Start our journey with the most spectacular vantage points that will give you a bird's eye view of Koh Nang Yuan and the surrounding area.

1. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint This is the most famous and photogenic viewpoint on the island. To get to it, you must climb to the top of the highest of the three islets. The road is steep and requires some effort, but the view that awaits you at the top is absolutely worth every drop of sweat. From a height of about 100 meters above sea level you will see a panorama of the entire Koh Nang Yuan archipelago, the surrounding turquoise waters and the sandbank connecting the islands. This is the perfect place to take a souvenir photo and enjoy the sunsets. Keep in mind that admission to the island costs about 100 baht (as of 2023), and the viewpoint is only available during the island's opening hours, usually from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

2 Top Point Koh Tao Although this viewpoint is located on the neighboring island of Koh Tao, it offers breathtaking views of Koh Nang Yuan. This is one of the highest points on Koh Tao, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire area. The road to the top is quite challenging and is best done by scooter or on foot for more skilled hikers. From the top you will see not only Koh Nang Yuan, but also the western side of Koh Tao and the boundless horizon of the Andaman Sea. This is the perfect place to see how small and charming the islands of Koh Nang Yuan are compared to the surrounding ocean.

3. John-Suwan Viewpoint This is another viewpoint on Koh Tao that offers spectacular views of Koh Nang Yuan. It is located on the southern tip of the island and requires a short but fairly steep climb. The view from the top is truly impressive - on one side you'll see Chalok Baan Kao Bay, while on the other side you'll be able to admire Koh Nang Yuan in the distance. It's a great place for photos at sunset, when the sky shimmers with all shades of orange and pink. Admission costs about 50 baht per person (as of 2023).

Each of these viewpoints offers a slightly different perspective and experience. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint is the closest and gives the most intimate view of the archipelago itself. Top Point Koh Tao allows you to see Koh Nang Yuan in the broader context of the surrounding sea, and John-Suwan Viewpoint offers a unique shot where Koh Nang Yuan provides a backdrop to Koh Tao's beautiful bays. It's worth visiting all of these places to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the region's landscapes.

Now that you've saturated your eyes with the views from above, it's time to come down to earth and discover the beauty of the beaches and crystal clear waters surrounding Koh Nang Yuan.

4 - Nangyuan Island Beach This is the main beach on Koh Nang Yuan, connecting all three islands. Nangyuan Island Beach is famous for its soft white sand and crystal clear waters. It's the perfect place to relax, swim and snorkel. The beach also offers great views of the surrounding islands and the sea. It's worth remembering that plastic bottles are banned on the island, so be prepared for this when buying drinks locally. The beach is open to visitors during the island's opening hours, usually from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5 - Nangyuang Beach This is another beautiful beach on Koh Nang Yuan, offering a slightly quieter atmosphere than the main beach. Nangyuang Beach features fine white sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. From here you can also enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding islands and sea. It's a great place for families with children due to its shallow and calm waters.

6 - Nang Yuan Terrace This unique spot offers a combination of a beautiful beach and a luxurious observation deck. Nang Yuan Terrace is part of the island's exclusive resort, but is open to visitors. Here you can enjoy beautiful sea views while relaxing on comfortable lounge chairs or at the beach bar. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying the sunset over the sea.

7th Japanese Garden Although not a typical beach, Japanese Garden is one of the best snorkeling spots around Koh Nang Yuan. It is located just off the shore of the island and is famous for its rich underwater life. Here you can see colorful fish, soft corals and other fascinating sea creatures. The water is usually calm and clear, making it an ideal place for both beginners and experienced divers.

When comparing these sites, there are several aspects worth noting:

• Accessibility: Nangyuan Island Beach and Nangyuang Beach are the most easily accessible to all visitors to the island. Nang Yuan Terrace requires entrance to the resort, which may incur additional fees or require restaurant service.

• Crowds: Nangyuan Island Beach, as the main beach, can be the most crowded, especially during peak season. Nangyuang Beach and Nang Yuan Terrace offer a slightly quieter atmosphere.

• Activities: All beaches are great for swimming and sunbathing. Japanese Garden stands out as the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

• Amenities: Nangyuan Island Beach and Nang Yuan Terrace offer the most amenities, such as loungers, bars and restaurants. Nangyuang Beach and Japanese Garden are more natural and less developed.

Whichever beach you choose, each offers unique experiences and beautiful views of the turquoise waters surrounding Koh Nang Yuan.

At the end of our tour of Koh Nang Yuan's most beautiful sights, let's explore some lesser-known but equally fascinating places that offer unique perspectives and unforgettable experiences.

8 Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint This spot, although less popular with tourists, offers a unique view of a small, hidden lagoon. Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint is located on Koh Tao, but provides a beautiful perspective of the surrounding islands, including Koh Nang Yuan. It is named after the distinctive rock formation that resembles a grandfather's face. The view of the turquoise lagoon surrounded by rocks is truly magical, especially at sunset. Access to this site can be a bit more difficult, making it less crowded and offering a more intimate experience.

9th Grape View Point This viewpoint, also located on Koh Tao, offers a panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islands, including Koh Nang Yuan in the distance. The name comes from the shape of the rocks, which resemble a bunch of grapes. The road to the top is quite challenging, but the view from the top compensates for any effort. From Grape View Point you can admire not only the beauty of nature, but also the distinctive shape of the Koh Nang Yuan islands against the backdrop of the boundless sea. This is an ideal spot for those looking for a less crowded viewpoint.

10th Chumphon Pinnacle Although not a typical viewpoint, Chumphon Pinnacle offers amazing views.... underwater! This is one of the best dive sites around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. The underwater rock formation rises from a depth of 36 meters to about 14 meters below the surface of the water. Diving here, you can enjoy a wealth of marine life, including schools of fish, colorful corals and, if you're lucky, even whale sharks. This place offers a completely different perspective on the beauty of the Koh Nang Yuan region.

Comparing these places:

• Accessibility: Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint and Grape View Point are accessible by foot and scooter, but the road can be challenging. Chumphon Pinnacle is accessible only by boat and requires diving skills.

• Uniqueness: Each of these sites offers something unique. Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint has a distinctive rock formation, Grape View Point offers a panoramic view, and Chumphon Pinnacle is an underwater natural wonder.

• Crowds: These sites are generally less crowded than Koh Nang Yuan's main attractions, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience.

• Level of difficulty: Accessing land-based viewpoints requires some physical exertion. Diving at Chumphon Pinnacle is suitable for experienced divers due to the depth and potential currents.

• Best time to visit: The viewpoints ashore are most beautiful at sunset. Diving at Chumphon Pinnacle is best early in the morning when visibility is best.

Whether you go for a challenging climb or opt for an underwater adventure, each of these sites offers a unique perspective on the beauty of Koh Nang Yuan and the surrounding islands. They're the perfect complement to the more well-known attractions and a chance to discover lesser-known but equally fascinating corners of this paradisiacal region.

Remember that all of these places are in protected areas, so it's important to visit responsibly, taking care of the environment and respecting local customs. That way, future generations will also be able to enjoy the amazing sights of Koh Nang Yuan and the surrounding areas.