Some places in Thailand seem too perfect to be true, and Nang Yuan Island is one of them. The three small islands in the Gulf of Thailand, right next to Koh Tao, are known for their white sandbanks, turquoise waters, and boulders that pile up along the coast. What makes Nang Yuan Island truly special is its protected status, which helps keep the island pristine year-round.

Local authorities strictly control what enters the island, banning items like single-use plastics and aluminum cans. The result is pristine beaches and crystal-clear water – a rarity in Southeast Asia these days. There are no towns or beach clubs here, just untouched nature and a secluded dive resort. Nang Yuan Island is definitely worth a visit – whether by longtail boat from Koh Tao or speedboat from Koh Phangan.

How to get to Nang Yuan Island

From Koh Phangan

We visited Nang Yuan Island as part of a speedboat tour from Koh Phangan, which also included snorkeling stops at Koh Tao. The trip took about an hour, significantly shorter than from Koh Samui, for example, where the journey can take up to two hours. When we arrived at Nang Yuan, there were a few other boats at the pier, but it didn't feel crowded. We had three hours of free time – enough to swim, relax on the sandbanks, and hike to the famous viewpoint.

Book here: Speedboat day trip from Koh Phangan

Speedboat tour from Koh Phangan

From Koh Tao

If you're staying on Koh Tao, Nang Yuan Island is easily accessible, as it lies less than a kilometer off the coast. Longtail boats run regularly between the two locations and take only 10 to 15 minutes from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier. You can arrange a departure and return time with the driver, as long as it's between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (sometimes 5:00 PM, depending on the season). The round-trip fare is approximately 300–400 THB per person, but (important!) this does not include the island entrance fee.

You can also join a snorkeling tour, which usually starts at Nang Yuan Island before heading around Koh Tao to various snorkeling spots: Mango Bay, Aow Leuk Bay, Shark Bay, and others. Since you won't be on the open sea, the boats are more like converted fishing boats than speedboats. However, they are spacious and comfortable enough for leisurely trips and easy boarding and disembarking.

Book here: Snorkeling day trip from Koh Tao

From Koh Samui

Speedboat tours are also offered from Koh Samui, but the journey takes considerably longer: between 90 minutes and 2 hours. In our opinion, it's advisable to save Nang Yuan Island for Koh Phangan or Koh Tao and use Samui as a base for exploring Ang Thong National Park. Ang Thong is a collection of beautiful limestone islands west of Samui.

Read more: Ang Thong Marine Park: What to expect on a day trip

Things to do on Nang Yuan Island

Drive up to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.

The absolute highlight on Nang Yuan Island is undoubtedly the climb to the viewpoint overlooking the beaches and sandbanks. The walk takes only 15 minutes, but with some steep sections and rope passages, it's quite challenging. Once you reach the top, you'll find enormous boulders that make perfect photo platforms and allow you to enjoy the view.

Wooden walkway to the viewpoint

Enjoy the sun on the sandbanks

The sandbanks of Nang Yuan Island are soft and well-maintained to preserve their pristine condition. During our visit, we were allowed to spread out a towel and sunbathe on the sand (as you can see in our photos). Apparently, the rules have since changed. You may now be required to use a sun lounger and remove your shoes before walking on the sand. Either way, the beaches here are stunning.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Japanese Garden

An area between two small islands called Japanese Garden was our favorite swimming spot on Nang Yuan Island. The water here is shallow and crystal clear – it almost looked like a swimming pool. You can swim past the huge rocks and (if you want) go out into the deeper waters where the boats anchor and snorkel. Colorful corals and tropical fish are frequently seen here. Alternatively, you can also swim at the other sandbars – within the zones marked by buoys.

Enjoy a fresh coconut at the beach café

On Nang Yuan Island, which actually belongs to the dive resort, there's a small beach café selling fresh coconuts, snacks, juices, and water. All drinks are served in reusable cups or glass bottles, except for the coconuts, which are the most environmentally friendly option. Prices are quite high, but what else would you expect in such a remote paradise?

FAQs for visiting Nang Yuan Island

Is it possible to stay overnight on the island itself?

The only accommodation option on Nang Yuan Island is the Dive Resort, the sole privately owned property on the island. A stay here is a unique and wonderful experience: you can enjoy the island away from the day tourists and participate in one of the diving excursions offered by the resort. However, the food and rooms are rather basic, and the price is high compared to what you get for the same money on Koh Tao.

When is the best time to visit Nang Yuan Island?

Nang Yuan Island is open year-round and does not have a prescribed closure period during the monsoon season. However, boat trips may be postponed or canceled due to rough seas. Keep in mind that the monsoon season in the Gulf of Thailand begins later than in other beach destinations like Phuket or Krabi. The best time to visit Nang Yuan is from January to March (the hot, calm dry season) or from June to August (the generally dry but windy transitional season).

What's the best way to avoid crowds?

The only sure way to avoid the crowds is to stay overnight at the dive resort or arrive promptly at 10:00 AM by longtail boat from Koh Tao. Remember to bring cash for the entrance fee (250 THB) and drinks at the café. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear, but leave plastic bottles at the hotel, as luggage is routinely checked upon arrival.

Is Nang Yuan Thailand's most beautiful island?

Nang Yuan is undoubtedly one of Thailand's most beautiful islands. Aesthetically, it's probably only surpassed by Koh Ngai and the Similan Islands. However, because it's so small and manageable, it's better suited for day trips than a multi-day stay. We prefer Thai islands that can be easily explored by scooter, with countless beaches to choose from and the opportunity to experience local life (like Koh Kood or Koh Lanta).