Travellers in search of a luxury Samui hotel within close proximity to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan should look no further than the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa. Offering guests a strategic base from which to explore Samui’s best attractions this stylish rest is also a popular spa resort in Thailand.
Revered as some of the most pristine landscapes in Samui the island of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are must-visit highlights that are not just reserved for island hoppers. Famed among snorkelling enthusiasts as for the verdant underwater gardens that litters the sea beds of the region a tour of the two sister islands would be incomplete without a snorkelling beneath the deep blue to take a glimpse at what lies beneath.
Commonly referred to as Turtle Island, Koh Tao takes the shape of the docile creature while neighbouring Koh Nang Yuan is a collection of three islets connected to one another with an idyllic sand bank. Providing snorkelling enthusiasts with the ideal conditions for engaging in their water sport of choice the ocean currents in this region of Samui are mild while the clear and calm waters provide optimum visibility. Littered with colourful marine life and stunning coral reefs the sea beds beneath Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are some of the most intriguing underwater landscapes in Koh Samui.
Snorkellers can access the sites via speed boat or a high speed catamaran excursions offered by the many local tour operators in the area. Providing necessary snorkelling gear and equipment tour operators will also include a guide as well as hotel transfers and refreshments on board. Setting off in the morning snorkellers can explore Koh Nang Yuan’s famed snorkelling hubs dubbed the Koh Nang Yuan Pinnacle, the Japanese Gardens and the Twins. Koh Tao’s chief snorkelling site is Mango Bay and the venue is best explored in the afternoon. Full of sort and hard coral species multitudes of colourful fish occupy the sea beds off Mango Bay.
Dive centres and dive gear rental shops are also omnipresent in the islands and those who wish to hone their diving skills or learn how to snorkel or dive can also take lessons before taking part in a tour of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.