While it’s impossible to identify the most beautiful island in Thailand (there are just so many!), if we sat down and made a list I’m sure Koh Nang Yuan would rank near the top.
Koh Nang Yuan is actually three small islands connected by a sandbar. It boasts stunningly clear turqouise waters, plenty of colorful sealife to entertain snorkelers, and a vantage point that (literally) takes your breath away.
The vista itself is quite extraordinary, but getting up to the viewpoint is half the fun. Once you disembark at the pier and cross the sandbar, a precarious path built from weathered wooden planks will carry you over the rocky shoreline and around the island.
As you pick your way across, do your best to avoid the sections of trail that have fallen into the sea — clearly Thailand’s building codes are a little more lax than those in the States.
The next leg of your journey involves approximately three million steps up the side of the mountain, and once you’ve climbed them you can still look forward to scaling a series of colossal boulders to get to the peak.
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But once you’re at the peak? Totally worth it.
Things to Know
- Koh Nang Yuan is a private island with only one small resort, so most visitors are day trippers from nearby Koh Tao (which happens to be one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive!). A water taxi from Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuan should cost around 150 baht ($5).
- Koh Nang Yuan charges a 100 baht ($3) entrance fee for any visitors not staying overnight on the island.
- There is only one (over-priced) restaurant on Koh Nang Yuan, so bring snacks over from Koh Tao to save money.
- The island has banned plastic bottles, so buy glass bottles from a 7-11 on Koh Tao or be very discreet with your plastic water bottles and make sure to carry them off the island when you leave.
- If you don’t want your delicate bits getting scraped up in the climb to the viewpoint, wear something over your swimsuit. Sturdy shoes are also recommended, or you can just remove your flip-flops and climb like a monkey over the boulders.
- If you plan to snorkel on Koh Nang Yuan, rent your mask on Koh Tao for around 60 baht ($2) and bring it with you. Fins are banned on Koh Nang Yuan, so don’t bother with those.
- The island is an amazing place to view sealife while snorkeling, but be careful in some areas — there’s a lot of coral and sea urchins fairly close to the shore, in water shallow enough to step on.
So what’s your take? Does it qualify as The Most Beautiful Island in Thailand?
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{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous. I am slightly disappointed that you did not scale the boulders in just a small speedo like your fellow explorers. You guys are such prudes.
Dang it, we left our speedos at home! I was impressed with how intrepid that guy was, with hardly a slip of clothing to offer protection.
It sure looks like it should qualify as the most beautiful island in Thailand, but it definitely wins for worst walkway. They do sell smoothies on the island though right?
Steve recently posted: Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport
Good question… I hope the restaurant serves some, but we didn’t check. The island is so small that there’s just the one resort and some huts – no clandestine smoothie stalls in sight!
Can’t believe we still haven’t made it to Koh Tao – this little island looks like paradise!
Dani recently posted: Getting scammed in Bangkok
Are you two still in SE Asia? There’s always time to go back!
Hi guys,
I have seen similar photos of Koh Nang Yuan but didn’t know the name of the place or where it was located. Surprising to know it is actually in the Gulf Of Thailand. The place is absolutly gorgeous. Well, except for that broken path. Makes me think about some bridges I have seen in some countries.
Ruth (Tanama Tales) recently posted: Brazil’s Dusty Azurre: Day 7 (Scene 2)
The broken path was a bit of a surprise, but thankfully someone created a work-around over the rocks. We didn’t have to jump in and swim or anything.
I love finding places like this. Did you stop over in Koh Phangan?
Christy recently posted: Kuang Si Waterfall Tips and Photos – Laos
Unfortunately we didn’t; we felt a little short on time after Kali did his dive class, so we just hung out on Koh Tao and then spent a day on Koh Samui before flying out. Next time, though!
Really beautiful and different, especially with the sandbar and the gorgeous water of that lagoon.
Sophie recently posted: Where in the world
The sandbar in particular is really unique, especially to have three prongs like that.
Certainly looks beautiful. That mountain looks like a great climb as well. It sounds like a nice place to get away from the bigger, more touristy islands–at least for the day.
Chris recently posted: Top Tourist Attractions in Jersey, Channel Islands
Definitely, Chris – some of the islands are quite crowded, so Koh Nang Yuan was very relaxed and chill in comparison.
I lived in Thailand for 2 years but didn’t go here – a good reason to go back. I got scuba certified on nearby Koh Samui and agree it’s a great place to learn. Beautiful photos.
Laurel recently posted: Trier, Germany – the Second Rome
We spent a day on Koh Samui and really enjoyed it – it’s a much larger island than Koh Tao, but having the airport right there is handy.
The island looks gorgeous! I’ve always avoided adding Thailand to my bucket list, since I live close to the beach and rather experience winter wonderlands when I travel, yet if I keep seeing photos like these…. I mean, the beach near my home looks nothing like this!
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted: Bucket List: The Middle East, Or: Israel Loves Iran Loves Israel
That’s so funny that you avoid tropical destinations when you vacation and instead opt for wintery locales – that’s quite the opposite of most travelers!
Thailand is beachy, but I think the diving and snorkeling potential is the best part. And the food doesn’t hurt, of course. 
Ko Tao and especially koh-nang-yuan has been so far one of our favourite world beach destinations on our rtw trip! Great pics. I went diving just a few hundred meteres away from this beach. Just amazing! Here are some of our experiences and pictures…http://aroundtheworldwithkid.com/trip-pulse-kotao-paradise-round-the-world-itinera/
Awesome post, Martin – and beautiful photos! Kali didn’t get the chance to dive on Koh Nang Yuan, but we saw some other divers who seemed to be enjoying themselves. If we had more time I think Kali would have liked to.
Sounds like a beautiful and impressive place to visit. Not that expensive either!
Kurt recently posted: A Visit to Couchsurfing Basecamp in Beautiful San Franciso
It is quite cheap! Well, it takes a bit to get all the way out there, but just spending a day on Koh Nang Yuan isn’t bad. Thailand in general is great for budget travelers.
I agree this looks pretty darn amazing – that sandbar is very unique and pretty. I’m still going with Ko Mae Ko in the An Thong marine park: http://www.worldwanderingkiwi.com/2012/02/thailand-ang-thong-marine-park/
Tough call though! I love reading about new places I’ve not been in Thailand!
WOW. Those dramatic cliffs are just beautiful; unfortunately we didn’t see any of those when we were in Thailand.
That water looks absolutely amazing! Love that they’ve banned plastic bottles to help ensure it stays that way. What sort of stuff did you see while snorkeling there?
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently posted: Learning The Perils of a “Work Hard, Play Harder” Life
I don’t know the names of anything, but the fish were amazing – entire schools of colorful would come up and swim around us. It was unreal!
I’ve never been to Thailand, but this certainly looks like it should be a contender for most beautiful island! Looks stunning, great photos
Laurence recently posted: In photos: Australian beaches
Thanks, Laurence! You should visit Thailand if you ever get the chance; it’s a stunning country.
Sandbars are one of my favourite beach features! This looks like an awesome paradise to explore.
Andrea recently posted: How To Explore Vienna Without Bus And Umbrella
We had never really encountered a sandbar before, at least not like this one! I’m definitely a fan.
The island looks out of this world. Reality or your just CG creation?
Reality, but we definitely edit all of our photos using post-processing software. So I guess it’s partly computer generated.
Absolutely beautiful beach shots!
AlexBerger recently posted: Friday’s Weekly Travel Photo – Kronborg Castle Caretakers Hut
Thanks Alex – Thailand is full of them.
Wow this is gorgeous. I have only been to Thailand once but I didn’t go South. I think I need to get back there.
Ayngelina recently posted: Food Friday: A Chef’s Cozumel
We spent most of our time in Chiang Mai, but I’m so glad we spent two weeks on the islands. Well worth it!
I can’t wait to do this!!!
dtravelsround recently posted: Join the #ethicaltravel chat April 6
It’s so worth it, Diana – probably one of our favorite spots in Thailand.
I never tire of photos from this beach. It’s definitely one of the world’s most attractive. It’s the personification of “paradise”, isn’t it?!
Cam recently posted: Photo Essay: Snowboarding in the French Alps
It’s like 98% of my vision for paradise… with a hammock it would have been 100% complete.
I never went south of Bangkok when I was in Thailand… I was more interested in seeing temples, etc…. but this post has gave me the travel itch for some Thai beaches
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted: I Want To ‘Go With Oh’ To Prague
We spent most of our time in Chiang Mai and didn’t even associate Thailand with beaches until right before we left the country. I can’t believe we waited so long to check them out!
Looks beautiful! The hike looks tough but I’d totally do for those views.
cheryl recently posted: A Magical Moment In Budapest.
Totally worth the views, Cheryl.