Koh Samui to Koh Nang Yuan Island: How the Day Trip Works
By KohTrip · 28 October 2026
How do you get from Koh Samui to Koh Nang Yuan?
We run a full-day shared speedboat trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. It is the way we take guests to Nang Yuan, and the island is part of the same day as Koh Tao, not a separate trip.
We collect you from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan, drive to the pier, and board the speedboat there. The exact pier is confirmed on your voucher once your booking and hotel details are final.
How long is the boat ride and what does the day look like?
Pickup is typically between 07:30 and 08:30, depending on where you stay on Koh Samui. At the pier there is check-in, a light breakfast and a safety briefing. The speedboat usually departs around 09:00.
The crossing to the first island takes around 90 minutes in normal sea conditions. Our guests are sometimes told it can be up to two hours, depending on the sea that day.
In the afternoon we ride back to Koh Samui. You are usually back on the island by about 16:30 to 17:00, and hotel drop-offs are finished around 17:00 to 18:00.
What can you do on Koh Nang Yuan?
Koh Nang Yuan is known for its beach made of three sandbars. You get free time here to relax on the sand and swim in the shallow water. Some guests also see turtles in the clear water, though we cannot promise any wildlife.
If you want the postcard view, you can hike around 15 minutes up to the viewpoint. The trail is steep in parts, with steps and rocks, so light shoes or sandals with grip help.
What is the snorkeling like around Koh Tao?
We snorkel at least two sessions around Koh Tao. In good visibility you can see coral gardens and plenty of tropical fish. Bigger species are occasionally spotted. The itinerary takes in well-known sites such as Mango Bay and the Japanese Garden, and Shark Bay is also on the itinerary.
Conditions vary with season and weather. Our guides choose the best sites on the day for safety and clarity, and whether you can get in the water at a given spot is decided on site. A Thai lunch is served at a restaurant on Koh Tao, before or between snorkeling stops.
You do not need snorkeling experience, because the spots around Koh Tao suit beginners. We provide a mask, snorkel and life jacket at every stop.
Is this trip right for you?
It suits confident swimmers and people who like snorkeling and are comfortable on a speedboat. It is less ideal for very small children or anyone who dislikes choppy seas. The fitness level is moderate.
Speedboat tours are not recommended for pregnant guests or people with serious back or neck problems, because of possible bumps on the waves.
- Expect walking on sand and climbing stairs or rocks to the viewpoint.
- You get in and out of the boat by ladder.
- Koh Nang Yuan has its own rules: no plastic bottles, limited smoking zones and set paths to the viewpoint.
- Please follow the staff and signs on the island.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a dry bag for electronics.
- Bring some cash for locker rental or extra drinks.
What if you want something shorter or closer to Koh Samui?
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are a long day on the water. The reefs around Koh Tan and Pig Island are only 20 to 30 minutes away, in calm, shallow water of roughly 2 to 4 metres. They are easier for young children, nervous swimmers or a half-day plan. Our Pig Island Join-in Speed Boat trip visits Koh Tan's reefs and meets the pigs.
If you would rather not take a speedboat, we also run Angthong Big Boat, a big-boat island-hopping day trip to Angthong Marine Park with the Emerald Lagoon and island viewpoints. Choose Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for the best snorkeling of your trip, and Koh Tan for the easiest.
What does the Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan cost, and what is included?
- Adult: ฿2,100 per person
- Child: ฿1,750 per person
Hotel pickup included · Admission fee included · No hidden fees · Instant confirmation
The Ang Thong national park is closed from 1 November to 15 December every year.
Can you cancel or change your booking?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date, fully refundable. If our captain decides the sea or weather makes the tour unsafe, you can choose a new date or a full refund. There is no fixed booking period: book as early as you can to secure your spot, because Koh Samui tours fill up easily, even in low season.
What else should you read before you go?
Which other trips do we run from Koh Samui?
Where can you check official information?
Official information is published by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The trip this answer is about
See the Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan trip