there’s plenty of room to spread out, while at high tide the beach can become surprisingly narrow.

When I visited, there were definitely enough places to put down a towel, but it did get busy once the tour boats arrived. If you want a quieter spot to relax, either get there early or stay overnight once the crowds have gone.

If you’re staying at Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort, you’ll have access to complimentary beach loungers. Otherwise, day visitors can hire one if there are any available.

Hike To The Viewpoint

Hiking up to the viewpoint is easily one of the best things to do on Koh Nang Yuan. You’ve probably already seen the view all over Instagram, but honestly, it really is just as impressive in real life.

The walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is pretty straightforward for most of the way. The path can be a little uneven and overgrown in places, so I’d definitely wear proper shoes rather than attempting it in slippery flip-flops.

Right at the top, you’ll need to climb over a few large boulders to reach the actual viewpoint. It looks slightly awkward, but there are usually plenty of people around to help you up if needed.

The biggest issue is honestly the queue. I visited as part of a tour, and we spent a ridiculous amount of our limited time standing around waiting to reach the top. There was easily a 20-minute wait in line, and because the final viewpoint area is so small, only a few people can squeeze up there at once.

Most of the walk is shaded, which helps, but it still gets seriously hot when you’re barely moving. If you’re visiting independently, I’d try to arrive as early as possible before the tour groups start piling onto the island.

getting a photo after hiking up to the viewpoint on koh nang yuan — *the awesome view at the top of the hike across the island and neighboring koh tao*

Diving

Koh Nang Yuan is surrounded by some of the best-known dive sites around Koh Tao, including Japanese Gardens, Twin Peaks, Green Rock, and Red Rock. There is also a dive center on the island offering equipment rental, courses, and guided dives, including shore dives straight from Koh Nang Yuan.

I recently returned to Koh Tao partly to update my blog content, but also because I needed very little convincing to turn it into a diving holiday. Over five days, I managed to squeeze in 11 dives, and honestly, the amount of marine life around here is incredible.

Diving is one of the best things to do in Koh Tao, and it’s actually known as one of the best and cheapest places to get certified.

My final dive was at Twin Peaks, just off Koh Nang Yuan, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip. The visibility was excellent, the site was absolutely packed with fish, and even the instructors on our boat said it was the best dive they had done all year.

You don’t need to be staying on Koh Nang Yuan to dive here, as plenty of Koh Tao dive schools visit these sites. However, guests at the resort can access Japanese Gardens and Twin Peaks directly from the beach before the other dive boats arrive.

Walk Across The Sandbar

The sandbar connecting the three islands is one of the most recognizable parts of Koh Nang Yuan, and honestly, it’s worth taking a few minutes to properly walk across it rather than just rushing straight to the viewpoint.

The amount of sand you can actually see depends a lot on the tide. At low tide, it’ll be much wider with plenty of space to wander around, while at high tide it can become surprisingly narrow.

When I visited, this was also one of the busiest parts of the island, with everyone stopping for photos and trying to find a spot on the beach. Even so, walking between the islands with the water on both sides is pretty special.

Where To Stay For Visiting Koh Nang Yuan

Most people visit Koh Nang Yuan as a day trip from Koh Tao, though you can also stay overnight on the island itself.

Both options have their perks, so it really comes down to whether you want easy access to restaurants and nightlife or the chance to enjoy Koh Nang Yuan once the day-trippers leave.

Where To Stay On Koh Nang Yuan

There is only one place to stay on Koh Nang Yuan: Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort. The accommodation ranges from simple bungalows to luxe beachfront rooms, so there are several options with prices varying quite a bit

I’ll be honest, staying here isn’t the budget-friendly option. You’re also completely reliant on the resort’s restaurant for meals, so food and drinks will cost more than they would over on Koh Tao.

The real reason to stay here isn’t the rooms, though. It’s getting to experience Koh Nang Yuan before the day-trippers arrive and after they leave. When I visited the beach and viewpoint were packed with tour groups, so having a quiet morning here would feel completely different.

Personally, I’d only spend the extra money to stay overnight if having Koh Nang Yuan nearly to yourself is something special you’d like to splash out on. Otherwise, you’ll get much better value and far more food options by staying on Koh Tao and visiting as a day trip.

once of the villas with a deck overlooking the ocean on koh nang yuan — *an ocean view bungalow of the resort*

Where To Stay On Koh Tao?

If you’re planning to visit Koh Nang Yuan as a day trip, I’d recommend staying on Koh Tao. You’ll have far more accommodation and food options, and it’s only a short boat ride across.

Sairee Beach: This is where I’d recommend most people stay. It’s the main tourist area with loads of hostels, hotels, restaurants, and dive shops. It’s also where many longtail boats depart for Koh Nang Yuan, making it super convenient.

Mae Haad: I stayed here on my first trip to Koh Tao and found it to be a great base if you’re arriving or leaving by ferry. It’s quieter than Sairee, though there are still plenty of places to eat and a good mix of accommodation.

Chalok Baan Kao: If you’re after somewhere a little more relaxed, Chalok Baan Kao is a great option. There are some lovely beachfront bungalows here, and it’s a good choice if you want to escape the busier parts of the island.

Ao Thian Og (Shark Bay): If you’re happy to spend a bit more, this is one of the nicest areas to stay on Koh Tao. It’s quieter than Sairee and home to several higher-end resorts with beautiful beachfront locations.

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Wonderland Jungle Hostel

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Wind Beach Resort

My favorite resort in Koh Tao right on the beach in a great location. Prices start from $70.00 per night.

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Sairee Sairee Guesthouse

A more affordable option in Sairee Beach. Private rooms start from $50.00 per night.

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My Top Tips For Visiting Koh Nang Yuan

Eat before you arrive: There is only one restaurant on Koh Nang Yuan, and unsurprisingly, the prices are higher than over on Koh Tao. If you’re only visiting for a couple of hours, I’d have breakfast or lunch before catching the boat rather than wasting your limited island time waiting for food.

Bring a reusable water bottle: Single-use plastic water bottles aren’t allowed on the island and are taken from you when you arrive. Bring a reusable metal bottle instead and make sure it’s full before leaving Koh Tao, as buying drinks on the island can quickly add up.

Bring cash: You’ll need money for the entrance fee, food, drinks, beach loungers and your return longtail boat. I wouldn’t rely on being able to pay for everything by card.

Arrive as early as possible: Koh Nang Yuan gets seriously busy once the snorkeling tours arrive. If you’re visiting independently, catch an early longtail from Koh Tao so you can hike to the viewpoint before the queue gets ridiculous.

Wear decent shoes: The viewpoint walk isn’t particularly difficult, but the path can be uneven and you’ll need to climb over a few boulders at the top. I’d wear sandals with a good grip or trainers rather than flip-flops that get all slippery when you sweat.

Pack plenty of sun protection: There is some shade around the island, but the sandbar and beach are very exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat and something to cover your shoulders, especially if you’re spending several hours here.

Don’t bring snorkeling fins: Fins aren’t allowed while snorkeling around the island, as they easily damage the shallow coral. Drones are also prohibited across the property and surrounding water.

Arrange your return boat clearly: If you’re traveling by longtail, confirm the pickup time and meeting place with your driver. I remember wondering whether ours would actually come back after we had paid upfront, but they do this trip every day and sure enough, he was there waiting for us.

small long tail about on the ocean in front of the island — *long tail boat driver around the rocky beaches of the island*

FAQs About Koh Nang Yuan

Can you stay overnight on Koh Nang Yuan?

Yes, you can stay overnight on Koh Nang Yuan, but there is only one accommodation option: Koh Nangyuan Resort. Staying overnight is much more expensive than basing yourself on Koh Tao, though the main perk is getting to enjoy the beach and viewpoint before the day-trippers arrive and after they leave.

How much time do you need on Koh Nang Yuan?

I’d allow around three hours on Koh Nang Yuan. That gives you enough time to hike to the viewpoint, swim, walk across the sandbar, and relax on the beach without feeling too rushed. I visited as part of a tour and only had just over an hour, which was enough to see the highlights, but was way too rushed.

Is Koh Nang Yuan suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, Koh Nang Yuan is still worth visiting if you aren’t a confident swimmer. You can walk across the sandbar, relax on the beach, and hike up to the viewpoint without getting in the water. The shallows around the sandbar are usually calm as well if you want to take a little dip.

Can you walk between the three islands?

Yes, the three small islands that make up Koh Nang Yuan are connected by a sandbar, so you can easily walk between them. Just keep in mind that the sandbar becomes much narrower at high tide and can get quite busy once the tour groups arrive.

Wrap Up: Is Koh Nang Yuan Worth Visiting?

So, is Koh Nang Yuan worth visiting? Honestly, yes, especially if you’re already staying on Koh Tao.

The viewpoint is gorgeous, the sandbar is super unique, and it’s a really easy place to spend a few hours swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. Sure, it gets busy, the viewpoint queue can be annoying, and everything costs a bit more than it does back on Koh Tao, but I still think it’s worth seeing for yourself.

My only regret was visiting as part of a tour and not having enough time there. We managed to hike to the viewpoint and have a quick snorkel, but it definitely felt rushed.

Personally, I’d visit independently, arrive early, and allow at least a few hours. That way, you can actually enjoy Koh Nang Yuan instead of spending half your visit standing in a queue and watching the clock.

If you’re spending a few days on the island, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Koh Tao.

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Find out everything you need to know about Koh Nang Yuan Island in Thailand. From how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and other important tips for visiting! Check out how to make the most out of your visit to Koh Nang Yuan!

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Photo credit: “Koh Nang Yuan (CC BY 2.0) by Mikko Koponen. “Koh Nang Yuan” (CC BY 2.0) by Snapboot . “Koh Nang Yuan” (CC BY 2.0) by Irumge. “Koh Tao: Koh Nang Yuan” (CC BY 2.0) by Bertconcepts.