We’re ZeTravelFamily, a fully nomadic family of three who traded the 9-5 grind for a chance to explore the world together. Our first stop on our world trip was the picturesque island of Koh Tao, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. We arrived here to dogsit for our friends and left the island only when my 28-week exam made us head to the larger island of Koh Samui.
If you visit Koh Tao or Koh Samui, you must take a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan. This quiet paradise is a magical place to visit for adventurers of all ages.
What Is Koh Nang Yuan?
Koh Nang Yuan is three jungle-covered islands connected by a silky white sandbar. It’s a beach-lover’s dream at low tide — warm, shallow water on both sides. At high tide, the sand disappears, and you wade through the ocean to reach the beach bar. (Worth it.)
How to Get to Koh Nang Yuan
Getting to Koh Nang Yuan is not for the faint-hearted. After arriving in Koh Tao, you’ll need to hop on a longtail boat — the local wooden fishing boats are now water taxis. Longtail boats are a Thai staple—colorful, loud, and full of personality. Some captains will beach the boat for an easy climb-on; others expect you to wade in and hoist yourself up a tiny ladder.
Boats leave from Sairee Beach on Koh Tao and take about 35–40 minutes. We paid 350 Baht (~9 Euros) for a round-trip ride.
What to Pack for a Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan
- Reef-safe sunscreen (we love this amazing, all-natural sunscreen)
- Cash. 1050 THB per person — no ATMs on the island
- Towel + change of clothes
- Snorkel gear
- Baby/toddler sun hat & floaties
- Reusable water bottle – plastic bottles are banned!
- UV-Blocking Swimsuits
What to Not to Pack for Koh Nang Yuan
- ATM Cards – there are no ATMs on the island.
- Plastic Bottles – banned on the island.
- Non-Reef-Safe sunscreen – Don’t kill the reef!
💡Typical sunscreens contain chemicals that actively kill the reefs! This EK sunscreen protects your skin without hurting the reef.
Visiting Koh Nang Yuan While Pregnant
We visited Koh Nang Yuan when I was 5 months pregnant. Instead of booking our trip in advance, we waited until I had a good day during my pregnancy. The kind of day where nausea is almost non-existent, the sun is hidden behind a few clouds, and my baby is taking a break from kicking my bladder.
After a leisurely beach walk, we chatted up a few local fishermen about catching a boat over to Koh Nang Yuan. A deal was struck – for 350 baht, we were ferried to Koh Nang Yuan. We headed toward a café to chill while they wrangled more passengers.
One coconut shake later, we were bouncing across the water with an Israeli couple we’d just met.
Koh Nang Yuan Entrance Fee & Set-Up
- Entry Fee: 400 Baht (~10 Euros)
- No plastic bottles allowed
- No laying towels directly on the beach
- Chair + Umbrella Rental: 200 Baht — worth every baht
We chose to follow the rules about laying towels on the powdery sand and rented two beach chairs under a shady umbrella.
What to do on Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan offers two main activities: snorkeling in crystal-clear water and hiking to the iconic viewpoint. Thailand is hot, and I was very pregnant when we visited this paradise, so we opted out of the steep climb to the viewpoint.
We spent hours floating through turquoise water, ducking under rock arches, gliding past coral gardens, and swimming alongside electric-yellow schools of fish. We even found a hidden cave with gold-glimmering light inside — it was truly magical.
Avoid going to Koh Nang Yuan during high tide, as the beach disappears – completely!
🌊 Check the tides on Tideschart.com before heading to Koh Nang Yuan.
Should You Stay Overnight on Koh Nang Yuan?
If you can — yes. Koh Nang Yuan is classified as a natural preserve and closes to daytrippers at 4 pm, transforming the islands into a peaceful, almost private, island paradise.
My parents spent the night on Koh Nang Yuan during their visit to Thailand. Watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand, wading through the crystal-clear water to check out, and strolling along the beach in private were completely magical (and romantic) experiences.
Here’s a link to the best (and only) hotel on Koh Nang Yuan.
Planning Your Trip to Koh Nang Yuan
- Best time to visit: December–April (dry season)
- Great for: Couples, families with older kids, pregnant travelers (with energy!)
- Not ideal for: Babies – limited shade on the island
Final Thoughts
Koh Nang Yuan might just be the most beautiful place we’ve visited in Thailand — and that’s saying something. If you’re already in the Gulf of Thailand, don’t miss it. Even a half day here will leave you sun-kissed, sea-soaked, and smiling.
Whether you’re full-time nomads like us or just planning your next tropical escape, this is one island you’ll want to remember.
Now tell me — what’s the most breathtaking beach you’ve ever visited?
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