Ko Nang Yuan IslandAn Enchanting Tropical Oasis
Ko Nang Yuan might be just a tiny group of tropical islands, but as diminutive as they may be, they are arguably some of the most breath-taking in all of Thailand. Together they make up three enchanting close-knit enclaves, all thanks to a long sandbank (formed as the tide retreats) of super fine soft white sand that joins all three islets. Collectively they are most famous for their diving hot spots which offer you such great snorkeling opportunities and their wonderful beach scenery. They are mostly known as the north, middle and south island respectively. The only transport to the island is by boat of which there are two options, unless you choose to hire your own private cruiser and crew to take you there. One is by long-boat from Ko Tao at a cost of 100 baht each way. The boats run back and forth three times a day with each one way trip taking about twenty minutes. If you are just going for a round trip to the island and not actually getting off the boat, you may not be required to pay for the return trip. If you want to go for a one day snorkeling trip from Ko Tao, prices start at 250 baht which includes the round trip boat fare. To get there from Ko Tao, take a boat from Lomprayah Pier which you will find is just south of the main pier in the small village of Mae Hat.
Lomprayah Catamaran
The other option is by Lomprayah catamaran from Ko Samui at a cost of 550 baht each way. These high speed luxury boats take just under two hours to Ko Nang Yuan. They are safe, air-conditioned and far more comfortable. Please note that you will be required to pay a 100 baht fee on arrival, however this would be waived should you decide to stay overnight on the island. It's also possible to go by boat from Ko Phangan as well as from Surat Thani on the Thai mainland. Please take special notice that you will not be allowed on this island with items such as tin cans and plastic bottles as they have rules here to help protect the environment. You may or may not have noticed that water and other drinks sold on Ko Tao come in glass bottles which effectively means that liquid refreshments must be purchased at the restaurant on the island albeit at wildly inflated prices.
Sandbank and Wooden Crossings
Apparently not so long ago, (well maybe twenty years or so) Ko Nang Yuan was just another undisturbed and secluded island. Simple huts with no electricity was the order of the day. Freshwater had to be brought in from neighbouring Ko Tao. If you wanted to wash, (there where no showers then) you could purchase a bucket of water for a few baht and then douse yourself down. That has all changed now as tourism has turned that all around. These islands are known for their superb coral reef so snorkeling and scuba diving is most welcome. If you like, you can even take scuba diving lessons here. If you are lucky enough, you may just spot a black-tipped reef shark or a turtle or two. The giant stone boulders you see on the beach are sculptured by water and wind over many many years. The wind can get very strong during the monsoon season and waves are well known to lap these shores. Perhaps not the best time to visit.
View of the Beach from the Bar
Ko Nang Yuan IslandsWhat to do and Where to goAs far as being a day-tripper is concerned, you can relax on the beach, swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear emerald green waters, have a drink and a bite to eat at the one and only bar and restaurant on the island, walk up to a majestic 360 degree viewpoint or just go explore the wonderland. All in a day and on foot too.There are no roads here either which means no cars, bikes, buses or pollution. That is of course apart from gases emanating from those thundering six-cylinder tractor engines attached to the long-boats. Don't you just love that sound. Incidentally should you decide to have something to eat at the only restaurant, be prepared to pay for it. I mean really pay for it. The restaurant belongs to the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort establishment so food and drink prices are at the very least three to four times higher than at Ko Tao. The owners and staff are fully aware that they have total monopoly and therefore take full advantage. Should you be an overnight guest, I believe this to be an entirely different entity as lunch is slightly cheaper but don't take my word for it, get a second opinion. As a day visitor and short on funds, it's best to return from whence you came and rather have lunch there. If you do decide to stay I believe that the barbecue fish is the right choice though there is a selection of both Thai and Western food.
Giant Stone Boulders
Ko Nang Yuan IslandsThe Best Time to VisitIf you are short on time and are on a single day trip, you may want to consider visiting Ko Nang Yuan after lunch in the afternoon. The morning day-trippers tend to cause the islands to become a little congested. Best time to visit is during the cool season from November until February. It's probably best to stay away during the wet season from September until late October due to the northeast monsoon.However should you want to stay awhile for the diving activities, you will not be disappointed. There are a number of dive sites with assorted hard and soft corals sporting an abundance of fish in and around the island. Best of all, most of these sites are suitable for just about everyone. Snorkeling is the other great activity. Firstly there is Nang Yuan Pinnacle, a granite peak with boulder swim-throughs featuring morays and reef sharks. Then there's Green Rock classified as a maze of boulder swim-throughs, caves and canyons with similar fish and shark species. A third dive site would be the double rock formation aptly named Twins which are covered in corals and sponges and set amidst a colourful coral garden backdrop. Last but certainly not least are the Japanese Gardens which derived their name from from the hundreds of hard and soft coral formations found around here. This site is particularly safe for beginners and most popular for anyone wanting to do a bit of snorkeling. For the more experienced diver, there are a number of excellent
dive sites between Ko Nang Yuan and Ko Tao
Click on the link for more details.
Ko Nang YuanThe IslandsThe north island is a tree-clad rocky outcrop whose shallow reef makes it superb for snorkeling. There's little in the way of beach here except for a bit of sandbank linking the island to the other two. Perched on stilts and partly hidden amongst all the rocks and trees are a few wooden bungalows, forming part of the Nangyuang Island Dive Resort which has it's accommodation spread over all three islandsThe middle island is the smallest of the three retreats, parts of which are strewn with large recessed boulders. Small as it may be, some of the beaches here offer shade in the form of palm groves. The water here is deep enough for swimming and snorkeling. One part of the reef stretches down towards a horse-shoe inlet sprinkled with boulders and plenty of coarse sand. It features hard and soft coral. Just so you know, should you wish to take in the spectacular views from the south island's highest point, it will take you approximately 30 minutes to reach. Simply follow the signposts to the viewpoint that are dotted along the way. Once at the top, you'll be richly rewarded with some fantastic views. This would be a great opportunity to take some photos. Did I mention that this could also be an excellent time for any romantic overtures, but that, I'll leave wholly up to you.
Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan Map
Return from Ko Nang Yuan Island to the Thailand Island Page
|
