Jansom Bay & Koh Nang Yuan
A private-feeling bay with shallow coral, and the three-island sandbar of Koh Nang Yuan next door.
Koh Nang Yuan is the three-island cluster 15 minutes north-west of Koh Tao, joined by a triple sandbar. Entry is 100 baht plus 250 baht for the boat. Jansom Bay on Koh Tao's west coast is the launch point and a good snorkelling bay in its own right.
Prices and hours are our current best information, not a published rate. Confirm on the day before you travel.
A private-feeling bay with shallow coral, and the three-island sandbar of Koh Nang Yuan next door.
Koh Nang Yuan is privately owned and the sandbar that joins its three peaks is the most photographed spot in the Gulf of Thailand. The Japanese owner built the walkways and dive resort and imposes a no-plastic and no-fishing rule, which is why the reef is in better condition than Koh Tao's. Jansom Bay, on Koh Tao itself, is a small private bay with a coral garden 20 metres from the sand.
The snorkelling is accessible straight off the beach, and Nang Yuan's viewpoint over the sandbar is the most photographed image in the Gulf.
What you’ll actually see
- The triple sandbar at Koh Nang Yuan, walkable between the three peaks
- The viewpoint above the sandbar, a 15-minute climb over wooden steps
- The Japanese garden and the small shrine on the middle island
- The coral garden at Jansom Bay, best at high tide in the morning
How to visit it well
- Nang Yuan charges an entrance fee and bans plastic bottles.
- Go early; the day-trippers arrive from Samui at 10am.
- The viewpoint climb is short but steep.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Bringing plastic bottles to Koh Nang Yuan — they are confiscated at the pier
- Coming at midday when the day-trippers from Samui arrive
- Skipping the viewpoint climb; it is the reason to go
Is it worth it?
Worth a half day and genuinely one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Go early — the first boats arrive at 10am. Combine it with Jansom Bay snorkelling on the way back.
Common questions
100 baht entry plus about 250 baht for the boat from Koh Tao. Day trips including snorkelling start around 800 baht.
Yes, there is one resort with tents and bungalows. It is expensive and basic but you get the island after the day-trippers leave.
It is visible most of the day but is widest at low tide. It never fully disappears.
Yes for snorkelling — the coral garden is 20 metres from the beach and in good condition. Entry is around 100 baht.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Nattapong Srisuwan