What if paradise looked like a small rocky island like Koh Nang Yuan? Discover the highlights of this destination.

The pristine and deserted island of Koh Nang Yuan lives up to the image of earthly paradise. Those who thought they'd found their haven on the trendy beaches of Phuket or Koh Samui will admit they were mistaken once they set foot here. The scenery consists solely of coral reefs, rocky outcrops and crystal-clear waters. Yet this raw, pure natural beauty—which some visitors blame Koh Nang Yuan for lacking—isn't that precisely its charm? There's nothing to do but laze on white sand, roll over every quarter hour to perfect your tan, or read a paperback until sunset. Of course, if you practice scuba diving, you can join the group of enthusiasts who come to this corner of earth to enjoy the abundant aquatic life of its seabed. An unmissable destination just 15 minutes by boat from Koh Tao!

A bit of geography

The island of Koh Nang Yuan is formed of three tiny islands connected to each other by thin tongues of sand. The small sandy beach reveals itself at low tide, but disappears under the waves when the tide rises. The largest of the three islands was named "Haang Tao" in a distant era, which translates as "turtle's tail". This name was no accident, as the shape of this island resembles the rear part of a turtle.

Today

The desire for a dreamlike setting draws visitors to Koh Nang Yuan, but passion for underwater adventure is equally a reason for tourists to travel here. The waters surrounding the island are ideal for these activities.

The Japanese Garden spot, for example, is particularly sought after. It's a small bay bordered by granite rocks, where the waters are perfectly crystalline. Among the aquatic species recorded on the island are parrotfish, butterflyfish, giant clams and clownfish. Diving circuits are often organized from Koh Tao island, with 3 or 4 spots on the program for a price between 1,000 and 1,200 baht per person.

What to see and do

Unlike Phuket, Koh Nang Yuan is not a place for partying. The reason to come here is twofold: relaxation by the sea and scuba diving.

Indulge in leisure

The island's strong point is that it becomes deserted and wild again once the divers invading the beach pack up and leave. It's therefore a perfect no man's land to disconnect from the world, unwind and shed stress. As you wish, you can swim in crystal-clear waters, stay on the beach and admire the mountains. Children can have fun splashing in the water and building sandcastles. The place is unmatched for a romantic getaway in Thailand: you'd love to watch the sunset over the shore side by side! There's only one accommodation and the night costs more compared to prices on the mainland. But the magic of this Polynesian setting is worth the investment.

Go scuba diving

Scuba diving is a sport to practice without restraint on Koh Nang Yuan. The Nang Yuan Pinnacle spot attracts many enthusiasts of the discipline each year. It's easily accessible on the north coast between Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. The area is characterized by large rocks and the maximum depth is approximately 19 m. It's notably frequented by green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles as well as a whole variety of multicolored fish. Apart from Nang Yuan Pinnacle, divers will also find their match on the spots of Shark Bay, Twin Peaks, Green Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle.

Head to the famous viewpoint

If you want an unobstructed view of the ocean and the 2 other islands of Koh Nang Yuan, head to the famous viewpoint. To get there, you just need to follow the signs on site. It will take you less than 10 minutes to reach the summit.

Climate

Like the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan experiences a tropical humid climate. As the destination is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, the best time to visit is during high tide between October and March. If you're a fan of relaxation and sunbathing, plan your visit during the cool season, between December and March, when temperatures are more bearable.

How to get there?

Koh Nang Yuan is located northwest of Koh Tao island, at a distance of approximately one hundred meters from the coast. The boat trip (longtail boat) from Sai Ree Beach costs around 150 baht per person for the one-way journey. Once there, you'll still need to pay an entrance fee of 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children, as the island is managed by a private company. Tourist visiting hours are clearly set: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Good to know

It is strictly forbidden to bring plastic bottles and snacks to Koh Nang Yuan. Environmental protection requirements demand it. If you get peckish, there's a restaurant on site, but prices are a bit higher than on Koh Tao.

Koh Nang Yuan attracts many travelers, so to avoid hordes of vacationers, plan to arrive on the island when it opens (at 10 a.m.). That way, you'll be among the first to discover the island's must-see attractions. When it's busy, you sometimes have to queue to reach the viewpoint.