Ko Nang Yuan

Ko Nang Yuan is three small granite islets a short longtail ride off Ko Tao, connected by a sandbar that splits into two arms of white sand with shallow water between them - a formation that is genuinely unusual and produces the image the island is known for. It is privately owned by a single resort, which controls access: day visitors pay a landing fee, and the island enforces a ban on bringing plastic bottles ashore, with bottles confiscated at the pier. The viewpoint is a climb of ten to fifteen minutes over rock and steps to a boulder outcrop looking down the length of the sandbar, which is the photograph everyone takes and is worth the effort. Snorkelling off the sandbar is good and the reef is protected. Fins are banned to reduce coral damage. It gets crowded from mid-morning as the Ko Tao day boats arrive.

What you actually see

• The triple sandbar - two arms of sand linking three granite islets.
• The viewpoint - a ten to fifteen minute climb over the boulders.
• The reef - protected snorkelling off the sandbar, with fins banned.
• The private ownership - one resort controlling access and rules.

When to go

December to April, with June to August also settled in the gulf. Go early - the day boats from Ko Tao arrive mid-morning and the sandbar fills.

Honest expectations

A landing fee is charged and plastic bottles are confiscated at the pier. Very crowded from mid-morning. Fins are prohibited when snorkelling. The viewpoint climb is over rock and is hot. Day visits only unless staying at the resort.

Nearby

Ko Tao is ten minutes away; Ko Phangan is south by ferry.