Hike to the top of the island of Koh Nang Yan Viewpoint
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This day trip is not to be skipped if you are visiting the small island of Kho Tao in Thailand. The hiking to the top of Kho Nang Yuan Island, which is made up of three small islands linked by a sandbar, leads to a view that is featured on many Thailand postcards (make sure to check out the Nang Yuan hotels).
How to get to Koh Nang Yan
You would need to take a 15-minute long-tail boat ride from Sairee Beach on Koh Tao to get to Koh Nang Yuan Island. Visiting any travel agency near Saree Beach is the simplest way to book a cruise. The majority of these tour companies will arrange for you to have a boat and a driver for the day. Local boat owners who are waiting on the beach can even be bargained with! A one-way journey costs about 150 Baht on average. Don’t forget to carry 100 baht for the entry fee to the island.
Climbing to the Kho Nang Yuan Viewpoint
Take a fast walk to the top of the highest point for the finest views of the islands. Follow the boardwalk to the left from where you were dropped off before you reach the bottom of the stairs that lead to the viewpoint. For around 15 minutes, wind your way up the stairs. While the climb can be strenuous, the view from the top is breathtaking, and it is featured on postcards all over the world.
Pro Tip: Because this hiking can be hot in Thailand, finish your adventure with a snorkelling ride around the Koh Tao islands!
Koh Nang Yuan How to Get There?
Nang Yuan Island is just half a mile (500 metres) from Koh Tao’s northwestern tip.
Take a long tail boat taxi from Sairee Beach to get there. There are plenty of boats waiting on the sand, so there’s no reason to queue or make a reservation.
The trip by sea takes about 15 minutes and costs between 100 and 150 Baht ($6-$10 USD) per passenger, round trip. The captains of the boats will even wait for you when you’re able to return.
It would be more difficult to get to Nang Yuan if you are staying outside of Koh Tao (for example, on Koh Samui or Koh Phangan), but you can still visit it as part of a pre-arranged day trip.
Nang Yuan offers a variety of exciting activities
The key draw is the viewpoint, but the sandbar separating the islands is also a good spot to sunbathe or swim.
I’ve heard that the snorkelling on the west side of the island (opposite the pier where the boats dock) is also nice, and that you might see small sharks there.
On the island, there is a resort and cafeteria, but the food in the cafe is extremely overpriced for what you get.
Rules for visiting Kho Nang Yuan
On the island, there are a few ground rules. Plastic water bottles, as well as water shoes and flippers, are not permitted. If you have some bottled water, leave it in the boat for when you return because the resort workers will check and remove it from you at the island’s entrance. Drones aren’t supposed to fly on the island (there’s a sign), so you should be able to bring one with you.
Another thing…..
It’s not difficult to get there from Sairee Beach on Koh Tao and ride over the water if you just want to get some drone shots of Nang Yuan. That’s just what I did.
My Koh Tao drone footage is available on my YouTube page.
Kha Nang Yuan Viewpoint Cost
As of 2019, the entrance fee to Nang Yuan island is 100 Baht ($3 USD) per male.
This is due to the fact that the island is owned by a casino.
Viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan
The popular island perspective is the best part of Nang Yuan.
The hike up takes about 10 minutes and is on asphalt stairs. Wear insect repellent because the mosquitoes on the way up are enormous, some of the largest I’ve ever seen.
The view from the top is breathtaking, with the twin islands joined by a white sandbar in the centre. It’s a one-of-a-kind landscape that’s perfect for portraits!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Koh Nang Yuan?
Since Yuan is one of Koh Tao’s most popular attractions, it can get really crowded with day visitors.
This is particularly true at the viewpoint, where a long queue emerges to take pictures at the top during peak hours, and you’ll have to endure the dreadful mosquitoes as you wait.
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon are the perfect times to visit. This allows you to get there without having to deal with day trippers. Only remember that the last boats back to Koh Tao leave at 5:00 p.m.!
Where To Stay Koh Tao?
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel, or a backpacker’s hostel, you will find where to stay Koh Tao easy peasy with websites such as booking dot com!