Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint Trek. A complete guide

Find the trail to Koh Nan Yuan Lookout

The trail to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint starts right at the pier, making it easy to find.

Koh Nang Yuan is a small island and the main places to explore are the pier area (with a restaurant and bar in the middle of the island), the two iconic connecting sandbars known as the isthmus, and the southern island where the lookout is is. .

Directions:

• From the pier, head south to the southern island, the second largest, as the largest northern island is out of reach.
• Walk along the white sandy beach until you reach a wooden boardwalk that curves to the left.
• The boardwalk offered me some incredible photo opportunities with crystal clear water and beautiful views, but trust me, the real view awaits at the top, so keep going.
• At the end of the pavement, you will see a sign marking the Koh Nan Yuan Viewpoint Trail.
• From here, follow specific steps leading to the top for that unbeatable view.

My experience hiking to Koh Nan Yuan viewpoint

The first time I visited Koh Nan Yuan in 2018, there was just a dirt road leading to the top and the trail was not busy at all.

Things have changed. Now there is a concrete set of steps that lead almost all the way to the top and many more hikers travel here.Below is some information about the trek with photos from various trips.

The path is very easy to follow, just walk up the short, steep stairs.Eventually you will reach a flat area where there is now usually a lady selling drinks.

From here the trail curves around and up, opening up to a rocky outcrop with huge boulders.

Congratulations, you’ve reached Koh Nan Yuan Viewpoint!

How to avoid crowds and lines

Ok, as I mentioned, this place is seriously busy these days.On one of my recent trips to Nan Yuan, there was a long, sweaty line of tourists waiting to take pictures at the summit, all the way to the flat area where you can buy drinks.

This is no fun, especially in the hot, humid jungle where mosquitoes are buzzing a lot.

So how can I avoid it?Here are some tips.

• Get there right at opening timeThe island opens at 10 am.
• View Boat ArrivalsIf you’re there in the afternoon, avoid going up right after the boat pier. Day trippers from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan usually rush straight to the viewpoint. Take it easy on the beach and time it to avoid the crowds.
• Overnight at Koh Nang YuanYes, you can actually stay on the island. This is the best way to get your point across. day trippers leave at 5pm so you’ll have it at sunset or even sunrise. Easily one of the best views around Koh Tao without the crowds.

What to expect from Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint?

At the top, you’ll find two large boulders, with a stunning view of the Isthmus, two other islands, and the crystal clear turquoise water below, where you’ll want to sit back and soak it all in.

Personally, I think the one on the right is a better photo spot; it gives you a great angle to photograph the islands and the iconic sandbar between them.If you take my advice above, you’ll usually avoid the main crowds too, meaning you can enjoy the view without waiting in line.

Climbing to the rocks above

Okay, so technically there are signs that say not to climb the rocks above, so if you want to play by the rules, do as the sign says.

I’ll be honest though, I always climb my way up. It’s pretty simple. i hiked up from behind the main lookout to the giant rock outcropping and then went around the back climbing the big boulder at the top to get to the highest point on this island.

In my opinion, although this is not an official viewpoint, this place easily offers the best view of Koh Nan Yuan.

Remember, don’t just copy what you read online. use some common sense. Here are some shots I captured of the upper rocks.

What to do after the lookout in Koh Nang Yuan?

After soaking up the scenery, the best thing to do here is relax on the white sand, explore some of the swimming and snorkeling spots.

The best spot I’ve found (after a lot of diving and snorkeling) is off the north basin on the east side of the island Japanese gardensis a popular dive site with healthy coral and is fully protected by buoys so no boats can enter.

For shade, you can rent a beach umbrella and chair for 100 THB, which is a great deal since there is almost no natural shade on the island.

You may notice signs that say you can’t put a towel on the beach. this is a recent rule, but only applies to the southern sand near the hike (presumably to make the view more beautiful from Koh Nan Yuan’s perspective).

Instead, head to the north end, past the beach chairs, and you can lay down your towel with no problem.

Check out my guide to the best things to do on Koh Tao for unique adventures and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.