Snorkeling in Koh Tao

Snorkeling in Koh Tao and Hiking to Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

October 26, 2015

Ever since I saw pictures of the viewpoint of Koh Nang Yuan, I knew I have to add it to my immediate bucket list and had convinced Kanika of the same. We decided to take a trip to Koh Tao and check some other things of our travel list as well such as snorkeling with marine life with hopes of seeing some reef sharks as well. Turtles would also be nice since I find them so cute.

We didn’t book any packages online because the ones that were aggressively advertising were expensive and we knew that there would be some local tour operators at probably 20-30% off the price. That is exactly what happened when we arrived at our hotel, Aminjirah and asked them. They gave us a package with Sangthong Tours for 750 Baht/person that took us to four bays and also a visit to Koh Nang Yuang. Perfect!

So on day 2 of our trip we were off on an adventure after having a lovely breakfast at our hotel.

Sangthong Tour

Firstly, we have to give an amazing review of the tour operator, Sangthong. Everything from pickup to dropoff was on point. The staff was not only knowledgeable and professional but highly engaging. Our boat was lively and fun as they played a mix of English songs (hip-hop, pop and even classical music), which Khun Own, the captain sang along to. It was so funny and made the staff very approachable. A big thumbs up to the entire team, including Khun Aye, Khun Pok and Khun Htoo.

I highly recommend getting in touch of with these guys if you can. For some reason, their website and Facebook are not working so you’ll need to ask your hotel for their contact details.

Snorkeling with Marine life

Overall the experience was simply amazing, for lack of a better word. It felt like we were in another world down there. Those who are divers and regular snorkelers, it might not sound much but if you’ve never done it before, it will blow your mind. Seriously, I had quite a few GASP moments.

The first spot we hit was Shark bay where we were told was named because it is home to dozens of reef sharks. After swimming for 5 minutes, I hear a woman screaming. At that moment, I thought she was stung by a jellyfish or something. When I asked what happened, she said she saw a shark. I hurriedly swam her direction in search for the shark but to no avail. 10 minutes later I hear her scream again and I make my way to her again…failed again. No sharks in sight. After another 15 minutes swimming about, frantically searching, we had to get back on the boat.

We spoke to the woman who saw the shark and we were amazed by her. She was probably in her late 40s or early 50s (I didn’t ask and wasn’t going to) and she had so much personality and life about her. It was really nice getting to know her a bit because none of the other passengers talked to us or showed signs of wanting to. I thought travel was about meeting new people?!

Anyways on we went, hitting the next 3 bays and each of them had unique marine life within different shades of blue water. There were plenty of corals and colorful fish that I possibly couldn’t (and won’t try to) name. I am pretty sure I saw Nemo (clown fish), zebrafish, some trippy neon-blue fish and even what looked like a stone-fish.

At Hin Wong Bay, we witnessed one of the most spectacular underwater sights ever (at least for us) – a massive school of bright yellow fish swimming in sync as to create an appearance of a large fish. It was breathtaking and something we can’t explain. Even our pictures and video don’t do justice.

After the series of exhausting but enjoyable snorkeling sessions, we had lunch on the boat. We were told we were leaving in about 5 minutes so there was no time for snorkeling but not all was lost. I asked the tour guys if I could dive from the 2nd floor of the boat. He excitedly replied “Yes, of course! I’ll join you!” This was a great addition to the trip since I love climbing and jumping off things.

Hiking up to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

You know how you see a picture of something and you expect it to be great and it isn’t? Well this is not like that at all. It’s quite the opposite infact. Our last stop was at Koh Nang Yuan, an island paradise. The drop-off at the private island (you have to pay 100 Baht to enter and can’t bring in plastic containers) is gorgeous to start with. As we were mesmerized by the sheer beauty, we had to watch our step when walking on the wooden planks leading up to the beach.

Koh Nang Yuan is a set of islands connected by a strip of soft white sand. This landscape is so unique and amazing, it was worth the 15-minute hike up the mountain. The viewpoint was accessible by a series of wooden pathwalks that lead up to steep steps that went up the mountain. When the steps ended, you have to climb a bunch of rocks to reach the viewpoint platform, which was basically two large rocks facing the island.

Warning: I recommend wearing shoes that have some traction because it can get a bit slippery and tricky.

Unfortunately, Kanika has a slight fear of heights so she waited at the base of the rocks. So here it is, me conquering Koh Nang Yuan – check!

Koh Tao, definitely felt like paradise and many times it didn’t even feel like we weren’t even in Thailand. It’s just so beautiful and there were probably more foreigners here than Thais.

Don’t forget to check out our snorkeling adventure video below and always we’d love to hear some comments and feedback.

By Shayan| October 26th, 2015|Thailand, Travel|6 Comments

6 Comments

Aditi October 26, 2015 at 12:12 pm - Reply

The underwater world seems magical!! It must have been a surreal moment to witness so many schools of fish! I’d love to try it someday provided I manage to get over my fear for fish!! Great photos and video!
http://www.yellow-postcard.com
- Shayan October 28, 2015 at 11:53 am - Reply
  
  It is definitely surreal Aditi and you should try it. Kanika had a fear of fish as well till the tour guides convinced her to jump in. The fishes swim by and never even touch you.
  
  As always, thank you for the comments and support 🙂
Zuur January 28, 2016 at 11:16 pm - Reply

Inspiring travel story and nice under water footage. I’ve mentioned this article on my hobby website about Thailand.

https://thailandtravelbase.wordpress.com/islands/koh-tao/
- Shayan January 29, 2016 at 9:19 am - Reply
  
  Hi Zuur, thank you so much for the mention. Checked it out and loved it. Where in Thailand do you live?
Zuur January 29, 2016 at 10:53 am - Reply

Hi Shayan, I live in The Netherlands but from time to time I visit my girlfriend in Latkrabang, Bangkok.
- S & K | Dose of Life February 15, 2018 at 2:21 pm - Reply
  
  That is cool! next time come say hi.

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Sangthong Tour

Snorkeling with Marine life

Hiking up to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

Warning: I recommend wearing shoes that have some traction because it can get a bit slippery and tricky.

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