Koh Nangyuan

Koh Nang Yuan, while considered to be one island, is actually a set of three islands, or rocky outcrops, connected by two strips of white coral-sand that serve as beach during low tide, and that disappear under the clear water when it rises.

While it looks like a paradisiac place secluded in the middle of nowhere, the truth is completely the opposite. Koh Nang Yuan is located just a 15 minutes long tail boat ride from Koh Tao – in fact, you could almost swim from the closest point of Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuag… but don’t try it as there are strong currents!

Nangyuan is always popular with people popping over from Tao and even coming from as far as Phangan and Samui on speedboats

There are many ways to get to Koh Tao, but the most common one is by taking the overnight train/bus to Chumphon and from there the morning ferry to Koh Tao. and from Koh Tao taking a day trip or just hopping to overnight at Koh Nang Yuan.

There is only one resort at Koh Nang Yuan –since it is a private island– but the price for a budget cabin is not that bad, considering the location. (I paid 1,600 Bahts for a night). One of the reasons I think staying there outweighs the accommodation price is the fact that you can enjoy the island ALL day.

You can be there with just a handful of people before and after the hoards of tourists/snorkelers/divers who overrun the small beach left the island – which in fact, are the best times to enjoy the beach since it’s low tide, there’s not such a strong current, and you can literally lie on the sand, sunbathe, relax, and read before the sandy strips are submerged by the high tide.

I loved swimming and relaxing at the beach while watching the sunset with barely anyone next to me. And I also loved waking up to have an early swim when there was absolutely no one else other than my friend and I. These moments were priceless. By the way, there are not many places in the world where you can say you watched the sunrise and sunset on the same beach!