Day Trips from Koh Samui to Koh Nang Yuan
By KohTrip · 27 October 2026
Can you visit Koh Nang Yuan on a day trip from Koh Samui?
Yes. Our Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan trip is a full-day shared speedboat outing that leaves from Koh Samui and visits both islands in one day. Koh Nang Yuan is not a separate stop you reach on its own with us. It is paired with Koh Tao, where we snorkel and have lunch.
It is a long day, but it is a simple one. We collect you from your accommodation, you cross by speedboat, and you are dropped back at your accommodation in the early evening.
What does the day look like from start to finish?
Hotel pickup is usually 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 before boarding. The speedboat usually departs around 09:00.
The crossing takes around 90 minutes to the first island in normal sea conditions. Some days it can take a little longer, up to about 2 hours, depending on the sea.
After that the day is split between snorkeling, lunch on Koh Tao and free time on Koh Nang Yuan. We head back to Koh Samui in the afternoon, and hotel drop-offs are usually finished between 17:00 and 18:00.
What can you do on Koh Nang Yuan itself?
Koh Nang Yuan is known for its three-sandbar beach, and you get free time here to relax on the sand and swim in the shallow water. If you like, you can also hike up to the famous viewpoint, which takes around 15 minutes.
The trail is steep in parts, with steps and rocks, so wear light shoes or sandals with grip. The island has its own rules, and we ask everyone to follow the staff and the signs.
- No plastic bottles on the island
- Limited smoking zones
- Set paths to the viewpoint
- Locker rental on the island is paid separately, so bring some cash
What is the snorkeling at Koh Tao like?
We snorkel at least two sessions around Koh Tao. In good visibility you can see coral gardens and plenty of tropical fish, and turtles and bigger species are occasionally spotted. We cannot promise any particular sighting, and conditions vary from day to day.
Typical stops include well-known sites such as Mango Bay and the Japanese Garden, and Shark Bay is part of the itinerary. Whether you can get in the water at a given site depends on the conditions that day. Your guide chooses the best sites on the day for safety and clarity, and if a site is not right, the crew changes the spot.
You do not need snorkeling experience. The spots around Koh Tao suit beginners, and a mask, snorkel and life jacket are provided at every stop. Lunch is a Thai meal at a restaurant on Koh Tao.
Is the trip right for you?
It suits confident swimmers and people who love snorkeling and feel comfortable on a speedboat. It is less ideal for very small children or anyone who dislikes choppy seas. The fitness level is moderate: you walk on sand, climb steps and rocks to the viewpoint, and get in and out of the boat by ladder.
Speedboat trips are not recommended for pregnant guests or people with serious back or neck problems, because of possible bumps on the waves.
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Light shoes or sandals with grip
- A dry bag for electronics
- Cash for locker rental or extra drinks
Is there a shorter option closer to Koh Samui?
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan have the clearest water and the best coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand, but the crossing is long, so it only works as a full-day trip. The reefs closer to Koh Samui, around Koh Tan and Pig Island, are only 20 to 30 minutes away. The water there is calm and shallow, roughly 2 to 4 metres, which is easier for young children and nervous swimmers.
If you want something closer, we also run these trips:
- Pig Island Join-in Speed Boat: meet the pigs, snorkel the reefs at Koh Tan, kayak and have a Thai lunch
- Jet Ski Safari to Koh Tan and Pig Island: a guided jet ski safari with snorkeling
- Jet Ski Safari to five islands: a guided safari with beach time on Koh Tan and snorkeling at Pig Island
- Angthong Big Boat: an island-hopping day trip to Angthong Marine Park with a big-boat cruise, viewpoints, snorkeling and lunch
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