Why You Should Put Koh Nang Yuan on Your Bucket List
In my research for Thailand - let’s face it, by now you should know I do a crazy amount of research before going on my trips - I found pictures of these dreamy little islands connected by just a sand strip. I set out to make sure I could make it to this scenic destination. I found out they are just off the coast of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand.
My biggest challenge for my whole trip to Thailand was prioritizing things because I literally would only have a day, maybe less, in some locations. Koh Tao was one of those short stops. I spent a total of 20 hours on Koh Tao. I sort of hate having things regimented and super planned out on trips. I’d much rather go with a loose plan and have sites picked out that I know I want to see, but with only 20 hours, you have to plan!
Ok, back to Koh Nang Yuan - this little island is located just about a 15-minute boat ride from Sairee Beach on Koh Tao. It’s really easy to hire a private longtail boat to take you. There are signs and guys all around advertising a visit to Koh Nang Yuan along the beach. Just flag one of them down and they will take you there, set up a pick-up time with you and then come back at the time you designate for the small price of 300 thai baht per person. Make sure you take note of the number of your boat. It gets pretty busy on the island, so the dock can be filled with a ton of other longtail boats and the only way you’ll know which is yours is by the number.
Even though its a small island, it has one resort with a restaurant and bar. If you make it a day trip, there are two main things you can do. You can post up on the beach. If the tide is low, you can wander around the wide stretch of sand between the islands. You can also take a hike up to the scenic view point. This is was the only thing we were able to do the day we went because as soon as we made it to the top, it started pouring cats and dogs, literally. Ok, not literally, but we looked like we had jumped into the ocean. We were the soaked. At least we still got our pictures at the top!
If you do make the trek up to the viewpoint, it will probably be one of the most scenic places you’ve ever been. The view over the two islands with the sandbar connecting them is literally unlike anything you’ve seen. The hike is a little steep, but is all steps and has good tree coverage from the sun.
Add a few days in your trip to visit Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. I know you won’t be disappointed because it really is bucket list worthy.
Yours Truly // Shannon