Thailand Guide
Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
Ko Nang Yuan
One kilometre off the northwest of Ko Tao, KO NANG YUAN, a close-knit group of three tiny islands, provides the most spectacular beach scenery in these parts, thanks to the causeway of fine white sand that joins up the islands. You can easily swim off the east side of the causeway to snorkel over the Japanese Gardens, which feature hundreds of hard and soft coral formations.
Boats from the Lomprayah pier in Mae Hat, just south of the main pier, run back and forth twice a day (B150 return), but note that rules to protect the environment here include banning visitors from bringing cans, plastic bottles and fins with them, and day-trippers are charged B100 to land on the island. Alternatively, it's B550 for an all-in day-trip, including boat transfers, buffet lunch and island fee (snorkels B50 extra).
Transfers from and to Mae Hat are free for people staying at the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort ( 
077 456088–93, 
www.nangyuan.com ; from B1000), which makes the most of its beautiful location, its pricey fan and air-con bungalows, with en-suite bathrooms and fridges, spreading over all three islands.