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KOH LARN / CORAL ISLAND, A TROPICAL PARADISE NEAR PATTAYA
The small island of Koh Larn is also called Coral Island. It lies only 7 km from the coast of Pattaya, so this tropical island is often visited as a day trip from Pattaya. But if you want to enjoy this beautiful island longer you can also stay overnight on Koh Larn. Koh Larn is also one of the closest islands to Bangkok, you are there in a few hours which makes it a fun city escape.
The beaches of Koh Larn are beautiful and the water is beautifully clear. There are plenty of fun activities to do for a day or few days of sun, sea and beach.
The hilly island is about 4 km long and 2 km wide and has several beaches. The highest point on the island is 200 meters.
Image: palino666
Transportation on Koh Larn
On Koh Larn, transportation is actually quite well organized, as the island is home to motorcycle cabs and songthaews (kind of like open cab vans). With the mototaxi you jump on the back whenever you want and you leave immediately. With the songthaews, you sometimes have to wait a while for more people to arrive. The prices are reasonable for an island. To the beaches costs 40 or 50 baht per person with the songthaew and 100 baht per person for the moto taxi. These are more or less fixed prices. At the beaches, there is always a songthaew (also called a baht bus) or motorcycle cab waiting to take you back.
From the Na Ban Pier the cabs can be found after a short walk at the T-junction in the left side street, but usually you will be approached on the pier as well.
You can also rent a scooter yourself. This can be done at one of the many rental companies around the pier and in the village for 300 baht per day. Most of the roads are in good condition and paved, but here and there it is on the narrow side. The roads also have some hills so some scooter experience is safe.
Koh Larn Island Tour
You can also discover the island by taking an island tour. You agree with a cab driver that he will take you to a number of beaches for a fixed amount. Agree in advance how long you have to visit the beaches and which ones you want to see. Assume about 400 baht for an island tour.
Beaches on Koh Larn
There are five main beaches and a number of smaller beaches on Koh Larn. Most can be reached by songthaew or scooter. For some beaches, you have to walk the last few minutes because there is no road leading to them. Many people choose to explore the whole island on a day trip to several beaches. But you can also just choose a beach and spend the day there. On almost all beaches you can rent a sunbed for 100 baht per day and there are showers and toilets (for a fee).
Pearly white sand on Tawaen Beach
Tawaen Beach is the most visited beach on Koh Larn and therefore, especially on weekends, it can be very crowded. The beach is a favorite for its pearly white sand and clear waters. It is also easily accessible because boats can dock on the left side of this beach. A little more peace and quiet can be found on the far right side of Tawaen Beach, as most visitors to the beach do not walk all the way. On the left side of the beach is the small beach Sangwan Beach, you can also reach it from the pier.
Tawaen beach has everything you need to enjoy yourself for a whole day or more. There are long rows of sunbeds with parasols (100 baht) and a promenade with restaurants, stores and a wide range of hotels. You can rent big rubber tires and take a ride on a jet ski or banana boat. The sea water is shallow for a long time, making it a fine beach for families with small children as well.
Tong Lang Beach
Tong Lang Beach is located on the north side of Tawaen Beach. You can reach Tawaen Beach via a concrete path along the coast. The walk takes about fifteen minutes. You cannot get there by scooter but there is a steep narrow path to Tong Lang Beach. This does not mean that it is always very quiet here, as speedboats sometimes dock here as well. The bay has a narrow white sand strip and is about 200 meters long. The sand slopes quickly into the lovely blue sea making it deep quickly. There are a number of large restaurants that are also used for tours from Pattaya.
Sang Wan Beach
Sang Wan Beach, also known as Hat Sang Wan, is located on the west side of Tawaen Beach and is easily reached by taking the path at Taweam Pier that leads over the rocks in the sea to this beach. The small bay, like the neighboring beaches, has beautiful white sand and clear seawater. There are sunbeds and a restaurant. Also here it can be quite busy especially if the speedboats moor. Part of the sea is cordoned off so you can swim safely.
DID YOU KNOW?
On Wednesdays there are no sunbeds on the beach of Koh Larn to find. This is a rule set by the Thai government. All the space you need to lay out your towel!
Ta Yai Beach
Ta Yai Beach is located almost entirely in the north of Koh Larn. To get there you have to take a narrow steep path down the last stretch. The small beach has rocks on both sides of the bay. You can swim here because the sea gets deeper fairly quickly. On Ta Yai Beach you can rent sun beds, take a ride on a banana boat and eat something at a restaurant.
Sang Wan Beach | Image: celeyyy (Instagram)
Ta Yai Beach | Image: marconista77 (Instagram).
Nual Beach, monkeys on the beach!
Nual Beach is located in the south of Koh Larn. Because of this, you can see the coastline of Pattaya in the distance. The beach is also called Monkey Beach, because of the monkey family that lives here. Most of them keep hidden among the rocks on the left side of the bay, but come down when they think there is something to get. Nual Beach is surrounded on both sides by rocky hills and is one of the quieter beaches on the island. The sea is clear and you can snorkel near the rocks, but beware of the sea urchins a little further out to sea. Snorkel sets can be rented on the spot and sun beds cost 100 baht. There are also showers and toilets that you can visit for a fee. At Nual beach there are also several restaurants and street food stalls where you can eat something.
Samae Beach
Samae Beach is the second largest beach on Koh Larn. There is a large part of the beach where boats are not allowed, so you have plenty of space to swim in the beautiful blue sea. On the whiter beach there are long rows of sun beds, but usually it is less crowded than on Tawaen beach. Behind the row of sunbeds are a few restaurants. If you want to stay at Sameae Beach you can do so at the colorful Xanadu Beach Resort. This nice mid-range resort has well-kept rooms with balconies just steps from the beach. Upon arrival at the pier of Koh Larn you will also be picked up for free!
In the southernmost part of Samae Beach, a wooden path on stilts runs over the rocks right along the coast. The path takes you to a rocky point with some tufts of sand in between. At the very northern end of Samae Beach is a viewpoint that you can reach by climbing some stairs.
Tien Beach
Tien Beach is less than 500 meters long and is located in the west of Koh Larn. It is among the quieter beaches on the island. The sea is clear and the beach beautifully white. The water is shallow at first, making it suitable for young children or for paddling in the lukewarm seawater.
There are nice shady spots under the trees, but also sunbeds can be rented. You can also reach this beach from the westernmost beach of Samae Beach via a small road. If you come by road you have to walk the last part.
Big Buddha Viewpoint, Koh Larn
Seen enough beaches? Then pay a visit to the almost supreme point of Koh Larn. On top of a hill stands a large golden monk and you have a beautiful panoramic view over the island of Loh Larn. If you still have some energy left, you can climb an additional 250 steep steps. At the top you come to a small temple with Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion and mercy. An imprint of Buddha’s foot here can also be seen. The view here is less expensive due to the vegetation but still worthwhile.
How to get to Big Buddha Viewpoint?
You could walk to the Big Buddha Viewpoint, but you need to be of the sporty type. The distances may not seem very long but the hills and temperature make it tough. Therefore, most visitors to Koh Larn take the scooter or a songthaew, then you are there in no time.
Koh Larn Village
Koh Larn Village is, as the name suggests, the village of Koh Larn. This is also where most of the islanders live. It lies on the east coast of Koh Larn and in the distance you can see the coastline with high-rise buildings of Pattaya. The village has a cozy atmosphere in the narrow streets and you are surrounded with everything you need. There are plenty of nice, hip and good restaurants, food stalls and souvenir shops. There are also ATMs, supermarkets, a medical center, a daily market and many scooter rental companies. This part of the island is also where most of the hotels can be found. For the white beaches of Koh Larn, you have to travel a short distance by songthaew, motorcycle cab or scooter.
Spending the night on Koh Larn
When the (ferry) boats with most visitors have left Koh Larn again, it becomes a lot quieter and more pleasant on the beaches of the island. The majority of people still come for a day tour from Pattaya. There are quite a few options for lodging on Koh Larn. Most accommodations, especially in the middle class segment, are located in Koh Larn Village near the pier on the west coast. The quality of the hotels there is often less than you would get on the mainland for the same money. Real budget options or hostels are not available in Koh Larn, expect to pay at least 20 to 25 euros per night per room. Below we have listed some good accommodation for you on Koh Larn.
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Lareena Resort By The Sea
A nice and affordable resort on Koh Larn is the Lareena Resort By The Sea Koh Larn. The cute bungalows with a terrace are a five-minute walk from Naban Pier and you can also rent scooters. For an extra charge, there are also rooms and suites directly on with balconies overlooking the sea. → More information.
Suntosa Resort
The Suntosa Resort is a neat mid-range resort a five-minute walk from the Naban Pier. The rooms are cleaned daily and have air conditioning, refrigerator, TV and hot water. From the spacious terrace you have a beautiful sea view. → More information.
Sweet Box Bed and Breakfast
Sweet Box Bed and Breakfast is a complex of containers in a shady garden. The containers have been converted into vintage hotel rooms that are lovingly decorated both inside and out. The rooms have a good bed, air conditioning and a bathroom including hot water. There is a free shuttle bus to the Na Ban Pier (1.2 km). It is also possible to rent a scooter from this B&B in Koh Larn. → More Information.
Samanta By The Sea
Samanta By The Sea has clean modern rooms with air conditioning and hot water. Spacious family rooms with bunk beds are also available. Tea, coffee and noodles are available for free during the day. The friendly owner will make your stay here complete! The hotel is less than 5 minutes walk from Naban Pier, yet you will be picked up from the pier upon arrival at Koh Larn. → More Information.
WE VALUE YOUR OPINION!
Despite the fact that our selected locations in Koh Larn have a very good reputation, it’s possible that due to (for example) new management the quality has become less good. Or unfortunately locations have been forced to close their doors because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic… If you have useful information, please let us know! Also, if you have a favorite restaurant or other great tip for Koh Larn, be sure to let us know through our Thailand Magazine Facebook group, or Instagram and Facebook page. Via e-mail is also possible. THANKS!
How to get to Koh Larn?
From Bangkok to Koh Larn
A cab from Bangkok will take you about two hours to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. From there you take the ferry or speedboat to Koh Larn. The ferry to Koh Larn costs 30 baht per person for a one way trip and the speedboat costs around 300 baht per person for a one way trip. Keep in mind that it costs between 1,500 and 2,000 baht for the entire trip from Bangkok to Koh Larn.
It is cheaper to travel by bus to Koh Larn. You are on the road for three hours and get off at the bus station at Ekkamai in Bangkok. Upon arrival in Pattaya, you are dropped off at the bus station north of Pattaya Beach. This bus ride costs 160 baht per person. From the bus station, it is another 15-minute drive to Bali Hai Pier by cab or baht bus.
Arrange your bus ride or cab to Koh Larn easily through 12Go Asia or with the tool below.
From Pattaya to Koh Larn
From the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya ferries and speedboats leave for the island of Koh Larn. The Bali Hai Pier is located at the end of Walking Street in the south end of Pattaya Beach. A one-way ferry ride to Koh Larn costs 30 baht per person and takes half an hour. You pay at the pier just before you get on the boat. The return trip works exactly the same way, you pay at the Koh Larn pier before you board, easy and cheap.
TIP!
Planning to visit Koh Larn? Then try to avoid the weekends, because it can be very busy on the island then. Or go to one of the lesser known beaches on the island by scooter, songthaew or cab.
By speed boat to Koh Larn
You can also choose to take the speedboat to Koh Larn. You then pay 300 baht per person for a one way trip. The crossing takes about fifteen minutes and can be an adventurous and bumpy ride.
Koh Larn organized speedboat tour
If you join an organized (speedboat) tour you will often be picked up from your accommodation in Pattaya. Lunch, snacks and drinks are usually included. For an additional fee you can book all kinds of extra activities, such as jet skiing, paragliding, snorkeling and underwater walking in a special diving suit. This popular tour to Koh Larn can be booked anywhere in Pattaya. In terms of price you should assume about 700 baht per person.
Which pier to Koh Larn?
Before departing from Patattya check to which pier on Koh Larn your boat sails. There are in fact two piers on Koh Larn. You can choose to arrive at the Tawaen Pier, here you arrive right at the eponymous Tawaen Beach. Or you choose to arrive at the Na Ban Pier, then you arrive at Koh Larn Village with many restaurants, shops and accommodations.
Ferry departure times from Pattaya to Koh Larn and back
Bali Hai Pier Pattaya → Na Ban Pier (Koh Larn Village)
07.00 | 10.00 | 12.00 | 14.00 | 15.30 | 17.00 en 18.30
Na Ban Pier (Koh Larn Village → Bali Hai Pier Pattaya
06.30 | 07.30 | 09.30 | 12.00 | 14.00 | 15.30 | 16.00 | 17.00 en 18.00
Bali Hai Pier (Pattaya) → Tawaen Pier / Beach (Koh Larn)
08.00 | 09.00 | 11.00 en 13.00
Tawaen Pier / Beach (Koh Larn) → Bali Hai Pier (Pattaya)
13.00 | 14.00 | 15.00 | 16.00 en 17.00
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