If you’re looking for one of the most iconic hikes around Koh Tao, the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint is a must-do.
Accessible directly from the beach on Koh Nang Yuan island, just 800 m off the coast of Koh Tao, this short but steep hike leads to an unbelievably scenic panoramic view over the famous sandbar that connects Koh Nang Yuan’s three tiny islands.
Warning– this is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Thailand, and it can get extremely busy, to the point where you are waiting in a sweaty line for a quick photo at the summit. Learn how I avoided that, along with more tips, advice, photos, and information you need to know to hike to Koh Nang Yuan’s viewpoint.
Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint: What to Know
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know.
- Access: The viewpoint hike begins directly from the Koh Nang Yuan arrival pier and climbs the southernmost of the three connected islands.
- Getting there: 10-minute longtail boat from Koh Tao or day trip from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan– read my guide on how to get to Koh Nang Yuan).
- Entrance Fee: 250 THB per person & 100 THB for kids (National Park area) payable at the pier on arrival.
- Strict Island Rules: No single-use plastic, plastic bottles, fins, or water shoes allowed– staff check your bag on arrival.
- Hike Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 miles) round trip from the pier.
- Elevation Gain: 40 m.
- Hiking Time: 10 minutes to the top.
- Trail: Mostly concrete steps, shaded but hot and humid with lots of mosquitos in the jungle section
- Opening times: Koh Nang Yuan Island is open from 10 am until 5 pm daily, but you can stay on the island at Koh Nang Yuan Dive Resort.
Tip: If you’re staying on Koh Tao, I recommend a quick longtail boat ride from Sairee Beach (250 THB per person). Otherwise, there are great day trip options from Koh Samui & from Koh Phangan).
Finding the Trailhead to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint
The trail to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint starts right from the pier, making it easy to find.
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island, and the main spots to explore are the pier area (on the middle island with a restaurant and bar), the two iconic connecting sandbars, known as the isthmus, and the southern island where the viewpoint hike is.
Directions:
- From the pier, head south toward the southern island—the second largest, as the largest northern island isn’t accessible.
- Walk along the white sandy beach until you reach a wooden boardwalk that curves to the left.
- The boardwalk offered me some incredible photo opportunities with crystal-clear water and beautiful scenery, but trust me, the real view awaits at the top—so keep going!
- At the end of the boardwalk, you'll spot a sign marking the trailhead for the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint.
- From here, follow the concrete steps leading up to the top for that unbeatable view.
My Experience Hiking to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint
The first time I visited Koh Nang Yuan in 2018, there was just a dirt path leading to the summit, and the trail was not busy at all.
Things have changed! There is now a concrete set of steps leading almost all the way to the top, and many more travelers make the trip here. Below is some information on the hike with photos from various trips.
The trail is very easy to follow, just walk up the short, sharp steps. Eventually, you'll reach a flat section where there is now usually a lady selling drinks.
From here, the trail curves around and at the top, opens up to a rocky outcrop with massive boulders.
Congratulations, you've made it to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint!
How I Avoid the Crowds & Lines
Okay, as I mentioned, this spot is seriously busy these days. On one of my recent trips over to Nang Yuan, there was a long, sweaty line of tourists waiting to get a photo at the summit, leading all the way down before the flat section where you can buy drinks.
This is not fun, especially in a hot, humid jungle with seriously massive mosquitos buzzing about.
So, how do I avoid that? Here are some tips:
- Get There Right at Opening: The island opens at 10 am, so plan to take the first longtail from Koh Tao and head straight up to the viewpoint.
- Watch the Boat Arrivals: If you’re there around midday, avoid heading up just after a boat docks. Day-trippers from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on the Lomprayah ferries usually rush straight to the viewpoint. Chill on the beach and time it so you’re not hiking up with the crowd.
- Stay Overnight on Koh Nang Yuan: Yes, you can actually stay on the island! This is the best way to have the viewpoint all to yourself—day-trippers leave by 5 p.m., so you’ll have it for sunset or even sunrise. Easily one of the best viewpoints around Koh Tao without the crowds!
What to Expect at Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint
At the top, you’ll find two large boulders. From here, you get an amazing view of the isthmus, the two other islands, and the crystal-clear turquoise water below. It’s one of those spots where you’ll want to sit back and soak it all in.
Personally, I think the one on the right is the better photo spot—it gives you the perfect angle to capture the islands and the iconic sandbar between them. If you take my advice above, you’ll also usually avoid the main crowd, meaning you can enjoy the view without waiting in line.
Climbing to the Top Boulders
Alright, so technically, there are signs saying you shouldn’t climb up to the top boulders—so if you want to play by the rules, do as the sign says.
However, I’ll be honest, I always make my way up there. It’s pretty straightforward: I climbed up behind the main viewpoint to the massive boulder, then worked my way around the back to climb the large boulder on top to reach the highest point on this island.
In my opinion, although this isn't the official viewpoint, this spot easily has the best view of Koh Nang Yuan!
Remember, don’t just mimic what you read online; use some common sense. Here are a few shots I captured from the top boulders.
What to Do on Koh Nang Yuan After the Viewpoint
After soaking up the view, the best things to do here are to relax on the white sand, go swimming, and explore some snorkeling spots.
The top spot I’ve found (after plenty of diving and snorkeling) is off the northern sandbar on the island’s eastern side. This area, known as Japanese Gardens, is a famous dive site with healthy coral and is fully protected by buoys, so no boats can enter.
For shade, you can rent a beach umbrella and chair for 100 THB, which is a great deal since there’s almost no natural shade on the island.
You might notice signs saying you can’t put a towel on the beach—this is a recent rule but only applies to the southern sandbar near the hike (presumably so that the view is nicer from Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint).
Instead, head to the northern end, past the beach chairs, and you can lay down your towel without any issue.
Check out my guide to the best things to do on Koh Tao for unique adventures and hidden gems you won’t want to miss!