Koh Nang Yuan – A tiny island

This place may be the biggest attraction of Koh Tao. Yes, this is even not Koh Tao. It is a tiny island 500 meters from Koh Tao., but it is very photogenic and all the tourists arrive here.

How to arrive to Koh Nang Yuan ?

Let’s look at the following Map :

See also Koh Nang Yuan on the Maps above

Option 1 : Arrive privately, with a small boat.

There are small boats from different beaches, taking people to Koh Nang Yuan. The most common place to take a boat is from Sairee beach, the main beach of Koh Tao.

These small boats can take between 6 to 20 people (depending on the type of boat), but they will go also with one person.

The sail time is very short, about 10 minutes.
You need to negotiate the price of the transport, but it is more or less fixed (300 Baht per person at the time of writing).

The price of the boat, includes also the return. You tell the driver at which hour you wish to return and he will be there.
Tip : Many boats work together, so you can return with another boat, by showing the ticket.
The last return boat is around 16:00, because Koh Nang Yuan is closing for visitors around this time.

Option 2 : Arrive with an organized boat excursion

All the boat trips (see later), that make a loop around the island, have a stop at Koh Nang Yuan. The stop is long enough to visit the viewpoint and swim in the beach (about 3 hours stop). It is convenient to arrive to Koh Nang Yuan with the organized day tour. On the other hand, you cannot stay as long as you wish.

So, what is there to do in Koh Nang Yuan ?

Notes :

1. First of all, you need to pay an entry price because it is considered a Natural Reserve. At the time of writing it is 250 Baht.
2. Secondly, you need to leave the place around 16:00, when the island is closing for visitors. There is one exception and it is if your hotel is here (see option 4 in where to stay).
3. Third, be aware that it is forbidden to bring plastic bottles. They may check your bag.

1. The Viewpoint in Koh Nang Yuan

On the southern part of Koh Nang Yuan, there is a hill and from that hill there is a wonderful view over the tiny island.

The climb is easy. Around 10 minutes.

There is a kiosk selling water, near the top (but not in plastic bottles). On the top, if you are lucky, you can calmly sit on a rock and make a selfie. If you are less lucky, there will be a lot of people wanting to sit on the same rock.

2. The Beach in Koh Nang Yuan

The beach is very clear and beautiful. You will want to swim here.

3. The sand strips in Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan is made of 3 pieces of land connected between them with a strip of sand. It is possible to walk on these strips when the water is low.

4. The café in Koh Nang Yuan

There is a Cappuccino machine in the café on the beach (There are 2 cafés). The prices are a little bit higher than in Koh Tao. They have also some food.

A Boat Trip around the island

This is a must while you are visiting Koh Tao. It is relatively cheap , it is fun and it is efficient. Why am I saying that it is efficient ? Because the boat makes a complete tour around the island, and you get an overview of Koh Tao without the need to travel on the road.

The tour lasts about 6 hours. There is one tour that starts in the morning and one at noon. There are several companies doing this trip.
You will see a lot of publicity everywhere.

There are about 60 people on one boat. It is a modest boat. There are 2 floors on the boat. Yes, there is a toilet.

They give you a modest meal also. If you are vegetarian, you can still eat eggs and rice. The fruits are good.

The most prominent stop of the boat is at Koh Nang Yuan. About 3 hours.

After that, the boat circle Koh Tao clockwise and there are several stops for snorkeling. You can jump from the boat. Cool.

One of the interesting stops is in Shark Bay. There are sometimes turtles in the water. Some of the swimmers will be lucky and see turtles and some will not. Unfortunately, I didn’t see turtles and I was very disappointed because I like very much turtles (who doesn’t). I just saw the pictures and videos of 2 turtles that some passengers filmed with a a Go-Pro camera.
Tip for seeing turtles in Shark Bay : Swim where there is a group of swimmers staying on the same spot (they are there for a reason).

The price for a boat trip is around 600 Baht (at the time of writing). The boat departs from Mae Haad pier, the main pier of the island.  The excursion includes a pick-up from your hotel to the pier, but you can also arrive on your own.

Overall, the boat trip around Koh Tao is a pleasant experience. You also meet people on the boat. Recommended.

Around Shark Bay

The south of Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful and pleasant parts of the island. There are several beaches here and there are nice resorts right on the water (see Where to Stay in koh Tao).

In Shark Bay there are small sharks that can be spotted also from the sand. I saw them. It depends on the hour of the day. These Sharks are not dangerous. There are also Turtles, but they are more difficult to spot.

Haad Sai Daeng is a beach, adjacent to Shark Bay.

Also here, sharks can be seen

It is beautiful to stay here

Chalok baan kao bay is also adjacent to Shark Bay. Also beautiful.

The Viewpoint over Shark Bay

It is called SUN SUWAN 360° View. A very easy climb of a few stairs and you get a wonderful view over the south of Koh Tao.

There is a small entry price which include a soft drink. If you pay more, you can have a big Coconut. Of course that it is recommended to arrive here at sunset.

More Viewpoints in Koh Tao

Nang Yuan Terrace, is located in front of the beautiful Koh Nang Yuan island. It is a resort, but they let people enter to the viewpoint near the swimming pool. You can also stay here (See option 4 in Where to Stay in Koh Tao).

Here are more Viewpoints in Koh Tao. Read the opinion of travelers for each viewpoint and decide if you want to climb, if necessary.

• Summit View Point
• Exotic Hive / Bamboo Viewpoint
• Grape View Point
• Mango View Point (Sairee Beach View Point)
• Sunset View Point
• High Rock View Point
• Small View Point
• West coast viewpoint
• Wooden Rock Viewpoint
• Deisha Viewpoint

A Diving Course

A visit in Koh Tao is a good opportunity for making a diving course. You will see diving schools right when you get down from the boat at Mae Haad pier. There are more diving schools all around the island. Inform yourself on the spot or online.

Waterfalls and Elephant Camps

Koh Tao is not famous for that. Try in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.