On December 10th, my brother 
The morning began with a sense of excitement. We were picked up directly from our hotel Sairee Hut Resort Koh Tao by a local driver. The vehicle was a pickup truck, and we were invited to hop onto the back, which was quite fun. As the truck made its way through the narrow streets of Koh Tao, we could feel the fresh breeze on our faces and see the lush greenery of the island around us. The ride itself was a small adventure, offering us glimpses of the everyday life on this beautiful island. After a short drive, we arrived at the small town next to the pier, which serves as the island's main hub for boats and tours.
At the pier, we found a waiting area where we could sit down and relax. It was a great chance to chat with other travelers, share stories, and feel the growing excitement for the day ahead. Soon after, our guide arrived—a friendly local who would be leading us on our three-quarter day tour around the island. He asked if anyone needed a snorkel or mask. My brother and I had brought our own snorkeling gear, so we didn’t need any, but several other guests took the offer. It was nice to see how thoughtful the guide was, making sure everyone was prepared for the adventure.
Next, the guide asked if we wanted to include a visit to the small island of Koh Nang Yuan, a well-known attraction not far from Koh Tao. Both of us quickly agreed, eager to explore more. The entrance fee was 250 Baht per person, which goes towards maintaining the island and keeping it beautiful for visitors. We paid the fee, received our yellow wristbands, and felt a rush of anticipation for what was to come. Koh Nang Yuan is quite famous for its stunning viewpoints and crystal-clear waters, and we were both excited to experience it for ourselves.
Before long, it was time to board the boat. We walked to the pier and had to climb over three other boats to reach ours. It felt a bit like an obstacle course, but it added a sense of adventure right from the start. Once on our boat, my brother and I headed straight for the sun deck, where we could enjoy the view and feel the sea breeze as we set off. As we left the pier, the water sparkled under the bright sun, and I could already tell it was going to be a fantastic day.
Koh Nang Yuan
Our first stop was Koh Nang Yuan. As we approached, I could see the island’s unique shape—three small land masses connected by stretches of white sand. When we docked, we showed our yellow wristbands and were allowed onto the island. One important rule here is that you must give up any plastic bottles at the entrance, as the island is entirely plastic-free. I appreciated this rule - it showed how much they care about keeping the island clean and beautiful.
We spent about an hour and a half on Koh Nang Yuan, exploring its beaches, taking in the views, and enjoying the serenity of the place. The island is small, but it offers a lot of beauty packed into one spot. I particularly loved the viewpoint, where we climbed up a hill to get a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding waters—definitely a highlight!
After our time on Koh Nang Yuan, we got back on the boat and set off for our snorkeling adventure. Our guide took us to three different snorkeling spots around Koh Tao. At each spot, we were given about 45 minutes to jump off the boat and explore the underwater world. The water was so clear, and it was like swimming in an aquarium. Schools of colorful fish darted around us, and vibrant coral reefs stretched out below. It was amazing to see how alive and thriving the underwater ecosystem was here.
The Turtle
The last snorkeling spot was the most incredible of all. As we swam around, we suddenly spotted a huge sea turtle gliding gracefully through the water. It was an amazing sight—a creature so large yet so peaceful, moving effortlessly in its natural habitat. The turtle seemed comfortable with the presence of humans, calmly swimming alongside us. I felt a sense of awe and wonder being so close to such a magnificent animal. It’s hard to describe the feeling of swimming beside a giant sea turtle in the open sea; it was a moment of pure connection with nature that I’ll never forget.
The boat ride back to Koh Tao was relaxing, with everyone on board basking in the afterglow of the day’s adventures. We watched the sun begin to set over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Reflecting on the experience, I would absolutely do this tour again. It was well-organized, and the guide was attentive and knowledgeable. Maybe next time, I’d try a different tour operator just to see what other spots they might take us to, but one thing is for sure—whenever I find myself back on Koh Tao, I’ll be booking another boat tour around the island. There’s something truly special about seeing the island from the water, snorkeling in its crystal-clear bays, and discovering its hidden gems. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it!
My Encounter with Sunburn in Koh Tao
While our boat tour around Koh Tao was an unforgettable adventure filled with vibrant marine life and stunning views, it came with a painful lesson. The downside of the trip wasn't the boat ride, the snorkeling spots, or even the sweltering heat—it was the unrelenting sun and my lack of preparation.
During the snorkeling part of the tour, I was so mesmerized by the underwater beauty that I completely lost track of time. While on the island, I had kept a towel draped over my neck to shield myself from the sun. But once we jumped into the water to snorkel, that towel stayed behind, and I forgot to protect my back. I didn’t think much of it at the time and didn't consider wearing a T-shirt in the water to protect myself from the harsh sun. The result? A sunburn that would soon make its presence painfully known.
By the evening of the tour, I noticed some heat on my back but didn’t realize the extent of the damage. A few days later, I started seeing small blisters forming across my back, and that's when I knew I was dealing with something more serious—likely a second-degree sunburn. Knowing that such burns can lead to severe complications, I decided to visit the Koh Tao International Clinic.
At the clinic, the doctor confirmed that I had a second-degree sunburn with multiple small blisters on my back, as documented in the certificate. They quickly moved to remove the blisters, carefully pricking and draining them to avoid any risk of infection. After cleaning the area, they applied a healing ointment and dressed the wounds with bandages. The treatment was thorough but left me in a bit of discomfort for the next few days, and I had to be very careful with my movements.
The doctor’s advice was clear: avoid any further sun exposure and take good care of the wounds. The clinic suggested staying out of the sun for at least two days, which, for someone on an island adventure, felt like an eternity. Thankfully, my travel insurance covered the cost of the treatment—2,000 Baht in total, with 500 Baht for the doctor’s fee and 1,500 Baht for dressing the wound.
After the treatment, I couldn’t enjoy the sea or sun for five days. It was frustrating, but also a necessary step to ensure my skin healed properly. On the bright side, I did manage to find some solace. That same evening, I sat by the beach, careful to stay in the shade, and enjoyed a cool San Miguel Light while watching a stunning sunset. The sky turned into a beautiful blend of oranges, pinks, and purples, offering a perfect end to a rather painful day.
This experience taught me the importance of proper sun protection, especially when you're in such a captivating environment where time seems to stand still. It’s a lesson I won’t forget anytime soon: always wear sunscreen, and when in doubt, keep that T-shirt on while snorkeling!
Our Tour with Diamond Tour:
- https://www.tripadvisor.de/Attraction_Review-g303910-d4052685-Reviews-Diamond_Tour_Day_Tours-Koh_Tao_Surat_Thani_Province.html
- https://www.islandtravelkohtao.com/water-activities/around-island-snorkel-trip
Our Hotel: