Koh Larn: Pattaya's Island Escape with Stunning Beaches

Koh Larn, an idyllic island in the Gulf of Thailand within Pattaya City, Chonburi Province, stands as one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations. Drawing throngs of tourists, it offers a vibrant mix of swimming, snorkeling, and exhilarating water sports like parasailing and jet skiing.

Highlights

• Tawaen Beach: Famous for its colorful shallow coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Thong Lang Beach: Adjacent to Tawaen, it's a haven for underwater exploration, offering snorkeling, Sea Walker experiences, and glass-bottom boat tours for close-up coral viewing.
• Tien Beach: Located on the western side, this smaller beach provides a more secluded and private retreat.
• Samae Beach: Offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other bustling beaches on the island.
• Neighboring Islands: Explore nearby islets like Koh Krok and Koh Sak, renowned for deep-sea and shallow-water fishing, snorkeling, and dive training.

Visitor Tips & Best Time to Visit

Getting There: Ferries depart daily from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya to Koh Larn. The journey takes about 45 minutes by regular ferry (30 THB per person) or 15 minutes by speedboat (approx. 3,000 THB for a private rental, allowing for multiple beach stops).

Ferry Schedule (Pattaya to Koh Larn - Naban Pier):

• Departing Pattaya: 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 18:30
• Returning from Naban Pier: 06:30, 07:30, 09:30, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00, 18:00

Ferry Schedule (Pattaya to Koh Larn - Tawaen Beach Pier):

• Departing Pattaya: 08:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00
• Returning from Tawaen Beach Pier: 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

Once on Koh Larn, you can rent long-tail boats or local taxis to explore different beaches. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to February, for optimal weather and clear waters. Koh Larn offers a perfect blend of beautiful scenery, diverse activities, and convenient access, making it an excellent choice for a quick escape from Bangkok.