Visit Koh Nangyuan

How to get there, Day trips, and What to do

Viewpoint Experience

A visit to Koh Nangyuan is not complete without hiking to the famous viewpoint. From the top, you can see all three islands connected by white sandbars and turquoise water.

This is the most photographed spot in the area.

This famed viewpoint attracts long lines of tourists from around the world.
Note: Guests staying at the resort have access to the complete privacy that only Nangyuan offers.

How to Reach the Nangyuan Viewpoint

The trail starts at the resort side of the main beach. The path takes you around the west side of the Koh Nangyuan Resort and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is short but steep in some sections. Wear proper footwear and be sure to hydrate before and after.

Best Time to Visit The Viewpoint

For guests of the resort, early morning offers the best light and views of the sunrise over Koh Tao. Late afternoon is also good for softer colors and sunset views across the water. Day trip visitors can only visit at midday, which is usually crowded and very hot.

Photography Tips at the Viewpoint

Use a wide angle lens if available. Visit before tour boats arrive. Be patient and respect other visitors.

Dive Into Adventure.

Aerial view of Koh Nangyuan islands and sandbar in Thailand

Koh Nangyuan Visitor Guide

Below, you will find answers to questions about one of Thailand’s most unique and exclusive island destinations.

how to get here

How to get Here

The easiest way to reach Koh Nangyuan from mainland Thailand or the southern islands of Koh Samui or Koh Phangnan is by Lomprayah ferry. Routes from Bangkok, Suratthani, and Chumphon are serviced by bus and train connections, linking directly to the Lomprayah ferry, making travel simple and relaxed. Roundtrip transfer to and from Koh Tao’s Maehaad Pier is free for resort guests at check in and check out.

From Koh Tao, day visitors can depart from Maehaad Pier or Sairee Beach by taxi boat. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Round-trip prices usually range from 300 to 600 THB per person.

For more information on how to get to Koh Nangyuan from other ports, click the button below.

Vintage map illustration of Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao islands

directions and rules.

Wooden pier and ocean view while visiting Koh Nangyuan island in Thailand

Hours, Entrance Fees and Rules

Koh Nangyuan is open daily from 10 AM to 3 PM to day visitors. Only hotel guests may be admitted outside these hours.

Current Entrance Fee Information

All visitors to Nangyuan must pay an entrance fee to help protect the island and marine environment. The entrance fee is 250 THB per person. Tickets are paid on arrival.

This fee supports beach cleaning, reef conservation, and visitor management. Resort guests will have the fee included in their stay.

Important Island Rules to Know

Please follow the guidelines below to help protect the island and ensure a calm stay for all guests.

      • Place all waste in the bins provided
      • No smoking on the beach
      • No loud music
      • No single use plastic bottles
      • No fins while snorkeling
      • No drones on the property or over the water

Environmental Protection Guidelines

      • Use reef safe sunscreen only

      • Do not touch marine life

      • Do not step on coral

      • Follow marked paths on land

      • Respect staff instructions at all times

      • You may be asked to leave if you cannot adhere to these rules.

Day Visit or Overnight Stay

Most visitors arrive on morning ferries from Koh Tao. They spend a few hours snorkeling, hiking to the viewpoint, and relaxing on the beach. Day trips are ideal if you are short on time or staying on Koh Tao.

However, the island becomes busy during peak hours.

Which Option Is Right for You

Stay overnight and experience Koh Nangyuan in complete privacy.
Enjoy early mornings and quiet evenings after ferries stop.

Overnight guests enjoy early morning and evening access when day visitors leave.

Snorkeling is quieter. The viewpoint is crowdless. Sunrise and sunset views are exclusive.

For a couple or family seeking the rare experience to be alone on an island, Koh Nangyuan Resort provides unforgettable vacations.

Best Snorkeling Spots on Nangyuan

Snorkeling at Koh Nangyuan is known for clear, warm water and lots of marine life close to shore, with colorful fish often visible right away. Resort guests have access to to snorkel gear at their convenience.

One of the most popular snorkeling areas is the Japanese Gardens however Nangyuan offers many beautiful snorkeling spots. After exploring Japanese Gardens, visit the main beach for a different reef view and the chance to see some sharks.

What Marine Life You Can See

If you go before 7:00 AM, you may spot small reef sharks near the resort side of the beach. They usually move on before the first ferries arrive. You may also spot:

  • Yellow Boxfish

  • Parrotfish

  • Bannerfish

  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle

  • Small reef sharks (rare and harmless)

  • Triggerfish

Snorkeler swimming underwater above a reef with a school of fish

Scuba Diving on your Koh Nangyuan Visit

Koh Nangyuan is ideal for everything from scenic beginner dives to full certification courses. Duck n Dive (PADI Diving Center) is fully equipped for fun dives and PADI courses. You’re welcome to walk in and book your dive at the office, located between the Coffee Shop and the Beach Bar.

Diving for Beginners and First Time Divers

Duck’n Dive, the on-island dive centre, offers discover scuba programs where you can learn right off the beach at Japanese Gardens. You can combine a day trip to Nangyuan with an introductory dive. No prior experience is required. Training and equipment are provided by licensed instructors.

Nearby Dive Sites Around Nangyuan

Visiting Koh Nangyuan also offers access to excellent scuba diving sites in the surrounding waters. The area is part of the Koh Tao dive region, which is known worldwide for calm conditions and rich marine life.

Both beginner and certified divers can enjoy nearby dive locations.

  • Japanese Gardens
  • Twins Reef
  • White Rock
  • Green Rock

These sites feature coral gardens, granite formations, and reef fish.

Eat.

Dining Options on Koh Nangyuan

Nangyuan Beach Bar

Beach Bar focuses on Thai food

A wide range of drinks, and everything from healthy salads to fun bar food.

Hours: 10:00am–8:00pm

Pier Cafe

As soon as you step off the ferry, the Pier Cafe welcomes you to the island.

It sits right at the pier entrance, so it is the first stop for a cold drink or warm coffee with baked goods available too.

Hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

*Guests of the resort also have a full range of coffees available at Triple Beaches View all day.

Triple Beaches View Restaurant

TBV serves an international food menu of all your favorites along with fabulous drinks and beautiful wines.

Available to guests of the resort.

Breakfast: 7:00am–10:30am
Lunch/Dinner: 1:00pm–9:00pm

Fresh tropical fruit drink on balcony with ocean view at Koh Nangyuan