Koh Larn Travel Guide
Koh Larn (also called Coral Island) is the simplest island day trip from Pattaya. It’s only about 7 km offshore, the ferry is cheap and frequent, and the water is noticeably clearer than the mainland beaches. Most people come for a day of swimming, sunbathing and seafood, then head back in the afternoon. It’s not a remote tropical paradise, but it’s a genuine improvement on Pattaya’s city beaches and works well if you want an easy island fix without a long journey or expensive transfer.
How to Get There
From Pattaya
All boats leave from Bali Hai Pier at the southern end of Walking Street / Beach Road. The public ferry is the cheapest and most popular option — roughly 30–40 baht one way and about 40 minutes. Ferries run frequently throughout the day and arrive at either Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach Pier depending on the sailing.
Speedboats are faster (around 15–20 minutes) and cost more. They’re a good choice if you want to maximise beach time or prefer a direct drop at a specific beach. Shared and private options are available at the pier.
Once on the island, songthaews (small pickup trucks) connect the main beaches for a low fixed fare. Scooter rental is also available if you want more freedom to explore.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Koh Larn follows the same Gulf of Thailand pattern as Pattaya.
Best time: November to February
Cooler, drier weather and the best overall beach conditions. This is peak season, so expect more people on weekends and public holidays.
Hot season: March to May
Hot and sunny. The water is still good for swimming, but shade becomes more important by midday.
Rainy season: June to October
Afternoon showers are common. The island can still be pleasant on clear mornings, and there are fewer day-trippers. Rough seas occasionally affect ferry schedules, so check conditions if the weather looks unsettled.
Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends year-round.
What You’ll Love Doing Here
The main reason to come is the beaches. Tawaen Beach is the longest and most developed — sunbeds, restaurants, water sports and a lively atmosphere. It’s where most day-trippers end up and works well if you want everything in one place.
For a calmer experience, head to Samae Beach or Tien Beach. These are quieter, with clearer water in places and a more relaxed vibe. Nual Beach (sometimes called Monkey Beach) is another option for fewer crowds.
Water sports are easy to find at the main beaches — parasailing, jet skis, banana boats and glass-bottom boat trips. Snorkelling is possible in a few spots, though the coral is not as rich as further south in Thailand.
Seafood restaurants line the main beaches and the village area near Na Baan Pier. Fresh grilled seafood is one of the simple pleasures of a day on the island. If you stay overnight, the evenings are quiet and the island feels much more peaceful once the day-trippers leave.
A short scooter or songthaew ride gives you access to viewpoints and the smaller beaches if you want to explore beyond the main strip.
Pros and Cons
What people love
- Very easy and affordable day trip from Pattaya
- Clearer water and better beaches than the mainland
- Good range of beaches from busy to relatively quiet
- Cheap ferry and simple logistics
- Fresh seafood and a genuine island feel for a few hours
What can frustrate people
- Tawaen Beach gets crowded, especially on weekends
- It is still a popular tourist island — not a secluded paradise
- Water sports operators can be persistent
- Limited shade on the busier beaches by midday
- Last ferry leaves in the late afternoon — miss it and you’ll pay for a speedboat
Why Go
Koh Larn is the practical answer when you want an island day without the effort. Jump on the ferry from Bali Hai Pier, pick a beach that matches your energy level, swim in clearer water, and eat some seafood. Go early on a weekday if you can, and you’ll get the best of what the island offers. It’s not the most spectacular island in Thailand, but for an easy, enjoyable escape from Pattaya it’s hard to beat.