There are certain places in Thailand that seem almost too perfectly composed to be real - places defined by glowing white sandbars, transparent turquoise water, boulder-framed jungle islets, and an environment so clean and intact it barely feels real. Nang Yuan Island, also known as Koh Nang Yuan, is one of those places.

Situated just off the coast of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, Nang Yuan Island is actually a small cluster of three tiny islands, connected by slender strips of blindingly white sand. From above, it looks like a natural sand sculpture placed delicately on turquoise water. On the ground, it feels even more surreal.

What sets Koh Nang Yuan apart from many Thai islands is its protected status. Local authorities strictly regulate what comes onto the island, including a ban on single-use plastics. As a result, the beaches are exceptionally clean, the water clarity is outstanding, and the island retains a sense of pristine beauty that’s becoming increasingly rare in Southeast Asia.

The setting rivals some of Thailand’s most iconic coastal landmarks. The shallow, luminous waters are on par with places like Railay Beach and Maya Bay, while the viewpoint offers a perspective that feels genuinely unique. Dense green shrubbery rises from the sandbars, framing the beaches and giving the island depth and texture beyond its postcard-perfect outline.

For travelers, Nang Yuan Island offers a concentrated dose of tropical perfection. You won’t find villages, beach clubs, or sprawling resorts here. Instead, you’ll find swimming and snorkeling in calm, clear water, a short but rewarding hike to one of the best viewpoints in the Gulf of Thailand, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere undeniably beautiful - even if only for a few hours.

Nang Yuan Island - Viewpoint — *Nang Yuan Island*

Nang Yuan Island - Most Beautiful Island in Thailand — *Nang Yuan Island*

Nang Yuan Island - 3 Tiny Islands — *Nang Yuan Island*

How to Get to Nang Yuan Island

Despite its remote appearance, Koh Nang Yuan is surprisingly easy to reach. How you get there largely depends on which island you’re staying on and each option offers a slightly different experience.

From Koh Phangan

We visited Koh Nang Yuan as part of a speedboat tour from Koh Phangan, and this is the option we’d most readily recommend.

The journey is relatively short compared to departures from Koh Samui, making it more comfortable and efficient. When we arrived, there were several other boats already docked, but it didn’t feel chaotic or overcrowded. Instead, there was a relaxed flow of people coming and going, spread across the beaches and sandbars.

We were given two to three hours on the island, which turned out to be the perfect amount of time. It allowed us to swim in the shallow turquoise water, wander the sandbars, hike to the viewpoint, and take photos without feeling rushed.

The tour we booked through a local resort in Koh Phangan included hotel pick-up and drop-off, speedboat transport, snorkeling gear, and a traditional Thai lunch on Koh Tao. All we needed to bring were swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and some cash for drinks and snacks. From memory, the price was around $60 USD per person, which felt like excellent value - especially considering the comfort of the speedboat and the number of inclusions. There were roughly 30 - 40 people on our boat, but once spread out across the island, it never felt crowded.

Having traveled extensively through southern Thailand and taken countless boat trips, we can confidently say that speedboats are worth paying extra for. They’re faster, more stable, and far more comfortable - particularly when the sea gets choppy.

One boat trip that still stands out (for all the wrong reasons) was a journey from Koh Samui to Ang Thong National Marine Park on a rickety two-storey wooden boat. It rocked relentlessly from side to side, resulting in multiple passengers getting violently seasick. “Never again” felt like an understatement.

From Koh Tao

If you’re staying on Koh Tao, Nang Yuan Island is incredibly easy to visit.

Longtail taxi boats regularly run between Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, and this is a fantastic option for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups who want a more private experience. You can usually arrange a return trip directly with a boat operator on Koh Tao, giving you flexibility with timing and how long you stay.

Koh Tao itself is one of Thailand’s premier diving destinations, attracting divers from all over the world. Pairing a few days of diving with a relaxed half-day trip to Koh Nang Yuan makes perfect sense.

Nang Yuan Island - Koh Tao Kat — *Koh Tao*

Nang Yuan Island - Koh Tao Snorkeling — *Koh Tao*

From Koh Samui

Tours from Koh Samui are also available, but the journey is noticeably longer. While still doable as a day trip, it can feel exhausting, and the longer boat ride increases the chance of rough conditions - especially during shoulder seasons.

If you’re based in Koh Samui and have flexibility, it’s often better to travel to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao first, then visit Nang Yuan from there.

Tour vs Private Charter

Group tours are affordable, well-organised, and easy to book - ideal for most travelers. Private charters, while more expensive, offer flexibility and solitude, particularly if you want to arrive earlier or leave later than the standard tour schedule.

If you’re hoping to enjoy the island after most day-trippers leave and catch sunset, the only way to do so is by staying overnight at the island’s lone resort - which brings us to the next question.

Can You Stay Overnight on Nang Yuan Island?

Yes, you can stay overnight on Koh Nang Yuan, but it’s not for everyone.

The Nangyuan Island Dive Resort is the only accommodation on the island. Staying here offers a rare opportunity to experience Nang Yuan after the day-trippers have left, when the beaches fall quiet and the water turns glassy in the late afternoon light.

However, it’s a very stripped-back experience. Facilities are limited, food options are basic, and there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms. Electricity can be inconsistent, and you’ll need to bring cash for expenses, as card payments aren’t always possible.

The prices are also relatively high for what’s offered, which puts many travelers off. In all honesty, unless you’re seeking complete seclusion or are specifically interested in diving, two to three hours on the island is enough to fully appreciate its beauty.

Nang Yuan Island - Emerald Waters — *Nang Yuan Island*

Nang Yuan Island - Beach Paradise — *Nang Yuan Island*

6 Things To Do at Nang Yuan Island

1. Walk to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

The highlight of any visit is the walk up to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. From the main beach, a clearly marked path leads uphill through tropical greenery. The walk takes around 20 minutes, with a few steep sections, but it’s manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

At the top, a rocky platform opens up to a panoramic view of the three islands connected by white sandbars, surrounded by shades of blue and green. It’s one of the most iconic views in Thailand and one that absolutely lives up to the hype.

Viewpoint - Nang Yuan Island — *Viewpoint*

Nang Yuan Island - Rock Viewpoint — *Viewpoint*

2. Sunbathing on the Sandbars

The sandbars are the island’s defining feature. Soft, pale sand meets shallow water so clear you can see your feet even when submerged. It’s the perfect place to lay down a towel, relax, and take in the surroundings.

Nang Yuan Island - Sunbathing — *Sandbar*

3. Swimming in the Crystal-Clear Water

The water around Nang Yuan is calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming. Even non-confident swimmers will feel comfortable here, especially during the dry season when conditions are at their best.

4. Do a Bit of Snorkeling

Snorkeling is another major draw. Coral reefs sit just offshore, and it’s common to see colourful fish without venturing far from the beach. Many tours include snorkeling gear, but you can also rent equipment on the island.

5. Relax at the Beach Cafe

There’s a small beach cafe and bar serving fresh coconuts, soft drinks, and light snacks. Prices are higher than on the mainland, but that’s to be expected given the location. Bring cash, as card payments aren’t always accepted.

6. Walk Around the Island

One of the joys of Nang Yuan is simply wandering. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and every angle offers a slightly different perspective - perfect for photographers looking to capture beautiful photos.

Nang Yuan Island - Boardwalk — *Walking around the island*

Nang Yuan Island - Exploring — *Walking around the island*

Best Time to Visit Nang Yuan Island

The best time to visit Koh Nang Yuan is from November to March. During these months, the weather is dry, the skies are clear, and the sea conditions are calm. Temperatures typically range from 26°C to 32°C, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

April to October can still be beautiful, but this period brings more unpredictable weather and rougher seas, which may affect boat transfers and water visibility.

How Busy Is Nang Yuan Island?

There’s no denying that Nang Yuan Island is popular, but it rarely feels overwhelming.

Most visitors arrive on organised tours, which means people come and go in waves. Even at peak times, the island’s layout allows visitors to spread out across different beaches, sandbars, and viewpoints.

If you generally dislike crowds, Nang Yuan is still well worth visiting. Arriving earlier in the day or later in the afternoon can make a noticeable difference, and the beauty of the setting more than compensates for sharing it with others.

Nang Yuan Island - Beach — *Nang Yuan Island*

Nang Yuan Island - Sandbar — *Nang Yuan Island*

Is Nang Yuan Island the Most Beautiful Island in Thailand?

Calling any single island the “most beautiful” in Thailand is always going to be subjective.

Would we say Koh Nang Yuan is the most beautiful island in the country? Probably not. Islands like the Similan Islands and Koh Ngai arguably take the top spots for overall natural beauty.

That said, Koh Nang Yuan is absolutely among Thailand’s most beautiful islands. It could comfortably claim a place in the top three.

The combination of emerald water, lush greenery, and perfectly formed sandbars creates an incredibly picturesque landscape. The protected status of the island ensures it remains clean and well-preserved, and the tranquil, shallow waters are some of the most idyllic we’ve encountered anywhere in Thailand.

If you’re planning a trip to the Gulf of Thailand - whether you’re visiting Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao - visiting Koh Nang Yuan is a no-brainer. You’ll leave with incredible photos, lasting memories, and that rare feeling of having visited somewhere truly special.

Nang Yuan Island - Beautiful Island — *Nang Yuan Island*

Tips for Visiting Nang Yuan Island

Single-use plastics and rubbish are not allowed on the island. Bags may be checked on arrival.
Bring cash for the cafe and any small purchases.
Leave no trace. Take everything you bring with you when you leave.

Nang Yuan Island may be small, but it delivers an outsized sense of wonder. Whether it’s Thailand’s most beautiful island or not, one thing is certain: it’s a place you won’t forget anytime soon.

How to Visit Nang Yuan Island: Beaches, Viewpoints & Tour