Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island where three islands are connected by a white sandbar, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs, and topped with a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the sea and the sky? If yes, then you should definitely add Koh Nang Yuan Island to your bucket list. This island is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in Thailand, and a must-see for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and relaxation.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, when to visit, and what to know before you go. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to enjoy and remember at this island paradise. So, let's get started and explore Koh Nang Yuan Island together!
How To Get To Koh Nang Yuan Island
Koh Nang Yuan Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 15 minutes by boat from Koh Tao, the nearest and most popular island. Koh Tao is about 70 km from Koh Samui, 45 km from Koh Phangan, and 110 km from Chumphon, the closest mainland city. There are several ways to reach Koh Nang Yuan Island from these locations, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options and their prices:
- From Koh Tao: The easiest and cheapest way to get to Koh Nang Yuan Island is by taking a longtail boat from Koh Tao. You can find many longtail boats at the main pier of Koh Tao, or at any of the beaches around the island. The price is usually 300 baht per person for a round trip, or 200 baht per person for a one-way trip. You can also negotiate with the boat driver to wait for you at the island, or to pick you up at a certain time. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes, and you can enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the islands along the way.
- From Koh Samui: The fastest and most convenient way to get to Koh Nang Yuan Island from Koh Samui is by taking a speedboat. There are several companies that offer speedboat tours to Koh Nang Yuan Island, such as Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, and Samui Island Tour. The price ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 baht per person, depending on the company and the season. The price usually includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and entrance fee to the island. The speedboat ride takes about 90 minutes, and you can also stop at some of the best snorkeling spots around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Island.
- From Koh Phangan: The best and most common way to get to Koh Nang Yuan Island from Koh Phangan is by taking a ferry. There are several companies that offer ferry services to Koh Tao, such as Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm, and Raja Ferry. The price ranges from 300 to 600 baht per person, depending on the company and the season. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, and you can enjoy the views of the islands and the sea. Once you arrive at Koh Tao, you can take a longtail boat or a speedboat to Koh Nang Yuan Island, as mentioned above.
- From Chumphon: The cheapest and most adventurous way to get to Koh Nang Yuan Island from Chumphon is by taking a bus and a ferry. There are several companies that offer bus and ferry combo tickets to Koh Tao, such as Lomprayah, Songserm, and Raja Ferry. The price ranges from 500 to 800 baht per person, depending on the company and the season. The bus ride takes about 2 hours, and the ferry ride takes about 2 to 3 hours. You can also choose to take a night bus and a morning ferry, which can save you some time and money. Once you arrive at Koh Tao, you can take a longtail boat or a speedboat to Koh Nang Yuan Island, as mentioned above.
What To Do At Koh Nang Yuan Island
Koh Nang Yuan Island is not only a beautiful place to visit, but also a fun place to explore. There are many things to do at the island, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or sightseeing. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you should not miss at Koh Nang Yuan Island:
- Snorkeling and Diving: Koh Nang Yuan Island is one of the best places to snorkel and dive in Thailand, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. You can see many kinds of fish, such as clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, as well as sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. You can also explore some of the famous dive sites around the island, such as the Japanese Garden, the Twin Peaks, and the Green Rock. You can rent snorkeling equipment at the island for 100 baht per set, or bring your own. You can also book diving tours or courses at the island or at Koh Tao, with prices starting from 1,000 baht per dive.
- Hiking and Viewpoint: Koh Nang Yuan Island is also a great place to hike and enjoy the views of the island and the sea. You can follow the trail that leads to the island's viewpoint, which is the highest point of the island. The trail is about 1 km long, and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the top. The trail is steep and rocky, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring some water. Once you reach the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the three islands connected by the sandbar, and the turquoise waters around them. You can also take some amazing photos and selfies at this spot, which is one of the most iconic and Instagram-worthy places in Thailand.
- Relaxing and Beach: Koh Nang Yuan Island is also a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach. You can lounge on the soft white sand, swim in the warm and clear water, or sunbathe under the palm trees. You can also rent a beach chair or a hammock at the island for 150 baht per day, or bring your own towel or mat. You can also order some drinks and snacks from the island's restaurant, or bring your own. However, be aware that the island prohibits plastic bottles, so make sure to bring a reusable bottle or buy a glass bottle at the island. You can also refill your bottle at the island's water station for free.
- Sightseeing and Culture: Koh Nang Yuan Island is also a place to learn more about the island's history, culture, and wildlife. You can visit the island's Buddhist temple, which is located near the entrance of the island. You can also see the island's shipwreck, which is a wooden boat that sank near the island in the 1980s. You can also spot some of the island's wildlife, such as monitor lizards, squirrels, and birds. You can also learn more about the island's conservation efforts, such as banning plastic bottles and drones, and charging an entrance fee to fund the island's preservation.
Where To Stay At Koh Nang Yuan Island
Koh Nang Yuan Island has only one resort available for accommodation, which is the Koh Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort. This resort is the only place where you can stay overnight at the island, and enjoy the island's beauty and tranquility without the crowds. The resort offers various types of rooms, such as standard, superior, deluxe, and villa, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The resort also offers facilities and services, such as a restaurant, a bar, a dive center, a spa, and a souvenir shop. The resort also provides free wifi, free breakfast, and free boat transfer to and from Koh Tao. However, be aware that the resort is often fully booked, especially during the high season, so make sure to book in advance or check the availability online.
If you are not able to stay at the resort, or prefer to stay at a different place, you can also choose to stay at nearby Koh Tao instead. Koh Tao has many options for accommodation, with different budget and style preferences. You can find many hotels, resorts, hostels, guesthouses, and bungalows at Koh Tao, with prices starting from 200 baht per night. You can also find many facilities and services at Koh Tao, such as restaurants, bars, shops, markets, and nightlife. You can also enjoy many activities and attractions at Koh Tao, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking, and yoga.
When To Visit Koh Nang Yuan Island
The best time to visit Koh Nang Yuan Island depends on several factors, such as the weather, the seasons, the crowds, and the prices. Generally, the best time to visit the island is from November to April, which is the dry season and the high season in Thailand. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, the sea is calm and clear, and the island is open and accessible. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit the island, as many tourists flock to the island and the nearby islands. You can expect to pay higher prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities, and to share the island with many other visitors. You can also expect to encounter some queues and delays at the island's entrance, boat pier, and viewpoint.
If you want to avoid the crowds and the costs, you can also choose to visit the island from May to October, which is the wet season and the low season in Thailand. During this time, the weather is rainy and humid, the sea is rough and cloudy, and the island is sometimes closed and inaccessible. However, this is also the most quiet and cheap time to visit the island, as fewer tourists visit the island and the nearby islands. You can enjoy lower prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities, and have the island to yourself or with a few other visitors. You can also enjoy more privacy and peace at the island's beach, viewpoint, and snorkeling spots.
However, be aware that the island is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance, regardless of the season. You should also check the weather forecast and the boat schedule before you plan your trip, as they can change depending on the conditions.
What To Know Before Visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island
Before you visit Koh Nang Yuan Island, there are some things that you should know and remember, to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some of the essential and useful information and tips for visiting the island:
- The island is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, except on Wednesdays when it is closed for maintenance. You should plan your trip accordingly, and arrive early or late to avoid the crowds and the heat.
- The entrance fee to the island is 200 baht per person, which goes to the island's conservation fund. You should bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card machines at the island. You should also keep your ticket with you, as you will need to show it when you leave the island.
- The island prohibits plastic bottles, drones, fishing, and overnight stays, to protect its environment and wildlife. You should respect these rules, and bring a reusable bottle or buy a glass bottle at the island. You should also refrain from flying drones, fishing, or camping at the island. You should also avoid touching or feeding the fish, coral, or animals at the island, as this can harm them and their habitat.
- The island has limited and expensive facilities, such as a restaurant, a shop, a locker, and a restroom. You should bring your own snacks, drinks, and essentials, or be prepared to pay higher prices at the island. You should also bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent, as these are not provided or sold at the island. You should also use the locker to store your valuables, as there are no security guards or cameras at the island.
- The island can get crowded and noisy during peak hours and seasons, so you should be patient and courteous to other visitors and staff. You should also follow the signs and instructions at the island, and keep the island clean and tidy. You should also be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for slippery rocks, sharp corals, or stinging jellyfish.
Conclusion
Koh Nang Yuan Island is a truly amazing and unique place to visit in Thailand, and a must-see for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and relaxation. You can enjoy the island's beauty, uniqueness, and charm, and the reasons to visit it. You can also experience the island's scenic and serene atmosphere, its best features, such as the sandbar, the beach, and the viewpoint, its snorkeling and diving opportunities, with some of the best coral reefs in Thailand, and its cultural and historical aspects, such as the Buddhist temple and the shipwreck. You can also learn more about the island's conservation efforts, such as banning plastic bottles and drones, and charging an entrance fee to fund the island's preservation.
