Dina Malyana
Once you’ve set your eyes on a picture of Koh Nang Yuan, you’ll probably resolve to visit it at least once in your lifetime. That’s the kind of island that Koh Nang Yuan is – unique and arresting altogether.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan is an island famed its scenic beauty and utopian beaches. Koh Nang Yuan is tiny, a bite-sized wonder, and covering it on foot is an easy affair. It is a stone’s throw away from Koh Tao (the island that is famous for diving), and a ferry-ride away from Koh Phangan (the island that is famous for full-moon parties) and Koh Samui (the island that is famous for a great deal of things).
Things to do in Koh Nang Yuan
Head up to the viewpoint
While a photo cannot do justice to how gorgeous Koh Nang Yuan really is, the best place to snap one is undoubtedly the designated viewpoint. It is a 20 minute uphill walk, which can be described as an exhausting climb by a not-so-fit person (like me), but the picture-postcard vista that greets visitors at the top is highly rewarding. It is a rather small viewpoint that can get a little crowded at times, so be prepared to take turns if you come during peak hours.
The coveted spot for photo-taking at the viewpoint is a huge rock, which requires a small level of agility to mount. The photo of you posing on that particular rock will be the one that goes straight to Instagram. Don’t forget to bring along a bottle of water for hydration before embarking on this short hike!
Snorkelling and diving
With crystal clear waters in assorted shades of aqua and diverse marine life, Koh Nang Yuan offers great snorkelling and diving opportunities. In fact, visitors can just strap on their gear, walk into the water from the beach, and immerse themselves in the underwater world. Great diving spots nearby include White Rock, Green Rock and Twin Peaks, where coral reefs and colourful fish are plentiful.
Laze on idyllic beaches
The main beach is really just a strip of soft white sand that links the three cone-shaped hills that make up Koh Nang Yuan. One side faces a quiet lagoon while the other, lined with beach chairs, faces the open sea. If you’ve never lazed on a sandbar beach, Koh Nang Yuan is the perfect place to do it.
Ziplining
For a dose of adrenaline, try the island-to-island zipline in Koh Nang Yuan that takes you whizzing 250 metres, above the lush forest and sparkling seas. Four rides cost THB 1000 (SGD 40).
How to get to Koh Nang Yuan
From Koh Samui
The high speed Lomprayah catamaran operates one-day snorkelling tours from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for THB 2500 (about SGD 100). This price is inclusive of snorkelling equipment, a buffet lunch, as well as the entrance fee to Koh Nang Yuan.
If you’re travelling to Koh Samui from Singapore, fly with Bangkok Airways, which connects these two islands with flights up to twice daily.
Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Koh Samui Should Be Your Next Thailand Destination
From Koh Tao
If the idea of a (rather overpriced) day trip from Koh Samui does not appeal to you, then consider setting base in Koh Tao, which provides easy access to Koh Nang Yuan. A quick long boat taxi ride from the west of Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan costs about THB 100 (SGD 4) each way. The upside is the freedom to choose the time that you arrive – preferably in the morning or evening when the crowds from tour groups have dissipated – as well as the ability to linger on the island for as long (or as little) as you like.
Staying in Koh Nang Yuan
It is actually possible to stay on this gorgeous island, though your choice of accommodation is limited to one: Nangyuan Island Dive Resort. This resort has a range of bungalows catering to couples and families alike, with most of them offering a spectacular view from the balcony or windows. Personally, I would recommend staying in Koh Tao instead, as there are more value-for-money accommodations and food choices there.
Dining in Koh Nang Yuan
The aforementioned dive resort has an inland restaurant and beach bar. The price for food here is steep compared to what you’ll pay at the neighbouring islands, but this is expected given its monopoly.
Other information
Do take note that plastic bottles and cans are banned on the island, for the sake of environmental protection. Drinks on the island are served in reusable glass bottles. Last but not least, there is also a THB 100 (SGD 4) entrance fee to Koh Nang Yuan.
I extend my deepest thanks to Bangkok Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore Office) for giving me the opportunity to discover the amazing island that is Koh Nang Yuan.
