Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint and Island: Ultimate Guide (2024)

A girl half turned sitting on top of a boulder in focus with a view from Nang Yuan Viewpoint over an island

The panorama opening up from the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint is one of the most recognizable โ€˜tropical paradiseโ€™ sceneries in Thailand. If you planned a trip to Thailand or have visited the islands in the Surat Thani province, I have no doubt you’ve seen it. Itโ€™s on postcards, tour ads, posters, and travel influencersโ€™ feeds. It even came up on my PCโ€™s automatic wallpaper a few days before I started writing this article. Talk about inspiration!

The popularity of Koh Nang Yuan Island is not surprising: it’s undeniably stunning.

The incredible view from Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

There is a long wooden pier that loops through large granite boulders, a narrow bar of white sand connecting two steep green hills, turquoise blue lagoons, and a beautiful reef full of marine life. Whatโ€™s even more incredible is that you can soak up this unbelievable sight from a birdโ€™s eye perspective after a 15-minute hike to Nang Yuan Viewpoint.

Unsurprisingly, everyone wants a piece of this treasure. With tours coming to Nang Yuan Island from Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan this tiny island can get very crowded. In this guide, I uncover planning strategies and tips to enjoy this dreamy place to the fullest on a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan or an overnight stay at NangYuan Island Dive Resort

๐Ÿ๏ธ Facts about Koh Nang Yuan and is it worth visiting

A girl with hair blowing in the wild looking back at the beach on Nang Yuan Island with blue clear water bay in the background
A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the center and a girl wearing a blue wrap walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan Island

Koh Nang Yuan – or Nang Yuan Island – is a tiny three-part island off the coast of Koh Tao. It has two steep hills and a small plot of land between them, all connected by a thin bar of white sand. That plot of land has enough space to fit two restaurants, a reception, a dive shop, a few hotel rooms, staff accommodations, and โ€ฆ that’s it. Not a lot of real estate to work with but itโ€™s part of the island’s allure.

The water surrounding Koh Nang Yuan is a gorgeous shade of turquoise. There is a reef known for great snorkeling and scuba diving right off the shore. At least a dozen dive boats show up near Nang Yuan Island in the morning and at sunset, diving at famous Koh Tao dive sites like the Japanese Garden and Twins Pinnacle.

There is only one option for an overnight stay at Koh Nang Yuan – the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort. The hike to the Nang Yuan viewpoint takes you right past the villas scattered on the side of one of the hills.

IMHO Itโ€™s not only worth visiting but it is worth staying at Koh Nang Yuan overnight!

A girl sitting back to the camera on top of a boulder with hair flying in the wind at Nang Yuan Viewpoint looking over Koh Nang Yuan
White sandbar in the middle of turquoise bay

Itโ€™s an incredibly unique place. But it gets overcrowded and can feel like a tourist trap for a large part of the day. The great news is that there is a way to enjoy Nang Yuan without the crowds. It’s incredibly calm, picturesque, and serene before 10 am and after 4 PM (day visitor hours).  That is why staying on the island for a night is how I would recommend experiencing it – it’s extraordinary.

Once the tours arrive, there are A LOT of people in a VERY small space, which changes the experience.

๐Ÿ“ Where is Koh Nang Yuan Island?

Nang Yuan Island is located half a mile (0.8 km) off the coast of Koh Tao, Thailand. It takes about 10-30 minutes to get to Koh Nang Yuan by boat, depending on where on Koh Tao you start. Koh Tao is a small-ish island in the Gulf of Thailand, just a short ferry ride away from its more famous neighbors: Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. In this article, Iโ€™m going to cover each way of getting to Koh Nang Yuan Island in detail.

The small distance separating Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao

๐Ÿ–๏ธ How to visit Koh Nang Yuan Island and Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint?

There are multiple ways to visit the picture-perfect island to enjoy its turquoise waters and hike to the breathtaking Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. Hereโ€™s an overview, read on for details on each option:

  • From Koh Tao to Nang Yuan:
    • Visit on your own
      • Take a longboat taxi from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier (300-500 baht)
      • Take the daily transfer service to Koh Nang Yuan from Mae Haad Pier (200 baht)
    • Snorkeling tour from Koh Tao        
  • From Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Nang Yuan
    • Ferry to Koh Tao, then follow directions from Koh Tao
    • Snorkeling tour
  • Overnight stay

Below I go over the details, as well as the pros and cons of each way to visit Nang Yuan Island. But before we get into the details of each way, let me answer a couple of important questions.

โ” What is the best way to visit Nang Yuan Island?

My answer is that the best way is to stay in Koh Nang Yuan overnight. It’s the only way you will enjoy it in a truly serene and quiet state. It feels refreshingly calm and remote before and after the day visitors are there. Even though the lights of Koh Tao are just around the corner! In those hours Nang Yuan Island is a full-on embodiment of a living-in-paradise fantasy. The obvious cons: the cost, the time, and for some โ€“ the isolation.

The second-best way to experience Koh Nang Yuan is on a day trip via a taxi boat from Koh Tao. That option allows you to arrive right before the island opens for visitors or 2 hours before it closes.

If neither of those options works for you โ€“ donโ€™t fret. It’s still an unforgettable destination regardless of how and what time you get there, youโ€™ll just have to share.

๐Ÿ“ From Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan

๐Ÿšค Longtail boat from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier

The best way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan independently is to take a longtail taxi boat from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier. Itโ€™s the only way that allows you to be in control of your timing.

The ride costs around 300-500 baht, depending on where you grab a taxi boat and your negotiating skills. Sairee Beach is closer to Nang Yuan so it should be cheaper than going from Mae Haad. You will see taxi signs right on the beach or near the pier. Also, if you stand around just looking like you are looking for a taxi, someone will probably approach you.

It is important to discuss how long the boat will wait for you at Koh NangYuan. No unoccupied taxi boats are hanging out near the island. If you let your boat driver leave without you, youโ€™ll have to find someone whose boat you can join, or ask the resort staff to call for one. You can also use the scheduled transfer boat if the timing works.

White sandbar in the middle of turquoise bay

The island is open to day visitors from 10 AM to 4 PM (subject to change). Itโ€™s your best bet to arrive there right before it opens or in the afternoon 1-2 hours before it closes. The ride takes 10-20 minutes. Double-check the islandโ€™s hours of operation as they can change over time.

๐Ÿšข Daily scheduled transfer to Koh Nang Yuan from Mae Haad Pier

A larger boat runs to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Taoโ€™s Mae Haad Pier and back twice a day. It costs 200 baht round trip and takes about 30 minutes. Itโ€™s free for departure and arrival if you stay at the resort. If you decide to use this, double-check at the Mae Haad Pier when arriving at Koh Tao or use WhatsApp or your booking service to contact Nangyuan Island Dive Resort for the latest schedule and pricing.

The latest schedule from their website (subject to change):

  • Koh Tao – Koh Nangyuan: 10:00a.m., 03:00p.m.
  • Koh Nangyuan – Koh Tao: 08:30a.m., 01:00p.m.

This is also the cheapest way to visit Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint from Koh Tao.

๐Ÿ›ถ Kayaking to Nang Yuan Island from Koh Tao

While the distance between the closest peer on Koh Tao to Nang Yuan Island is very manageable for a kayak, I would recommend against it. The channel between the two islands has strong currents and tall waves, even when the sea seems completely calm on the beach at Koh Tao. The conditions are drastically different in the small space between the islands. A couple of our trips to and from Nang Yuan on a long-tail taxi boat felt quite unsettling. The waves were so big, I canโ€™t even fathom this journey on a kayak unless you are a sea-kayaking super pro.

A girl wet and splashes all around and a wild facial expression on a long tail boat from Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan
A screenshot from a long boat ride to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao

๐Ÿšค Snorkeling tours from Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan

You can visit Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao as a part of a snorkeling tour.

Important distinction: on a snorkeling tour, NOT a diving tour. Many dives happen right next to Koh Nang Yuan but you dive off the boat, never stepping foot on the island proper. On a dive trip, you wouldnโ€™t be able to hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint or hang out at the narrow sand bars, whereas most snorkeling trips have a visit to the island in their schedule.

Choosing to visit Koh Nang Yuan via a snorkeling tour from Koh Tao has one major benefit – you would be able to check out many more snorkeling sites on the same day!

Go with a tour if you’d like to combine visiting Koh Nang Yuan with more awesome snorkeling locations around Koh Tao. I curated the best-rated tours with ample reviews:

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You can also always find a tour locally or through your accommodation. It will likely be cheaper and give you some room for price negotiation. The downside of booking locally is that there is no way to know if the provider is any good. Ask locals for a recommendation, but keep in mind – itโ€™s better to ask for advice from those who donโ€™t have a relationship with tour providers.

๐Ÿ“ From Koh Samui to Koh Nang Yuan

There are two ways to visit Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui โ€“ as a part of a snorkeling day tour or by taking a ferry to Koh Tao. The cost of a tour is comparable to going by ferry if you factor in the ferry tickets, a taxi boat from Koh Tao, snorkeling gear rental, and lunch, which the tours normally include. If you only have one day for a visit to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui, a snorkeling tour may be a better option, but if you have the opportunity to stay on Koh Tao or NangYuan overnight (which I recommend!) taking a ferry is the better option.

A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the middle and a girl wearing a blue wrap walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan

๐Ÿšข Ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

This option is the best if you are staying in Koh Nang Yuan or Koh Tao overnight.

There are multiple ferries a day from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, often with a very brief stop in Koh Pha Ngan. The two companies currently sailing this route are Lomprayah and Songserm, you can find all options for Koh Samui to Koh Tao here or go directly to the ferry companies’ websites. Lomprayah boats are generally newer, nicer, and faster. Songserm is generally cheaper and it may still have availability if Lompraya sells out. An important detail to keep in mind when booking is which pier the ferry is leaving from on Koh Samui, as they leave from different ones at different times. When making a choice, factor in the price and time required for a taxi ride to the pier. The ride may come out to a few hundred Baht depending on where you are staying, and which ferry you choose.

  • Duration: 1.5 hr โ€“ 4 hr one way depending on the ferry type.
  • Cost: 500-700 Baht one way.
  • From Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan: follow the directions for visiting from Koh Tao.

A lone white chair on the  beach in Koh Nang Yuan Island

Can you visit Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui on a day trip?

Technically yes, if you book the earliest ferry to Koh Tao and the latest ferry coming back. But I must warn you that this approach has the lowest effort-to-reward ratio, as you will need to spend a lot of time in transit in one day and arrive at Koh Nang Yuan during the busiest, least enjoyable part of the day. And it wonโ€™t be much cheaper than taking a tour from Koh Samui!

๐Ÿšค Tours to Nang Yuan from Koh Samui

You can visit Nang Yuan from Koh Samui on a full-day tour with lunch, and that is certainly the easier way to enjoy the epic view from the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint logistically speaking. Itโ€™s also a great option if you are limited on time during your stay on Koh Samui. The main downside of seeing Koh Nang Yuan as a day trip from Koh Samui is having to spend a lot of time in transit on the way there and back. On the upside, most tours include lunch and at least one or more addtional snorkeling spots to make for a fun-filled day!

I curated the best-rated tours with a good number of reviews for you:

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You can also always book through a tourist agency or your accommodation on Koh Samui.

๐Ÿ“ From Koh Phangan to Koh Nang Yuan

๐Ÿšข Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

There are a few ferries a day from Koh Samui to Koh Tao which stop in Koh Phangan. You can find all options for Koh Phangan to Koh Tao or go directly to the ferry companies’ websites. Lompraya boats are generally newer, nicer, and faster. Songserm is generally cheaper and maybe your only fallback option for peak dates when Lompraya sells out.

  • Duration: 1-2 hrs one way depending on the ferry type.
  • Cost: 450-600 Baht one way
  • Once on Koh Tao, follow the directions detailed above on how to get to Koh Nang from Koh Tao.

๐Ÿšค Tours from Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Nang Yuan  

The choice of tours from Koh Pha Ngan to Nang Yuan is not as rich as from Koh Samui. Here is an option with a rating of 4.3/5 and 40+ reviews: Koh Tao & Nang Yuan Boat Tour with Lunch

Whether you are looking for a ferry, a train, a bus, a van, or a combo of multiple modes of transportation, the most convenient way to book transport in Asia is 12Go.com

๐Ÿ“ How to get to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint?

The view from the Nang Yuan Viewpoint is one of the most famous and photographed landscapes in Thailand. And for good reason! The view from up there is unbelievable.

To get to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint you have to go on a very quick hike:

  • Distance: 0.9 mi (1.4 km)
  • Time: 20-30 min
  • Type: out and back

You will first walk on the sand bar to the foot of the hill which has villas all over it. Turn left at the foot of the hill and follow the boardwalk until it ends. You get a nice view of Koh Tao from this point. Now you must climb some stairs under the forest canopy.  After a brief steep section, you will get to the main viewpoint. There is a viewing platform set up to the left of the trail, right before the large boulders at the top. However, to get to the landscape that everyone imagines when thinking of Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint, you will have to climb a bit further and do some light scrambling to enjoy the view from a boulder at the very top.

Atop Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

TIP: Head to the hike to Koh NangYuan Viewpoint first thing after your arrival. There is not much space at the top and thereโ€™s a line to take a photo during the day. If you are staying on the island โ€“ congrats! โ€“ wait for the island to close for day visitors, and head there right before sunset. Make sure to carry a flashlight for the way back.

๐ŸŒƒ Koh Nang Yuan Overnight stay – is it worth it?

My husband and I stayed at Koh Nang Yuan Island for two nights. In my opinion, it is the best way to experience this incredible natural wonder of a place.

The porch of a villa at Nangyuan island dive resort with flowers growing next to it
A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the middle and a girl wearing a blue wrap walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan

Letโ€™s be honest, a dream of staying on a paradise island doesnโ€™t usually include dozens of other people splashing in the water around you. Nor do you conjure up an image of standing in a queue to take a picture at the viewpoint.

If I were to guess, you probably wish to share the precious moments only with the people who you brought with you. No one else. The only bulletproof way to do this on Nang Yuan Island is to stay overnight.

๐ŸŒš Our experience staying on Koh Nang Yuan overnight

We stayed there during one of the busiest times โ€“ right before the New Year. There were literally no accommodations on Koh Tao available that werenโ€™t ridiculously expensive or a shared dorm. None. And even in that time, the island felt sooo peaceful in the mornings and the evenings. Since itโ€™s very small, those hours before and after the day-visit hours give you plenty of time to soak up the place. 

View from the porch of a villa from an overnight stay on Koh Nang Yuan
A wooden walk to the beach on Koh Nang Yuan

We watched the sun go down while sitting atop the Nang Yuan Viewpoint, with not another soul around. I walked the beautiful sand bar alone and took some beautiful pictures not feeling rushed by anyone waiting on me. We watched the sun set behind the horizon while enjoying our dinner. And it is so quiet. It was a great way to feel unplugged for a couple of nights, away from the hustle and buzz of the bigger nearby islands.

The accommodations of the NangYuan Island Dive Resort, the only hotel on the teeny island, range in comfort and cost. Our standard villa was fairly modest, but clean and spacious, and the view from the porch was incredible.

๐Ÿจ Where to stay in Koh Tao

If you prefer not to stay in Koh NangYuan, your best bet to stay nearby is Koh Tao  (which deserves a couple of days to explore as well!). Here are some great stay options in Koh Tao:

โš ๏ธ Things to know when visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island

The most important thing to remember when visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island is that it alternates between two modes. Mode one is movie-like bliss and calm, and mode two looks a bit (or a lot) like a pool party. If you are arriving with a tour you have to accept that it will be busy, or even super busy. You have to know yourself and how you deal with crowds. Some people have zero problems enjoying a busy place, and others would be driven absolutely nuts (hey, thatโ€™s me!).

Is it worth it to go to Nang Yuan Island on a tour knowing it will be busy? In my opinion, yes! However, if you have the flexibility to choose, staying here or visiting around the opening and closing hours takes it to another level.

A view from NangYuan Dive resort villa on a beach on Koh Nang Yuan Island
A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the middle and a girl wearing a blue wrap walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan

Basic information on visiting Nang Yuan Island

  • Entrance fee:
    • 250 THB for foreigners50 THB for Thai citizensFree for guests staying on NangYuan overnight
    • If you are arriving with a tour, check if the entrance fee is included in the tour price
  • Day visit hours: 10 am to 4 pm (subject to change)
  • Tide: The sand bar connecting the three islands is several meters wide at low tide. At high tide the bar is completely gone, with water up to your knee. Plan around this, and avoid arriving at high tide, as there is almost no sand to hang out on. Check Koh Nang Yuan Island tide times here.

A wooden walk to the beach on Koh Nang Yuan with an orange life ring in the front
A girl in sunglasses sitting on top of a boulder at Nang Yuan Viewpoint

Important rules for visiting Koh Nang Yuan:

  • No single-use plastic bottles are allowed on the island. If you bring any they will be taken away at the entrance. You can purchase refreshments on the island, or better yet, bring a reusable bottle. We use a LifeStraw bottle with a built-in filter.
  • No fins or water shoes, and of course no standing on the coral.
  • No drones. Take off on Koh Tao to take drone footage of Nang Yuan.
  • No beach mats and towels. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented for 200 Baht.

๐Ÿ๏ธ Things to do on Koh Nang Yuan Island

๐Ÿฅพ Hike to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

The view that draws visitors from all around the world is the view from Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. Itโ€™s a short 10-15 minute hike to the top, from which you can see the entirety of the island. The scenery is unbeatable and I think itโ€™s the best thing to do on the island. If you are coming on a day trip make it the first thing you do if you arrive in the morning, and the last in the evening. There isnโ€™t a lot of space up there so it helps to avoid peak visit times. If you are staying on the island, it is an incredible spot for sunrise or sunset.

A girl sitting back to the camera on top of a boulder at Nang Yuan Viewpoint looking over Koh Nang Yuan

๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Snorkel in the turquoise bays

Crystal-clear blue waters and rich marine life on the reefs right off the shore of Koh Nang Yuan make it a terrific snorkeling spot. If you are a confident swimmer and snorkeler, try going out a bit further from the shore and check out the Japanese Garden. You may be lucky and, in addition to all the colorful fish, you may see turtles and small sharks. If you arenโ€™t arriving with a tour, you can rent snorkeling gear on the island – just check at the reception or the restaurant. Better yet, bring your own mask and snorkel (fins are not allowed).

โ›ฑ๏ธ Hang out at the beach

A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the middle and a girl wearing a blue wrap that is flying in the wind walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan

If you are not into snorkeling, NangYuan has one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Thailand. Just kick back and relax or swim in the turquoise waters of the bay.

Personal towels and mats are not allowed, but you may be able to rent a lounge chair with an umbrella from the resort.  During high tide, the sandbars connecting the two islets and the plot of land in the center may completely disappear leaving barely any space and affecting the experience.

Have a smoothie or a beer and enjoy some chill time.

๐Ÿคฟ Scuba Dive

The scuba diving shop located on Nang Yuan Island recently changed operators and is now run by Duck โ€˜n Dive Koh Tao. Looks like they have a location in Koh Tao proper as well. Reach out to them if you want to shore dive or do a diving course while on Nang Yuan. Iโ€™m not familiar with this shop so I canโ€™t speak to the quality of their services. Always read reviews and research a dive center before signing up with one. If Duck โ€˜n Dive doesnโ€™t work for you there are dozens of dive shops on Koh Tao. Just keep in mind that dive boats coming to spots just off Koh Nang Yuanโ€™s shore do not actually stop at the island.

We dove with a shop located on Koh Tao proper on the checkout day from NangYuan Island Dive Resort. The meet-up point for those dives was at Sairee Beach at 5:30 AM. We agreed with a taxi boat driver the day before to get picked up at 5 AM from the Nang Yuan pier.

TIP: Download WhatsApp on your trip to Asia to communicate with people and businesses. 

๐ŸงณWhat to bring for Koh Nang Yuan โ€“ a packing list

Here is your quick packing checklist for the trip to Nang Yuan. There are only a few essentials that you need to worry about:

  • Swimsuit and a quick-drying beach towel. You wonโ€™t be allowed to lay a towel on the beach so itโ€™s up to you if you want to skip it.
  • A hat, sunglasses, and a reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreens may damage the reefs and the incredible marine life that depends on them.
  • Mosquito spray: use it in Thailand whenever mosquitos are present. It’s crucial to mitigate the risk of Dengue fever (I got it while in Thailand), which is present all around. Itโ€™ll be especially helpful as you walk through the jungle on the way to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.
  • Optional:
    • Reusable water bottles. Single-use plastic water bottles are not allowed on Koh NangYuan. We use LifeStraw with a built-in filter for safety.
    • Snorkeling gear. You can rent it on Nang Yuan but if you have your own, no need to bring the fins as they are not allowed.
    • Waterproof dry bag to keep your stuff water and sand-free, like this Osprey Ultralight one.
    • Shoes comfortable enough for a short hike with a tiny bit of scrambling to the top of a boulder. Sandals might be the best bet for beach time and hiking, but you can manage in flip-flops if you have to.

๐Ÿ“” Key travel tips for Thailand and Koh Nang Yuan

๐ŸŒฆ๏ธ When is the best time to visit Nang Yuan Island?

The best time to visit Nang Yuan Island is between December and March, when the weather is sunny, and the sea is relatively calm. During these months, you can fully enjoy the island’s stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life without the disruptions of monsoon rains or strong winds. April and May are also good, though temperatures rise significantly. These temps may make the hike to Nang Yuan viewpoint much less comfortable. June to August sees occasional rains but still offers good travel conditions.

September to November is the monsoon season with its frequent heavy rains and rough seas, making it less ideal. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, visiting during the off-peak months of June, July, or August can be a good option.

๐Ÿค’ Do I need Health Insurance when traveling to Thailand?

Short answer โ€“ yes. You should get travel insurance any time you travel, unless you have unlimited money to fall back on if something happens. Since we started our life on the road summer of 2023, we unfortunately had to use our insurance twice back-to-back. Both times in Koh Tao! First, I got hospitalized with Dengue Fever (read about it here). Then we got into a minor but could-have-been-a-lot-worse type of motorbike accident. We got off easy but got some nasty road rash and had to go to clean and re-dress our wounds in a clinic for multiple days. If you are doing extreme activities like scuba diving, check that your insurance covers those or provides an affordable add-on to cover those activities.

We use SafetyWing and are very comfortable recommending it after putting it to the test twice last year.

๐Ÿ›œ How to stay connected?

You can easily buy local sim cards after landing in Thailand. If, like me, you prefer having cellular connectivity and internet access as soon as you land, consider getting an e-sim. Iโ€™ve been using both worldwide and local e-sims from AirAlo. Itโ€™s super convenient since you can set it up from your phone before boarding the plane. Their prices are also very competitive.

๐ŸฆŸ Beware of mosquitoes – Dengue fever in the area

Unfortunately, there are mosquitos on Koh Nang Yuan. Perhaps less than on Koh Tao, but there are still some. You are most likely to encounter mosquitos on your hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint as you are walking through the forest, but not so much on the beach, especially during the day.

A blue lagoon with a sand bar in the center and a girl wearing a blue wrap walking on it on Koh Nang Yuan Island

While there aren’t so many mosquitos that they become an unbearable bother, it’s possible to contract Dengue fever from a mosquito bite anywhere in Thailand. That includes Koh Nang Yuan and the neighboring Koh Tao. The best way to mitigate this risk, besides a vaccine, is to prevent mosquito bites to begin with. Use mosquito repellent and cover up whenever possible, Dengue fever is no joke and itโ€™s more common than you might image.

I have a blog post going into detail about how I got Dengue Fever and was transferred from Koh Tao to a hospital in Koh Samui where I spent 4 nights hooked up to an IV.

Read: Dengue Fever in Thailand โ€“ How I Got Hospitalized

๐Ÿ’ณ Do I need cash, can I pay with a card on Nang Yuan?

For Thailand, I would recommend having both cash and card on hand. While lots of places accept credit cards, including the restaurant and the resort on Koh Nang Yuan, smaller businesses like long-tail taxi boats, smaller restaurants, fruit and smoothie stands, etc. will only accept cash.

There is no ATM on Koh Nang Yuan.

TIP: get a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee and a debit card with no ATM fee. Overtime it will save you hundreds of dollars since those fees average 2-3%. I donโ€™t know about you, but I prefer not to waste 2-3% of my travel budget on completely avoidable bank fees.

๐Ÿน Is there food and drinks on the island? Koh Nang Yuan Restaurant

There are two restaurants on Koh NangYuan: one is open for everyone, and the other is reserved for guests on certain tours.

Koh Nang Yuan restaurant

You can buy water, beer, soft drinks, shakes, and food in the main restaurant. You are likely to have to shop there, as you are not allowed to bring single-use plastic water bottles from the outside. The prices they charge are a bit higher than average in Thailand. That causes a lot of frustration with visitors who feel forced to buy water there to stay safe and hydrated in the heat, especially after hiking to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.

The restaurant food is decent but itโ€™s nothing spectacular. If you are coming from and returning to Koh Tao, I recommend you choose from a myriad of very nice options to eat there. If you’re staying at Nang Yuan overnight beware that the restaurant closes relatively early so plan your dinner accordingly.

๐Ÿšฐ Is the tap water safe to drink?

The tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand. Make sure to drink bottled water or use a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter.

A girl on top of a boulder at Nang Yuan Viewpoint
A view from Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint in sunset light

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Conclusion

Koh Nang Yuan is a stunning destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting activities, making it a must-visit spot in Thailand, and a visit to this place is incomplete without witnessing the panoramic views of the island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters from the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. Whether youโ€™re hiking up to catch the sunset, snapping stunning photos, or simply soaking in the beauty, the Nang Yuan viewpoint provides a perspective like no other. Accessible from Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan, and with convenient day trips or overnight stays at the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort, visiting Koh Nang Yuan Island is easy and rewarding. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to one of Thailand’s most scenic spots.


Thank you for reading!