Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao: The Day Trip from Koh Samui

It's one of Thailand's best-known postcard shots: three small islands linked by a narrow strip of white sand, turquoise water on either side. Koh Nang Yuan sits right off Koh Tao — and both are an easy day trip from Koh Samui. Here's how the trip works, what it costs, and what rules apply on the island.

Is there a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

Yes. Koh Tao lies north of Koh Samui, beyond Koh Phangan. By speedboat you're there in around 90 minutes. Organised day trips almost always combine both destinations: the viewpoint and sandbank on Koh Nang Yuan, and snorkelling on the reefs around Koh Tao.

You can also do it independently — the ferry to Koh Tao, then a longtail boat across to Koh Nang Yuan. That's really only worth it if you're staying overnight on Koh Tao, though; for a single day, an organised tour is far more relaxed, since the transfers, boat and schedule are all coordinated for you.

How the day trip works

A typical itinerary, based on the snorkelling tour on kohsamui.tours:

• Hotel pick-up between around 7:00 and 8:00am, then on to the departure pier at Bangrak in the north of Koh Samui.
• Koh Nang Yuan: around 90 minutes free to explore — viewpoint, sandbank, swimming.
• Lunch around midday at a restaurant on the beach at Koh Tao.
• Snorkelling at two spots off Koh Tao, 40 to 50 minutes each.
• Return crossing around 3:30pm, then back to your hotel.

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If you'd like to see even more, you can combine the trip with a stop on Koh Phangan:

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Koh Nang Yuan: viewpoint and sandbank

Koh Nang Yuan is made up of three small islands, joined at most tide levels by a sandbank. The island is privately run by the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort, which is why you pay an entrance fee on arrival.

The famous photo is taken from the viewpoint above the sandbank. The path up goes over steps and rocks and is steep in places — sturdy sandals or trainers work better than flip-flops. From the top, you look down on the sandbank with water on both sides. It gets crowded up there around midday, so go up early if you want it quieter.

Down at the sandbank, the water is shallow and clear — ideal for swimming and a first look at fish and coral.

Entry fee and rules on Koh Nang Yuan

Entry currently costs 250 THB for foreign visitors and 100 THB for children, payable in cash on arrival. On our snorkelling tour it's not included in the tour price. Older guidebooks still quote 100 THB — the price has since gone up.

Because the island is small and the reef is fragile, a few rules apply:

• No single-use plastic bottles — these stay on the boat. Bring a reusable bottle; drinks are also available on the island.
• No fins while snorkelling, so the coral in the shallow water isn't damaged.
• Smoking is banned on the beach.
• Drones aren't permitted on the island.
• Don't touch the coral or marine life.

Snorkelling around Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of the best-known diving and snorkelling spots in the Gulf of Thailand. On calm days the water is very clear, and the reefs are shallow enough in places that you'll see plenty with just a mask and snorkel: parrotfish, butterflyfish, anemones with clownfish, and, with a bit of luck, a turtle. Snorkelling equipment is usually included on tours.

If you want more, you can also try diving on Koh Tao — there are introductory open-water dives for beginners.

Best time to go

The crossing runs across open water. In the rainy season, usually October to December on Koh Samui, the sea can get rough and boat trips are sometimes cancelled at short notice. The sea is generally calmest in the dry season and the hot months that follow. For more on how the weather changes through the year, see Koh Samui weather and the truth about the rainy season.

What should you bring?

• Cash for the entrance fee on Koh Nang Yuan
• A reusable water bottle
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a T-shirt to wear in the water
• Sturdy sandals for the walk up to the viewpoint
• Swimwear, a towel and a waterproof pouch for your phone
• If you have a sensitive stomach: something for seasickness — the crossing can get choppy

Frequently asked questions

What's the best way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

By speedboat or ferry. For a day trip, an organised tour is the simplest option: hotel pick-up, boat and snorkelling stops are all coordinated. For several days on Koh Tao, take the ferry instead.

How much does entry to Koh Nang Yuan cost?

Currently 250 THB for foreign adults and 100 THB for children, payable in cash. Check before your trip whether the entrance fee is included in your tour.

Why is Koh Tao called Death Island?

Koh Tao translates as "Turtle Island". The nickname "Death Island" was given to it by British tabloid media after several tourists died there from 2014 onwards. For a day trip, the usual precautions apply, as anywhere: watch out for currents in the water, don't swim alone, and don't get on a moped after drinking.

For more island destinations around Koh Samui, see our Top 10 attractions and our article on Ang Thong National Park.