Koh Tao beaches / Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan Sandbar, Viewpoint & Snorkelling off Koh Tao
Three small islands joined by a white sandbar, a short boat ride from Koh Tao.
Koh Tao beaches / Koh Nang Yuan
Three small islands joined by a white sandbar, a short boat ride from Koh Tao.
Koh Nang Yuan Koh Tao day trips are the most popular outing on the island, and for good reason. Three tiny islets are joined by a curving sandbar, with clear water on both sides, a short climb to a view over the lot, and good snorkelling around the rocks. It sits just off the northwest coast, so it is easy to reach.
It is also privately run and has rules that surprise people: an entrance fee, a ban on plastic bottles and a closing time. Read the practical details below and you will have a much easier visit.
The famous sandbar links the three islets and forms a beach with water on each side. One side drops off quickly into deep water, the other stays shallow. At high tide parts of the sandbar can be covered, and it looks best at low tide, so ask your boatman about the tide when you plan your day.
The viewpoint is a short, steep climb on concrete steps, then a scramble over boulders at the top. Plan for roughly 15 to 20 minutes up, longer in the heat or when queuing. Wear shoes with grip and bring water, keeping in mind the plastic rules below. Go as soon as the island opens, since the top is small and fills up by late morning. The lookout is occasionally closed for repairs, so check when you arrive.
Visitors pay an entrance fee per person on arrival at the pier, with lower rates reported for Thai nationals and children. The fee has changed over the years, so confirm with your boatman. Guests staying at the island resort are usually exempt.
The island is open to day visitors from around 10 am to 5 pm, and the last boats back leave at about that time. Agree your pick-up time before you step off.
No plastic. Bags are checked on arrival and plastic bottles, disposable plastic and cans are confiscated or refused. Bring water in a glass or reusable bottle, or buy drinks on the island. Please do not take sand or coral, and keep towels off the sand where signs ask you to.
The usual way is a longtail taxi boat. From Sairee it takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and from Mae Haad around 30 to 40. Fares depend on where you start and how well you bargain, so agree the fare before you set off. The driver typically waits, giving you two to three hours on the island, and sharing a boat lowers the cost.
Many snorkel tours include Koh Nang Yuan with other bays, and some start from Sairee or Mae Haad. A tour handles your boat and often the entrance fee, but you spend less time on the island. For ferry and transport options on Koh Tao, see ferries and getting around.
Signed snorkelling areas run along the sandbar and around the islets, with coral, boulders and plenty of reef fish. Follow the signs for where to swim, because boats and swimmers are kept apart. Currents can pick up near the edges, so stay close to shore if you are not a strong swimmer. More ideas are in snorkelling on Koh Tao.
The island has a cafe, a restaurant and sunbeds for a small fee. Koh Nangyuan Dive Resort is the only place to stay, with bungalows, and overnight guests get the beaches nearly to themselves after the day boats leave. Book ahead if you want to stay, and see hotels and resorts for other bases on Koh Tao.
Fancy more views? See our guide to Koh Tao viewpoints, including the sunset view back across at Nang Yuan.
Pay per person in cash on arrival at the pier, with lower rates for Thais and children. The fee has changed over the years, so check with your boatman before you go.
Day visitors are usually allowed from about 10 am to 5 pm, and the last boats back leave around closing time. Agree your pick-up time in advance.
No. Bags are checked and plastic bottles and disposable plastic are not allowed. Bring a glass or reusable bottle, or buy drinks on the island.
By longtail taxi boat or a snorkel tour. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Sairee and 30 to 40 from Mae Haad. Agree the fare for the return trip before you leave.
No. It is best seen at low tide and can be partly covered at high tide. Ask about tides when you book your boat.
Yes, at Koh Nangyuan Dive Resort, the only accommodation on the island. Overnight guests are typically exempt from the entrance fee.
Checked in November 2026. Opening hours and timetables change: confirm locally before you go.