THAILAND: EXPLORING KOH NANG YUAN

I didn’t think I could love any island more than Koh Phangan, but the neighboring island of Koh Tao has done it. Even during monsoon season, with grey skies, muddy roads, and rain-soaked tourists, this island is breathtaking.

I got the opportunity to dog and house-sit for the week, so I jumped on a ferry and traveled the 45 kilometers over to Koh Tao. I fully expected to be trapped inside the house for the next week, as rainy season means torrential downpours and it isn’t exactly beach weather.

When I woke up yesterday, however, I could see blue skies and sun, so I hopped on my bike and made my way to the beach. I booked a roundtrip longtail boat ticket from Lotus Bar for 250 Baht, then headed over to the popular tourist destination, Koh Nang Yuan.

Koh Nang Yuan is made up of three small islands connected by a sandbar, with crystal clear waters and a view to die for. The islands didn’t look like anything special from afar, but as the boat pulled up to the islands, you could clearly see why this place gets flooded with tourists during high season.

All visitors have to pay 100 Baht to get onto the islands, but it’s well worth it. Walking across the pier towards the island, you’ll see schools of fish, a sunken boat, and dozens of snorkelers in the clear waters.

If you’ve ever seen photos of Koh Nang Yuan, i’m sure it was a photo taken from the viewpoint on the first island. After hopping off the boat, I immediately made my way up to the top of the island to get a glimpse of that picturesque view from the photos. To get to the viewpoint, you have to climb about 1,000 steep stairs and then climb up some large rocks. It’s quite the adventure, but doing this trek in 30C degree heat can mean sweat, and lots of it. I don’t know how anyone would actually look good for their photos up there, because by the time I reached the top, I looked like I had just taken a shower!

The view was beyond worth the climb. I’ve never stood somewhere so breathtaking. Photos do not do it justice, so you will just have to go see it in person.

After hiking back down to the beach, I desperately needed to get in the water. I brought my own snorkeling gear with me, but you are also able to rent gear from the dive shop if you don’t have your own. Koh Nang Yuan has some of the best snorkeling in Koh Tao. The fish aren’t afraid of the tourists either, so you don’t have to chase them around in circles to get close to them. If you have a GoPro, make sure to bring it for some amazing underwater shots!

After about 4 hours on the islands the dark clouds started rolling in, so I hopped on a longtail boat back to shore before getting caught in the rain. If you find yourself in Koh Tao, make sure to plan a day trip over to Koh Nang Yuan. I’ve seen some beautiful islands in my life, but none compare to these.