Do you wanna cut loose from the mayhem of the city, and go contemplate your navel? If so, Koh Larn Island just off mainland Pattaya on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard provides a tropical oasis where you can do exactly that. It’s also got six-plus beaches around an island of mini-mountains and tropical forests to do absolutely nothing on. Of course, if you’re an adrenaline junky, Koh Larn has you covered as well. But, best of all, it’s just a 40 min trip on the ferry out of Pattaya. In fact, this is the best one-day trip out of the city your gonna find! In this post I’ll tell you all you need to know.
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Location and Size of Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn Island is located on the southeast tip of the Bay of Bangkok. It’s also referred to as Koh Lan or Koh Laan, and it comes under the Chonburi Provincial area. However, it’s known locally as the ‘Coral Island’ with the closest sandy beaches and turquoise sea to Bangkok. Consequently, it’s now somewhat of a magnet for tourists and locals alike looking to escape the city life.
It’s the largest of three islands ~7km off mainland Pattaya; Koh Sak and Koh Krok are the other two. A further 14km west of Koh Larn you’ll also find the Mo Koh Phai group of islands. Koh Larn Island is 4km long by 2km wide and its highest mountain peak is ~180 metres above sea level. Approx’ 8,000 residents including permanent workers live on the island, and that compares with Koh Chang Island’s population . Although, Koh Larn Island is physically much smaller!
Two villages, Ban Ko Lan and Ban Krok Makhan are located on the east side of the island. Furthermore, that’s where you’ll find most of the restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses. However, all beaches, bar one on the south tip, are on the west side of the island. You’ll also find restaurants and cafes at most beaches. Tawaen and Samae Beaches being the most popular also have accommodation.
Intro
I’d been musing about Koh Larn Island for nearly a year while living the dream in Bang Saray. Because, viewing this island for me, from the beach road is a daily occurrence. And on a clear day, for example, I’d usually say “let’s do it, let’s just get into a kayak and go there”. So why had it taken me this long to do it? I don’t know! But, today was the day, 5th October 2019.
I jumped into my car (not the kayak) for a twenty-minute drive to the Pattaya ferry and bought my ticket. Soon after, I arrived at the Tawaen Beach pier. Another ferry service lands on the Na Baan Pier on the east side of the island at Harbour Island Home.
Things To Do On Koh Larn Island
It doesn’t matter if you’re the adrenaline junky, a grandmother, a backpacker, or a business executive. Because if you wanna cut loose for the day, ‘Coral Island’ has you covered. Yes, there are six-plus beaches in particular around this island where you can do absolutely nothing. But first though, let’s have a look at the obvious activities accessible either from the beach, the piers, or the villages. Some activities you can have pre-arranged before getting on the island.
Parasailing Koh Larn Island
We’ve all seen the human bodies flying through the air, just above the seawater. And then shooting high into the sky all propelled by the energy from a speed boat. Finally, they’re dropped like yesterday’s garbage back down into the sea. Sounds good? Sure looks good, but it’s only for the adrenaline junkies. Parasailing will stimulate your nervous system, it will wake you up when you didn’t even realize you were asleep!
This activity starts from a platform at sea; a speed boat will get you there; the cost is ~ 650 baht. It’s also easy to spot the speedboat pickup area. However, grab a songthaew if you need one. Although Koh Larn is a great spot for Parasailing, you can also try it out in Pattaya for ~600 – 1000 baht.
If you’re not experienced, a pilot (another guy) will go up with you. First, though, you’ll don a harness and have your safety briefing all at the platform. I’ve read the horror stories of people falling straight through the harness, while in the air … now your heart’s racing! But this can be avoided by simply checking the gear yourself and making sure you put it on correctly!
Sea Walking Koh Larn Island
The excitement of ‘Sea Walking’ is driven by the fact that most people don’t walk below the surface of the water on the seabed … correct? In reality, just about any fit and healthy person can have a go at this. However, do not be fooled, it’s also a highly dangerous activity if safety procedures are ignored.
Again, a boat will take you to a sea walking platform where you’ll get your safety briefing before you don your helmet. Now what’s important here, is the helmet, make sure it fits properly and is sealed. Because air is supplied via a tube on the top and you’ll glad about that! Water depth will be no more than 5m, and of course, your gonna see fish and maybe more! While the cost is only 500 – 600 baht here on Koh Larn, you can also book a ‘Sea Walking’ package tour from Pattaya. But that’ll cost around 1,600 baht in total.
Banana Boat Ride
This one’s pretty straight forward, just make sure you can swim, you don’t have any underlying back problems and your good to go. Of course, we’ve all seen Banana Boats at the beach. So just get on that rubber shaped banana, hold on tight and you’ll soon be flying into the water.
Costs ~300 – 400 baht, join the cue, straight off the beach onto a platform, can hold up to 10 people.
Jet Ski Around Koh Larn Island
A ‘Jet Ski’ is not for your grandmother, it’s fast and furious, a motorbike on the water with no brakes! While you can circle the island in about 30 minutes, if you’re not into speed don’t bother. Because it can be difficult to control these things and you are responsible. On the other hand, if you are an adrenaline junky go for it.
You cover the cost of damage … careful with that one …, photograph the machine before you start! Cost ~1,200 baht per hour for one.
Scuba Diving Around Koh Larn Island
Eastern Thailand is a diving hub with diving spots around the islands just off Pattaya. Koh Larn in particular has lots of coral reefs and a shipwreck nearby in shallow water. Perfect for both beginners and the experienced diver.
Scuba diving is likely not what you’re going to be getting into on a day trip, but that’s not to say you can’t. You can certainly contact one of the many dive shops in the Pattaya or Jomtien area and get yourself on a diving trip.
Snorkeling at Koh Larn Island
Bring your snorkeling gear with you to the island and take off from any beach or bay. But if you have no gear, no worries, you can get that at the beach as well. And with perfect temperatures, clear water, and coral reefs you’re now all set. However, if getting wet is not your thing , you can try the glass bottom boats, that way you get to safely see underwater and stay dry. That’s also a perfect set up for those physically challenged.
Motorcycle Round Koh Larn Island
Want to go wherever you want whenever you want on the island for ~ 300 baht per day? The way to do that is to hire a motorbike or scooter and your off. It really is the only way to fully get around the island with zero hassles.
Roads are narrow in places and the island is small. You’ll also get a map of the island with your bike. Besides the great scenery, you’ll also be amazed at how much more you can see and do.
Make sure you have a license to ride one of these things and take it easy. Because the motorbike or scooter is every bit as dangerous as the parasailing, maybe more so. Enjoy your ride, I enjoyed mine!
Cycle Round Koh Larn Island
If you’re like Freddie Mercury and your singing ‘I want to ride my bicycle’, you can. In fact, bring your bicycle over with you, and have a workout riding the hills on the island. Narrow brick roadways will take you back in time.
Hike Round Koh Larn Island
If you’re into hiking, just bring a day pack over with you, and your good to go. You can also stay a few nights, you’re wild and free, so go wherever!
Fishing From The Piers
Fishing from the piers and many boardwalks around the island can be fun. So bring your rod with you if you’re into that. But, just be careful where the railings may have disappeared. If you’re after the big fish, get yourself on a charter. You can book that either on the island or in Pattaya before you arrive. A super way to spend the day.
Koh Larn Beaches
Six-plus beaches on the Coral island and counting! In reality, there’s probably more like seven maybe eight mostly located on the west and northwest side of the island. While all are beaut white coral sand lapped by crystal clear water, they’re also very different. For instance, you’ll find some busy, wide-spaced, and open, some quiet and secluded, and one is hard to get to. All are picturesque in their own way. However, I think two, in particular, are picture-postcard perfect, examples of relaxation.
Had Ta Yai Beach
Starting at the top, northwest tip of the island, the first beach is Had Ta Yai Beach, also referred to as ‘Daeng Beach’ and ‘Ta Yai’. It’s a small (105m) crescent-shaped white sandy bay, well out of the way, quiet and pretty good for snorkeling.
I liked the rocky outcrops in the water at both ends of this beach, great for climbing and photos. It’s got one restaurant, toilets, and showers, but no beachside accommodation. Many activities take place right off the beach. I loved this place!
You’ll need a motorbike, or taxi to get you there.
Tong Lang Beach
Further south down the west coast we come to Tong Lang Beach. It faces NNW. Although it’s twice the length of Ta Yai at 215m, it’s still quite small and pretty. It’s a straight narrow strip of white sand and clear water. But it’s a little hard to access, and out of the way. Whereas that’s an advantage for some, it’ll be … why bother for others.
It’s got enough restaurants, toilets, and showers, but no beachside accommodation. Some water activities such as the jet skis are straight off the beach.
You can get to the beach by speedboat, or hike down a hillside path. First, though, you’ll need a taxi or motorbike to drop you off at the top. After that, It’s about a 15-minute hike. Another option is to access it from the coastal footpath that starts at the northern tip of Tawaen Beach. While that’s just around the corner, it’s a 350m stroll once you’ve got to the northern end of Tawaen Beach. I’d go the ‘hike down the path option’.
Tawaen Beach
Outside of Covid-19, this beach is a hive of activity. When you get to the beach you’ll be wondering, where to go, what to do, what am I missing, where shall I eat? And that’s all because there is soo much choice. I’ll give you three words for this beach, crowed, busy, and loud!
Having said all that, it’s a super white sandy beach with crystal clear water. And when everybody gets on that ferry to go home at night, guess what? The beach is all yours, and it’s also very quiet … I know because I stayed overnight here.
Yes, powdery white sand and beaut water, within a 680m long wide sweeping bay. It’s the reason this beach is the most popular and the busiest, especially with day-trippers. The beach faces NNW and has calm waters.
It’s got plenty of restaurants, toilets and showers, and many beachside resorts. All the activities I’ve listed in this post earlier take place on Tawaen Beach. Due to the busy nature of the place, there’s also a floating platform to aid the transport of the adrenaline hunters.
Access to this beach is pretty easy if arriving at the Tawaen Beach pier. Simply get off the ferry and start walking; in two hundred meters, you’ll arrive at the south end of Tawaen Beach.
You can also get a speed boat service from the Bali Hai pier in Pattaya to drop you off straight onto the beach.
Sangwan Beach
Sang Wan Beach is right beside Tawaen Beach, and it’s the closest to the Pier. It’s also the quickest beach to access straight off the ferry. I watched a couple, who’d obviously done this a few times before. They bolted straight off the ferry with nothing but a small bag, straight to Sangwan, and into the crystal-clear water. Look closely at the photo, they’re on the right hand side in the water, while I’m still on the boardwalk!
It’s a small (160m) long crescent-shaped white sandy bay with clear water facing North. You’ll find it’s also very quiet and tranquil, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And the big-time water activities are always close by at Tawaen beach.
It’s got a couple of restaurants, toilets, and showers, and I’m surprised it’s even got a mini beach resort. That would also have to be the closest accommodation to the pier!
Access is along a raised boardwalk that you’ll see on your right hand side walking off the ferry. The boardwalk also has viewpoints for those happy snaps.
Tien Beach
Tien Beach further south on the west coast facing the open sea may have slightly bigger waves than the others. It’s 450m long, with coral white sand and crystal-clear water. Furthermore, it’s undoubtedly the most picturesque of the Koh Larn Beaches. While it does have all the water activities available, it’s certainly not as busy as the Tawaen beach.
Tien Beach is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, or just relaxing taking in the views. Especially the sunset due to its westerly orientation.
It’s got plenty of restaurants, toilets and showers, and a few bungalows. Water activities are straight off the beach.
You’ll get to Tien by motorbike, taxi, or bus. Once there, you’ll have a 200m walk along a pretty raised wooden walkway leading to the beach. Also, the spot where you park your motorbike is the Tien Beach viewpoint. And you’ll get your scenic shots there.
You can also get the speed boat service from the Bali Hai pier in Pattaya to drop you off straight onto the beach.
Samae Beach
Samae Beach further south and facing southwest is the second busiest or most popular beach on the island. The orientation of this beach makes it perfect for sunsets. It’s also pretty straight, ~500m, with white sand and clear water, plus a gentle breeze.
A coastal boardwalk starts at the southern end of the beach, and a scenic view point is located at the northern end. Aptly called the ‘Koh Larn Viewpoint’.
Samae Beach has plenty of restaurants, toilets, showers, and lots of accommodation including ~100 rooms in a resort complex.
This beach is geared up for all the water activities. It’s also got a floating platform similar to the Tawaen Beach at the southern end. Access is via motorbike, taxi, or by direct speedboat from the Bali Hai pier in Pattaya.
Nual Beach
Nual Beach is unique in that it’s located on the southern tip of the island facing SSE. It’s another gentle sloping white sandy beach with clear water sitting within a sheltered bay. At 350m it’s also one of the shorter beaches and it’s well out of the way. Sometimes it’s referred to as Monkey Beach, due to the monkeys that live on the hillside.
It’s got plenty of restaurants, toilets, and showers, but no beachside accommodation. Most facilities are either portable or of a hut type construction.
Most water activities are available here straight off the beach, although it’s a lot quieter than the Tawaen and Samae beaches.
Access is via motorbike, taxi or you can get the direct speedboat service from the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya.
Beach Summary
All of the beaches on Koh Larn Island are fantastic and totally ripe for your great escape. You’ll be good with any beach, however, here are some quick tips below:
- One day trip to beaut sand, clear water, and quick access go to Sangwan Beach.
- If you’re chasing a romantic getaway from it all, go to Ta Yai, Nual, or Tien Beach.
- Looking for the sunsets, go for Tien or Samae Beach.
- Traveling with large families or groups go to Tawaen or Samae Beach for the action.
- If you must have accommodation at the beach go to Tawaen or Samae Beach.
Where To Stay On Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn Island has over 1,500 hotels, resort rooms and guest houses. Most are located on the eastern side of the island with some a little further up in the north-east. You will, however, find resorts with direct access to the beach on the western side. Generally, this will put your price up, as will having views to Pattaya from the northeast corner of the island.
I stayed in beachside accommodation at the Tawaen Beach Resort and renovations were taking place at the time. While there was some noise with the work, it was understandable. But I’m pretty sure at the time of writing all renovations are complete. My room was clean, spacious, and two floors up at the back of the building. Aircon, wifi, everything worked as expected.
The front of the building is the major drawcard for this property. For example getting up, having breakfast, with the seabreeze, and the view is superb to say the least. At nighttime there’s also a restaurant set up on the beachfront with music, and I liked that. Finally getting a motorbike to get around the rest of the island was very easy.
To do a price comparison in Thai Baht for some resorts on the island I randomly picked a date in October 2020. By the way, as I write this, the US dollar is exchanging for around 31 Thai Baht (THB). Note, all of the resorts below are ‘Budget’, nothing is over the top, and this is what I found.
High-Budget
- Tawaen Beach Resort THB 2,700 located at Tawaen Beach.
- Sukkee Beach Resort THB 2,300, located at Tawaen Beach.
- Rimtalay Resort Koh Larn THB 2000, located NE of the island.
- Check-in Resort Koh Larn THB 2000, located NE of the island.
- Family homes can be rented out on the island for THB 3000 up.
Mid-Budget
- Sealey Resort THB 1,892, located at Tawaen Beach.
- Xanadu Beach Resort THB 1,836, located at the northern end of Samae Beach.
- The Leaf Hotel THB 1812 located in the village center.
- Ta long Beach Koh Larn THB 1,800 located close to Tawaen Beach.
- Lareena Resort Koh Larn THB 1,507 located on the east coast by the pier.
- Lom Talay Resort THB 1,500, located at Tawaen Beach.
Low-Budget
- Suntosa Resort, THB 1,440 located east coast north of the pier.
- Samanta By the Sea THB 1,150, located on the east coast north of the pier.
- Koh Larn Resort THB 1,050 located on the east coast.
- Teleysea Resort Koh Larn THB 1000, located at the village, south of the pier.
- The October THB 1,000 located on the east coast north of the pier.
- The Castello Resort THB 996 located north of the island, not on the coast.
- Blue Sky Koh Larn Resort THB 900 located at the center of the island village.
Cheap
- Island Inn THB 599 located east coast south of the pier.
Summary
You don’t have to pay over 2000 baht (US$ 65) for good accommodation on the island. And that can be on the beach or in the village.
The Tawaen Beach Resort is a great seaside location. However, the Suntosa Resort, located on the east coast just north of the pier is an equally great budget example. And the Lom Talay Resort, 100m back from the Tawaen Beach is a popular budget hotel, but significantly cheaper than beachfront resorts.
These are just some examples of budget accommodation, there are plenty more! Obviously, if we change the vacation dates, we will possibly get a slight variation in results but generally speaking, the above info is a good guide to accomodation costs on the island. I hope it helps.
How To Get To Koh Larn Island
It’s unusual for someone to be coming to Thailand specifically to visit Koh Larn Island, but entirely possible. However, if you are in Bangkok, and looking to escape the city, read on.
By Car, Taxi Or Minibus, Bangkok To Pattaya
There are two main options from Bangkok to Pattaya. Both options involve toll roads but in my experience, the toll roads are much better to drive on.
Option 1
The first option is to get out of the airport onto the Bangkok – Chonburi Hwy (Toll road) No 7. And simply drive this road out till you are in Pattaya. Although the road will remain No 7, the name will change to Chon Buri – Pattaya Hwy No 7.
Option 2
The second option is to take the Bang Na – Chonburi Expy (Toll road) No 3. This road moreover is the upper level of a duel level highway. Take it, and drive this road out till you’re on the outskirts of Chon Buri. Coming off the upper highway section, choose the Chonburi bypass No 361, but do not go into Chon Buri. At the end of the Chon Buri bypass, you will connect with the Chon Buri – Pattaya Hwy road No 7. Drive this road out till your in Pattaya.
With either option, along the way, you’ll have at least two tolls, and remember don’t go into Chon Buri. Toll road costs ~ 120 baht.
Once you’re off the motorway and in Pattaya, take the sign for Pattaya Klang by turning left onto the Sukhumvit Rd. And then follow this for about 3 km. After that, turn right into South Pattaya Rd, and drive 1.6 km before turning left into Pattaya 3rd Rd … This will take you to the Bali Hai Pier a distance of about 2.5 km.
Public buses are available from the Bor Khor Sor public transport service, at the airport passenger terminal. Also, other daily buses are available from the Bangkok city center, Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road. Check the rome2rio.com website for the latest info. Then again, you could get a taxi directly at the Suvarnabhumi airport.
I recommend booking your travel in advance through 12GO Asia – an online travel agent that makes traveling around Asia very easy.
Pattaya To Koh Larn Island
Taking a ferry from the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya is the cheapest way to get to the island. Given it’s only a 40 min trip it’s also perfect for day-trippers. The cost is around 30 baht, and the ferries are doing this trip back and forth all day. Especially in the high season (Nov – Feb). You can access the ferry times tables right here. Arrive at the Bali Hai Pier twenty minutes before departure of your ferry and get your ticket at the ticket office. After that, go straight to the cue for your boat.
The ferries will arrive at Koh Larn at either the Tawaen Beach Pier on the west coast or the Na Baan Pier on the east coast. It’s always best to know which pier you’re going to, and then you’ll get the correct ferry.
Speed Boat Options
If you really can’t wait and you know exactly which beach you’re going to, you can get a speed boat. The Hard Tien speed boats, for example, will drop you on the beach outside the Hard Tien Beach restaurant. Sure, it’s going to cost you more. Allow up to 500 baht from the Bali Hai Pier, and up to 2000 baht from any of the beaches in Pattaya. But that’s the cost of the actual speed boat regardless of how many are in the boat.
Speed boats can be accessed from the Bali Hai Pier, or any of the main beaches in Pattaya. I’d say be smart, get on the ferry!
Car Parking
So, you’ve driven your car to Pattaya, and your about to get on the ferry, where do you put your car? The best place is straight into the robotic carpark that was constructed for the Pattaya – Hua Hin ferry service. And it’s pretty simple.
When you arrive there at the entrance to the Bali Hai Pier, someone will direct you straight in. If nobody’s there, just ask, there are many security people and car park attendants about because it’s a business. They take your car, place it on a conveyor ramp and it simply disappears, island time here we come. You will, of course, get a ticket that you’ll need to get your car back.
Car storage in the robotic carpark Pattaya is 300 baht per day. It also holds 417 car park spaces on 7 floors. I used it in Oct 2019.
How To Get About Koh Larn Island
The main mode of transport on the island is the motorbike taxi. Allow up to 50 baht for a trip to a typical beach for example. There’s also the baht bus which is known as the blue pickup truck and these run between the main beaches. Although most people will hire a motorbike, and you’ll get that close by either of the two piers. You can also pick up a motorbike from the Tawaen Beach area.
Best Time To Visit Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn has three seasons, the warm-dry, the hot-humid, and the warm-wet! So it’s a tropical humid and dry climate. And the best time to visit purely from a weather point of view is from November 26th to March 25th. Although temperature changes vary little throughout the year, with highs hovering around 30-33 degrees Celsius and lows around 23-26 degrees Celsius. It’s the rain you’re trying to avoid. That said if you like a tropical thunderstorm then any time’s good to visit. September and October are notoriously the wettest months, and December January and May are busy months for tourists.
Have you just finished Koh Larn and still driving around Thailand’s east coast? Then, you might want to check out Chanthaburi, Trat, or Koh Chang.
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