Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao tours
About Koh Tao & koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are two small islands located north of Koh Samui. The islands are both very popular destinations for day trips from Koh Samui, or as holiday destinations. The islands offer stunning natural beauty, crystal clear waters (the best in the Gulf of Thailand), and a typical laid-back atmosphere that make them perfect for relaxation and adventure.
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Koh Nang Yuan is one of a small group of three islands connected by a sandbar. The islands viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. You will find many photographers (or social media influencers if you wish) here. The islands are also home to a number of small beaches and hiking trails.
Both Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan have a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses for young would-be divers. There are also a number of restaurants and bars on both islands that offer delicious local and international cuisine. Think of pizza places, small Thai roadside restaurants and luxury dining opportunities.
One of the best things about Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan is their laid-back atmosphere. People come here to dive or for a chance to relax and recharge.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, be sure to add Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan to your list of must-visit destinations. These beautiful islands offer something for everyone and are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable vacation or day trip from Koh Samui.
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Location
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are two small islands located in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is located approximately 70 km east of the mainland city of Chumphon, while Koh Nang Yuan is located just off the northwestern coast of Koh Tao.
Both islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and crystal clear waters, making them popular destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving (one of the cheapest diving locations in the world!). Koh Tao is the larger of the two islands and is known for its lively nightlife and bustling atmosphere. In contrast, Koh Nang Yuan is a smaller and quieter island that is known for its peaceful beaches and stunning views.
Koh Tao beaches
Koh Tao is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled day with friends, there is a beach for everyone. Some of the popular beaches include:
- Sairee Beach: The longest and most popular beach on the island, with crystal-clear waters and plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants.
- Tanote Bay: A secluded beach on the eastern side of the island, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Shark Bay: A small beach known for its resident blacktip reef sharks, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Sai Nuan Beach: A hidden gem on the southern end of the island, accessible only by boat or a steep hike, but definitely worth the effort.
Diving and Snorkeling
Koh Tao is a mecca for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With over 25 dive sites around the island, there are endless opportunities to explore the underwater world. The waters around Koh Tao are home to an abundance of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and even whale sharks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of diving schools on the island to choose from. Some of the popular dive sites include:
- Chumphon Pinnacle: A deep dive site with an abundance of marine life, including barracuda, batfish, and whale sharks.
- Southwest Pinnacle: Known for its schools of fish and occasional sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- Shark Island: A small island with plenty of blacktip reef sharks, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Sail Rock: A popular dive site with a vertical pinnacle that extends from the sea floor to the surface, attracting a wide range of marine life.
Hiking and Exploration
Koh Tao is not just about the beaches and the sea. The island is also home to a variety of hiking trails and viewpoints, offering stunning panoramic views of the island and the sea. Some of the popular hiking trails include:
- John-Suwan Viewpoint: A steep climb to the top of the mountain, offering panoramic views of Sairee Beach and the sea.
- Mango Viewpoint: A relatively easy hike to the top of the mountain, offering stunning views of the coastline and the neighboring islands.
- Freedom Beach: A secluded beach accessible only by boat or a steep hike, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Activities and Attractions
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.
Hiking and Trekking
The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Wildlife Watching
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.
Camping and Accommodation
If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.
Hiking and Trekking
The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Wildlife Watching
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.
Camping and Accommodation
If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.
Getting to Ang Thong Marine Park
The easiest way to get to Ang Thong Marine Park is by boat from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. You can also join a guided tour from these islands or from the mainland, which you can book for the best price on Kohtour.com. The boat ride takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the type of boat you are using. The big boat and junk yacht take about 1,5 hours, while the speedboat takes around 45 minutes- 1 hour to arrive at the national park.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine Park is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny. The peak season is from December to February when the weather is cooler, but the park can be crowded with tourists.
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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra
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A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra
Our Terms
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
Frequently asked questions about Koh Tao & Nang Yuan
The best time to visit Koh Tao is from March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to October), as the seas can be rough and many dive sites may be closed.
By day trip from Koh Samui
If you are staying on Koh Samui, a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is the best way to experience the islands. This tour starts early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel and a 1,5 hour boat ride to both Koh Tao & Nang Yuan. There you can enjoy snorkeling in the many bays, a walk up to the famous viewpoint and a delicious Thai style lunch. In the afternoon you will be brought back to Koh Samui where our transfer service awaits to bring you back to your hotel.
By Air
The nearest airport to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan is Koh Samui airport. The only airline flying this route is Bangkok Airways as they own the airport on Koh Samui. From there, you can take a ferry to Koh Tao or Koh Nang Yuan. Alternatively, you can fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon airport and then take a bus or taxi to the respective piers. These can be booked on arrival.
By Bus
You can take a bus from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and from there take a ferry to Koh Tao or Koh Nang Yuan.
By Train
You can take a train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani and then take a ferry to Koh Tao or Koh Nang Yuan. The ferry services operating to Koh Tao are Seatran, Raja and Lomprayah.
Yes, both islands are generally safe for travelers. You should take some precautions like avoiding unlicensed taxis, keeping valuables safe, and following local laws and customs. It’s also important to be aware of the weather and sea conditions before you go diving or snorkeling.
Koh Tao is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Visitors can enjoy live music, DJs, and beach parties, making it a popular destination for backpackers and party-goers. The place to be is Sairee beach, where you will find most beach bars and clubs.
The national park fee is THB 250 per adult (children go free). The fees are used by the national park organization to protect the marine life, preserve the area and to keep Koh Nang Yuan clean. This fee can only be paid in cash at the start of the tour and is excluded from the price in our Koh Tao tours from Koh Samui.