How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao, Samui, or Phangan

How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan: Overview

The easiest way to get to Koh Nang Yuan is from Koh Tao—check out my full guide on all the options available. But before you decide, here’s an overview of essential details and things to know:

• Location: 800 meters northwest of Koh Tao, accessible only by boat.
• Access: You can reach Koh Nang Yuan via longtail boat or day trip from Koh Tao, or through ferry transfers (Lomprayah) and organized day trip tours from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (recommendations below).
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to beat the crowds or late afternoon (if staying on the island– more info below).
• Entrance Fee: 250 THB per person (National Park fee).
• Rules: No single-use plastic, no fins or water shoes, no plastic water bottles (bags checked at the pier).
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
• Top Activities: Hike to the Nang Yuan viewpoint, snorkel at Japanese Gardens, swimming, and relaxing on the sandbar.

How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao

Getting to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao is simple as it's very close by, just 10 minutes on a longtail boat. There are three main options that I recommend:

1. Longtail Boat Taxi: The most affordable and flexible option. Longtail boats are available from Sairee Beach and cost around 250–300 THB per person for a round trip. You can often negotiate to 250 THB directly with boat captains, especially if you go early. The ride is quick, and you can arrange your return time in advance.
2. Snorkeling Day Trip: Many tour operators offer full-day snorkeling trips that include a stop at Koh Nang Yuan. These trips typically include stops at other top snorkeling spots around Koh Tao, lunch, and snorkel gear, and range from 800–1,500 THB. A great choice if you want to see more of the area, but check that the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint hike is included if that’s on your list.
3. Stay Overnight at Koh Nang Yuan Dive Resort: For those wanting to experience the island without the crowds, staying at Koh Nang Yuan Dive Resort is ideal. Guests receive free return transfers from Koh Tao, and you’ll have the island to yourself in the mornings and evenings after the day-trippers leave at 5 pm. Staying here also gives you access to some of Koh Tao’s best dive spots, right off the beach.

How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui

Koh Nang Yuan is about 70 km from Koh Samui, or a 1.5-hour high-speed catamaran trip away. So, a trip will take some planning. Here are two main ways to get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui, depending on whether you want a full-day adventure or plan to stay overnight.

Day Trip from Koh Samui: The easiest way to visit Koh Nang Yuan for a single day is by booking a snorkeling and sightseeing day trip. Most tours depart early from the Insea Speedboat pier on Samui, which has convenient facilities and includes all your essentials for the day.

• What’s Included: Visiting Koh Tao’s top snorkeling spots, kayaking on Koh Tao’s east coast (during high season), and hiking up to the iconic Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.
• Lunch: Thai-style buffet lunch on Koh Tao is usually included.
• Schedule: The day trip is designed to cover everything, making it a convenient option if you’re staying on Koh Samui but want to visit Koh Nang Yuan’s on an easy day trip.

Ferry Transfer with Lomprayah: If you’re planning to visit Koh Tao as well, consider taking the Lomprayah ferry. During the high season, the Lomprayah ferry from Samui offers a stop at Koh Nang Yuan en route to Koh Tao (stopping at Phangan on the way).

• How It Works: Check the ferry details on booking platforms like 12Go. If a stop at Koh Nang Yuan is available, the ferry will stop there first, allowing you to spend the day on Koh Nang Yuan before heading to Koh Tao in the afternoon.
• Flexible Options: You can book a Lomprayah ticket directly to Koh Nang Yuan, enjoy your day there, and then take a longtail boat to Koh Tao when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can stay overnight at the Koh Nang Yuan Dive Resort for a quieter experience, then head to Koh Tao the next day.

How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Phangan

Located around 45 km (1 hour by high-speed catamaran) from Koh Phangan, Koh Nang Yuan is reachable by a couple of great options. Whether you’re up for a full-day snorkeling tour or want to make a stopover on your way to Koh Tao, here’s how to get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Phangan:

Snorkeling Day Trip: Similarly to the options from Samui, there are a handful of full-day tours visiting Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao from Koh Phangan. This recommended tour visits the best snorkeling spots, making it a convenient way to experience all the highlights.

• Itinerary: Start with an air-conditioned transfer to Thong Sala Pier, where you’ll enjoy a light breakfast before boarding a speedboat to Koh Tao. Your first snorkeling stop will be at Lighthouse Bay, Mango Bay, Tanote Bay, or Ao Hin Wong, depending on the tides.
• Koh Nang Yuan: After exploring Koh Tao, you’ll head to Koh Nang Yuan, where you can hike to the viewpoint, snorkel at Japanese Garden Reef, or relax on the sandbar.
• Lunch & Return: A Thai buffet lunch at a beachfront restaurant is included. After a day of snorkeling, hiking, and sunbathing, you’ll return to Koh Phangan by around 4:30 pm usually, depending on the weather.

Where to Stay on Koh Tao

If you're wondering where to stay on Koh Tao Island and you want to be close to the main activities and beaches, pick a stay near Sairee Beach.

However, other great options include Mae Haad, or for a more secluded vibe, check out the southern beaches or even the east coast around Tanote Bay. Below are my top picks.

1. Jamahkiri Resort & Spa Luxury

A great bang-for-buck luxury dive resort at the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.

2. Phandara Pool Villas Mid-Range

A luxury villa option for those who want their own kitchen & pool. Located on the hill up to Wooden Rock Viewpoint.

3. Summer Guesthouse Budget

Located within walking distance of the dive shops and pub crawls on Sairee Beach, this is the top-budget hostel option with a great vibe.

What to Do on Koh Nang Yuan Once You Arrive

Once you get to Koh Nang Yuan, there’s plenty to keep you busy:

• Head Straight to the Viewpoint: If you want to beat the crowds, go straight up the trail to the famous Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. It’s a short but steep climb with concrete steps, and the view from the top is one of the most iconic in Thailand.
• Snorkeling at Japanese Gardens: Just off the northern sandbar, this spot has some of the healthiest coral in the area and tons of fish. I’ve seen everything from parrotfish to rays and even some reef sharks here, and it’s a great spot to bring a snorkel, just remember, no fins or reef shoes allowed!
• Relax on the Sandbar: The connecting sandbar is the perfect spot to chill, with clear water on both sides. Grab a beach chair and umbrella (100 THB) for some shade if you’re planning to hang out for a while.
• Grab a Bite: There’s a small restaurant and bar by the pier, where you can get cold drinks and some ok Thai food. It’s not the cheapest or best quality in my experience but it does the trick for a post-snorkel break.