Koh Larn (Lan) island. Ko Larn

Koh Larn is nice quiet daytrip escape from the chaos of Pattaya City

There are many small islands situated within sight and easy reach of Pattaya, but the most popular and largest one is Koh Larn, which has a regular ferry service during the day from Bali Hi Pier. Alternatively, many people, particularly those in a group, may prefer to hire a speedboat for the day to get to the other side of the island and to the more secluded islands as well. This option will be more expensive but gives you freedom to go island-hopping if you wish.

Koh Larn (Coral Island) is popular with foreign tourists, not only for the diving and snorkelling over the coral, but also for the quality of its white beaches and blue sea. In the winter season more than 5000 people a day go to Koh Larn, and it is as popular with Pattaya ex-pats as well as visitors.

Once you have reached Koh Larn, which is only eight kilometres from Pattaya, you can visit the mountainous forest which takes up nearly all the interior and features a large number of different types of trees and flora, or you can go to one of the numerous beaches, many of which are very quiet. The way to get around the island is by taxi or motorbike taxi, the same as in Pattaya.
Beaches of Koh Larn off Pattaya



Ta Waen Beach: at the northern end of the island is popular for its 750-metre curving golden sands and clear blue sea. Asian holiday-makers particularly like this beach, where either they or their children can enjoy banana boats and jet-skis and other beach attractions.

Thong Lang Beach: has a relaxing atmosphere and the foremost activity here is shallow-water coral snorkelling. This small beach is very private and tranquil and if you don’t want to snorkel you can go out in a glass bottomed boat, or ‘sea-walk’ to see the corals for a fee of 1500 baht.

Sangwan Beach: next door to Ta Wean is only 150 metres long but is a lot more private and quiet.

Thien Beach: on the western side of Koh Larn is around 500 metres long and has the same facilities as Ta Wean but is a lot quieter. There are jet-skis and banana boats here but they do not intrude in the sun-bathing and swimming on this beach, where Thais and Westerners enjoy the sea equally. You can stay the night here in a bungalow or tent, but Samae Beach is much more popular for this option.

Samae Beach: has a fine sandy beach about 300 metres long and is a favourite with Western visitors. The Scenic Viewing Point shows both the modern face of Pattaya and Koh Larn and its superb setting in the Gulf of Thailand. The Western visitors encourage westernised overnight accommodation and facilities here.

Nual Beach: in the southern part of the island is under private privilege. There is a 250 metre beach, hotels on the beachfront and some good coral. The beach is a favourite with snorkellers for the shallow coral formations and clear sea.

There is a considerable amount of diving interest off Koh Larn as well as on the numerous smaller islands in the vicinity.

Getting to and around Koh Lan

Getting to and from Koh Larn is very easy if you are staying in Pattaya. The passenger boats start at 8.00 from the Bali Hi Pier and run a fairly frequent service which takes 45 minutes and will cost 20 baht. Ferries leave at 07.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00 and 18.00 and return from the island at 06.30, 07. 30, 09.30, 12.00, 14.00, 17.00 and 18.00.
Numerous speedboat tours leave for Koh Larn and return late

Getting around Koh Larn is equally easy with songtaew minibus taxis (the same as in Pattaya) taking you to your chosen beach, or motorbike taxis if you are in a hurry to catch the last ferry back to Pattaya.

A speed boat is a very popular vehicle to hire if there are several of you going to Koh Lan. For between 1500 and 5000 baht you can hire a speedboat for part of or the whole day to take you all around the islands, or just to Koh Lan. It will either wait for you there, or to pick you up later. The trip only takes 15-20 minutes and you can be dropped on the far side of the island from Pattaya, which is much quieter and will save you having to take taxis to get there.

To hire a speedboat and skilled local pilot, just go down to the beach and either ask one of the speedboat drivers, or look for the charter companies. You will be able to charter a speedboat and driver at any tour operator in Pattaya as well as at specialist shops. You will save money if you go to the beach and bargain with the operator.