The first step to visiting Koh Nang Yuan on a budget is to plan your transportation and accommodations accordingly. The island has no permanent residents, and the only resort on the island - Nangyuan Island Dive Resort - is quite expensive. Therefore, the best option for frugal travelers is to stay on nearby Koh Tao and visit Koh Nang Yuan on a day trip.

On Koh Tao you'll find many cheap accommodation options, such as hostels and bungalows. From there, you can easily reach Koh Nang Yuan by longtail boat or speed boat. Transportation prices range from 100 to 300 baht one way, depending on the type of boat and time of day. To save money, choose a longtail boat and negotiate the price, especially if you are traveling in a group.

However, if you want to experience an overnight stay on Koh Nang Yuan itself, Nangyuan Island Dive Resort offers a unique experience. Although prices are higher than on Koh Tao, staying here will allow you to enjoy the island early in the morning and late in the evening, when most tourists have already departed. It's worth considering spending a night here as a unique experience, even if it's a bit beyond your budget. The resort offers simple but comfortable rooms with sea views. Keep in mind, however, that the number of places is limited, so make reservations in advance.

Whether you choose to stay on Koh Nang Yuan or Koh Tao, the key to saving money is to plan and book early. Check out different options online and compare prices to find the best deal. Keep in mind, too, that prices can vary widely depending on the season - visiting the island outside the peak tourist season (November-April) can result in significant savings.

The main attraction of Koh Nang Yuan is its natural beauty, which fortunately can be enjoyed for free or for a small fee. Let's start with Nangyuan Island Beach, which is the heart of the island. This charming beach connecting three small islands offers not only the opportunity to relax on the white sand, but also great snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and the underwater life is rich and colorful. To save money, bring your own snorkeling gear instead of renting it locally. Remember, however, that plastic bottles are prohibited on the island, so stock up on a reusable water bottle.

Another must-see is Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. This is one of the most photographed spots in Thailand, offering a spectacular view of the three connected islands and the surrounding turquoise waters. Entrance to the viewpoint costs about 100 baht, but the view is worth every penny. To save money, come early in the morning - you'll avoid the crowds and be able to enjoy the sunrise. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the top is quite steep.

For diving enthusiasts, Nangyuan Island Dive Resort offers diving courses and expeditions. While diving is not the cheapest activity, it is a unique opportunity to see the rich underwater world around the island. If you're a beginner, consider an introductory course - it's often less expensive than a full PADI course and allows you to take a short dive under the supervision of an instructor. To save, look for off-season promotions or ask about group discounts.

It's also worth taking the time to walk around the island. The route is short but scenic, offering different perspectives on the surrounding sea and neighboring islands. It's a great option for frugal travelers, as it's completely free and allows you to explore the less-traveled corners of the island.

Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee of about 100 baht per person on Koh Nang Yuan. While this may seem like an additional cost, this fee helps to keep the island clean and protect the environment. To maximize the value of this fee, plan to spend a full day on the island - come early in the morning and stay until late afternoon.

To fully enjoy the delights of Koh Nang Yuan without straining your budget, there are a few additional tips:

1. Food and drinks: Prices on the island can be higher than on Koh Tao, so it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks (remembering the ban on plastic bottles). If you plan to eat at the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort restaurant, consider sharing dishes with your travel companions to keep costs down.

Time of visit: arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the island in a quieter atmosphere. Additionally, the light at these times is ideal for photos.

3 Equipment: Renting equipment on the island can be expensive. If possible, bring your own snorkeling gear, beach towels and other essentials.

4. tour package: Sometimes you can find good deals on tours that combine transportation to Koh Nang Yuan with other activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. Compare prices from different operators on Koh Tao.

5. Season: Visiting the island during the off-peak season (May-October) can bring significant savings, although you should expect the possibility of rainy weather.

6. Accommodations: If you decide to stay at the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort, inquire about packages that combine accommodations with activities such as diving or snorkeling - these are often more cost-effective than buying everything separately.

7. Photography: Instead of buying expensive souvenirs, take your own photos. Koh Nang Yuan offers countless opportunities for beautiful shots, especially from a vantage point.

8 Environmental Protection: Remember that caring for the environment is also a way to save money. Avoid using disposable plastics, don't touch the coral reef while snorkeling, and don't take anything from the beach as souvenirs.

In conclusion, Koh Nang Yuan can be accessible to travelers with any budget. The key to a cheap visit is good planning, wise choices and focusing on the island's natural attractions, which are its greatest treasures. Whether you spend a few hours or stay overnight, Koh Nang Yuan is sure to leave an unforgettable impression without ruining your travel budget. Enjoy the paradisiacal atmosphere, crystal clear waters and beautiful views - it's these experiences, not expensive attractions, that create the most precious travel memories.