When visiting Koh Tao, there are two things you absolutely must do: go diving and visit the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. Koh Nang Yuan is located just off Koh Tao in the northwest of the island, a little beyond the end of Sairee Beach, the most popular beach on Koh Tao. The view from one of the islands in this small archipelago is probably the most famous and popular photo opportunity on Koh Tao – even though it actually shows Koh Tao itself, but rather Koh Nang Yuan. And indeed, the view of the three islands and the small sandbars that connect them is simply beautiful! Near the restaurant, there's also a great snorkeling spot with many colorful fish, the so-called Japanese Garden. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of dead coral there. If you snorkel here, please don't step on the coral. Ideally, don't touch the seabed at all once you're a little further from the beach. Also, avoid using sunscreen, as it contains ingredients that damage coral. Like any natural and easily accessible place, Koh Nang Yuan is quite busy. Between the many visitors renting longtail boats and the tours and excursions from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui, it's difficult to enjoy the island in peace. And during peak season (November to March), it's naturally especially crowded! The best time to visit is shortly after it opens. As it's a private island, it's only open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm. Another way to enjoy the island almost to yourself is to stay overnight in one of the bungalows at the resort on Koh Nangyuan (book here). However, keep in mind: while it may be pleasant in the mornings before 10 am and in the evenings after 5 pm, once the tourists have left, you'll probably prefer to visit Koh Tao during the day, when it's crowded, to escape the hustle and bustle.

Koh Nangyuan is a private island open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entry costs 250 THB per person. Bringing plastic bottles to the island is prohibited.

To get there from Koh Tao, the recommended option is to take a longtail boat from Sairee Beach (or Mae Haad, where the pier is located). All operators will take you there for 400 THB per person, wait for you, and bring you back. You can rent a mask and snorkel for 50 THB. Alternatively, a boat departs daily from Lomprayah Pier in Mae Haad to Koh Nang Yuan, leaving every morning at 10:30 AM (300 THB). I haven't tried it, but there's also a 200-meter-long zipline between two islands of Koh Nangyuan. And, of course, many snorkeling and diving excursions stop at Koh Nang Yuan.

How to get there

How do you get to the Koh Nang Yuan islands? From Koh Tao, the best way is by longtail boat from Sairee Beach (or Mae Haad, where the pier is located). All operators will take you there for 400 THB per person, wait for you, and bring you back. You can rent a mask and snorkel for 50 THB. Alternatively, there's a daily boat service to Koh Nang Yuan from Lomprayah Pier in Mae Haad, departing every morning at 10:30 AM (300 THB). I haven't tried it, but there's also a 200-meter-long zipline between two of the Koh Nang Yuan islands. And, of course, many snorkeling and diving excursions stop at Koh Nang Yuan.