The Enchanting Island of Koh Nang Yuan: A Photographer's Perspective

The tagline "Koh Nang Yuan: The Enchantment of the Thai Sea" aptly captures the essence of this idyllic island. Through the lens of a travel photographer, let's explore the captivating beauty of Koh Nang Yuan.

A memory from 15 years ago recalled a walk on the white sand left by the receding tide on an island near Koh Tao. The memory recorded it as a beautiful land, perfect for lying down and listening to the sound of the waves with someone special (although at that time, I was only with male friends, and I doubt they would have been interested in sitting and listening to the waves with me). Time passed, and finally, the day came when I had the resources and time to make that memory a reality. I talked to my wife, explaining the virtues of the place and persuading her to go on a romantic island getaway with me (in truth, she had done more thorough research on Pantip than I had, haha). We packed our bags, shopped for new clothes, and prepared for a 3-day, 2-night romantic getaway.

This review will not cover the booking process, as there are many resources available online. Instead, I will focus on showcasing the location through photographs and my personal perspective. Please enjoy the visual journey, as I share a glimpse of this beautiful destination through my lens.

I have booked a 3-day, 2-night package with Koh Nang Yuan Dive Resort, including meals, accommodation in room K6 near the viewpoint, and diving around Koh Tao. This will allow me to conveniently take photos without worrying about food and accommodation.

Embarking on a private car journey from Rayong, we headed towards the Lomprayah Pier. Aboard a luxurious catamaran, we set sail for the idyllic island of Koh Nang Yuan. Contrary to our initial expectations of a speedboat, the journey was surprisingly comfortable and relaxing. As we cruised along, lulled by the gentle sway of the waves, we drifted into a peaceful slumber. After a tranquil voyage of 1 hour and 45 minutes, we finally arrived at our dream destination.

After the welcome drinks and settling into our rooms, Noi gathered us to explain the island's rules, living arrangements, and schedule. I must admit, I was reprimanded by Noi for disappearing to take photos. She even joked that she thought I had fled back home! I couldn't help but laugh, especially considering the stunning view and scorching heat. I decided to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of my room, knowing I had plenty of time later to capture the beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Stepping onto the sand, you'll never want to leave. Trust me, I never lie. Really.

Note: This review was shot with a Sony A7II camera + Batis 25/2 lens + FE 70-200G F4 OSS lens + Samyang 12/2.8 fisheye lens, and the images were edited using Lightroom and Photoshop. The water was so clear that I didn't even need to use a CPL filter to cut the glare and see the sand below.

The wooden walkway leading to the house is as charming as the little sister who greeted us.

Staying on the island, we witnessed the activities of tourists from morning till night.

After 5 pm, this heavenly island will be our private island. The tranquility and the beautiful sunset are truly breathtaking.

As the evening approached and the tourists had all left, we made our way up to the viewpoint to capture some classic shots. The place was packed with people that day, like a traffic jam at the Mengjay intersection.

Fortunately, we encountered beautiful skies, which are usually cloudy.
During the day, the diving program explored Koh Tao. It's a pity that I don't have an underwater camera to capture the beauty of the clear sea. But as they say, if you collect everything, there will be nothing left to explore on your next trip. So I got some NIR images with views around Koh Tao.

Finally, we captured the heartwarming atmosphere before leaving. Before we left, Brother Noi told us that as a photographer, we should be diligent in taking pictures... That's all, Brother Noi barely even noticed me. He only saw me when it was time to eat. I'll save the rest for a review next time I have the chance to visit again.

Koh Nang Yuan, a truly enchanting gem of the Thai seas.