Three islands, one sandbar
Koh Nang Yuan
Three small islands joined by a white sandbar, off the north-west tip of Koh Tao. From the viewpoint it is one of the most photographed views in Thailand.
Updated 5 November 2026 · Prices in Thai baht (THB)
The sandbar and the viewpoint
At low and mid tide a curving sandbar links the three islands of Koh Nang Yuan, with clear shallow water on both sides. The viewpoint on the southern island is reached by wooden stairs and a short rocky section; from the top you look down on the sandbar and the three islands at once. Go up as soon as you arrive, before the midday heat.
Snorkelling the Japanese Gardens
Right beside the sandbar, the Japanese Gardens is a shallow reef with hard and soft corals and plenty of fish. It is calm, close to shore and perfect for first-time snorkellers and children in life jackets.
Island fee and rules
Koh Nang Yuan is privately managed and charges an entry fee of 250 THB per person, paid in cash on arrival. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the island, so leave them on the boat; drinking water is provided on board. Standard fins are not allowed in some areas to protect the coral.
How to visit from Koh Phangan
Koh Nang Yuan is a stop on our Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan speedboat day trip from Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, with hotel pickup, lunch on Koh Tao and two more snorkelling bays. For a private visit at your own pace, book a private speedboat.
Plan your trip
When to go, and what the sea is doing.
Best time to go
Typical conditions on the Koh Phangan and Koh Samui side of the Gulf of Thailand. The captain checks the sea every morning; if it is unsafe, you choose a new date or a full refund.
| Month | Sea | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Good | Mostly dry, seas settling after the monsoon |
| Feb | Best | Dry, calm seas, clear water |
| Mar | Best | Dry, calm, very clear water |
| Apr | Best | Hot and calm, best visibility |
| May | Good | Hot, mostly calm, short showers |
| Jun | Good | Mostly calm, some breezy days |
| Jul | Good | Mostly calm, short showers |
| Aug | Good | Mostly calm, some breezy days |
| Sep | Good | Calm to moderate, more showers |
| Oct | Mixed | Rain increases, seas can get choppy |
| Nov | Rough | Wettest month, rough seas; Ang Thong closed |
| Dec | Mixed | Improving; Ang Thong reopens 16 Dec |
Sea & weather now
Near Koh Phangan, live from Open-Meteo.
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Where we go
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.
Questions
Good to know.
How much is the Koh Nang Yuan entrance fee?
250 THB per person, paid in cash when you arrive on the island.
Can I bring a plastic water bottle to Koh Nang Yuan?
No. Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the island. Water is provided on our boat.
How long does the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint take?
About 15–25 minutes up on stairs and rock, depending on your pace.
How do I get to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Phangan?
Join our Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan speedboat day trip with hotel pickup, or book a private speedboat. It is about an hour from Koh Phangan.
Is Koh Nang Yuan good for snorkelling?
Yes. The Japanese Gardens beside the sandbar is a shallow coral reef, ideal for beginners and children in life jackets.
When is the best time to visit Koh Nang Yuan?
Arrive early, before midday, for the viewpoint and fewer people. March to September usually has the clearest water.
Ready for the islands?
Pick your trip and date in a minute. We confirm by email and WhatsApp.