Koh Larn (also spelled Koh Lan or Coral Island) is a small tropical paradise located off the coast of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, the island offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Only a short boat ride from Pattaya, Koh Larn combines laid-back beach life with modern tourist amenities, making it perfect for both day-trippers and overnight visitors. Despite its growing popularity, the island maintains a relatively quiet charm, with friendly locals, modest guesthouses, and family-run eateries.
Covering an area of just 5.6 square kilometers, Koh Larn features lush green hills, coastal viewpoints, and six main beaches – each offering its own unique experience. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply relax, Koh Larn is an ideal tropical destination for travelers of all ages.
1. Quick Facts About Koh Larn
Koh Larn is a small but stunning island with easy accessibility and a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some key quick facts to help you plan your visit:
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers from Pattaya mainland. The boat ride takes less than an hour, making it a perfect escape.
Elevation Gain: Minimal – the island terrain is mostly flat with small hills, easy for casual walkers.
Max Altitude: The highest point reaches about 180 meters, offering panoramic viewpoints.
Duration: Ideal for both a quick day trip or a more leisurely 1–2 night stay.
Difficulty: Very easy – perfect for all age groups, families with children, and even elderly travelers.
Language Spoken: Thai is the native language, but many locals in tourist zones speak basic English.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Most places accept cash only.
Electricity: Standard 220V as in the rest of Thailand. Two-prong plugs are used.
Connectivity: Mobile signal is strong with 4G coverage. Some hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
2. How to Get to Koh Larn from Pattaya
Getting to Koh Larn is simple and budget-friendly. Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier serves as the main gateway to the island. You can choose between two transport options:
Public Ferry: Public ferries are the most economical choice. They operate frequently from Bali Hai Pier to two key drop-off points on the island: Naban Pier and Tawaen Beach.
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Cost: Around 30 THB per person.
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Travel Time: About 30–40 minutes.
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Schedule: Ferries depart every 30–60 minutes starting from 7:00 AM to late afternoon.
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Comfort: Basic but safe, offering seating on open decks.
Private Speedboat: If you want a faster and more flexible trip, consider hiring a private speedboat.
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Cost: Around 200–300 THB per person (higher if fewer passengers).
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Travel Time: Just 15–20 minutes.
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Best For: Families, small groups, or anyone short on time.
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Bonus: You can charter a boat to different beaches, not just the main piers.
Tickets for both options can be bought at the pier. Private tours and hotel concierge desks also offer booking services.
3. What to Expect on the Island
Koh Larn is a dream destination for those looking for serenity and natural beauty. Once you arrive, expect to be greeted by a friendly atmosphere, warm sunshine, and a wide array of experiences:
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Pristine Beaches: Each beach offers different vibes – some are bustling with activities while others are secluded and peaceful.
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Water Activities: Snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and banana boat rides are easily available.
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Local Life: You’ll find local Thai families running eateries, shops, and bungalows, contributing to a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
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Amenities: Public bathrooms, sunbeds for rent, shower stalls, convenience stores, and motorbike rentals.
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Food Options: Beachside dining is common, with options from Thai curries to Western-style meals and seafood platters.
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Evenings: The island gets quiet at night, making it perfect for a peaceful seaside dinner or a starry walk along the beach.
4. Best Time to Visit Koh Larn
Timing your visit well can make a big difference in your overall experience.
High Season (November to April):
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Weather: Sunny, clear skies, calm waters.
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Activities: Perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and beach-hopping.
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Crowds: Expect more tourists, especially on weekends and holidays.
Low Season (May to October):
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Weather: Occasional rain and stronger winds.
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Pros: Fewer visitors, lush greenery, and lower prices.
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Cons: Some tours may cancel due to sea conditions.
Insider Tip: Aim for a weekday trip to avoid large crowds, especially if traveling during the high season.
5. Getting Around & Rentals on Koh Larn
Once on Koh Larn, you’ll find various ways to explore the island:
Motorbike Rentals:
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Cost: Around 200–300 THB per day.
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Requirements: Typically, you’ll need to leave a passport or ID as collateral.
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Use: Great for exploring remote beaches and reaching viewpoints.
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Safety: Wear helmets and drive cautiously – roads are narrow but paved.
Songthaews (Shared Pick-Up Taxis):
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Cost: 20–50 THB per ride.
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Routes: Connect piers, beaches, and major guesthouses.
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How to Use: Just hop in with others and tell the driver your destination.
Walking & Bicycles:
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Feasible for short distances between beaches.
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Some guesthouses offer bicycle rentals for a scenic experience.
Tip: Maps are available at the pier and many shops. It’s a good idea to carry a printed map or use Google Maps offline.
6. Things to Do on Koh Larn
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the night, Koh Larn has plenty of fun and relaxing activities:
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Snorkeling and Diving: Several beaches offer crystal-clear waters perfect for spotting coral reefs and tropical fish. Rent gear on-site or book guided snorkeling tours.
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Jet Skiing & Banana Boating: Tawaen and Samae Beaches offer adrenaline-pumping water sports for thrill-seekers.
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Parasailing: Enjoy aerial views of the island and surrounding waters from above.
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Scenic Viewpoints: Hike or ride up to the Phra Tamnak viewpoint for sweeping views of the island and coastline. Great for sunset photos!
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ATV Tours: Some locals offer quad-bike tours through hilly trails for a bit of off-road adventure.
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Beach Relaxation: Rent a sun lounger, order a smoothie, and bask in the tropical vibe with waves in the background.
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Souvenir Shopping: Small stalls sell sarongs, shell jewelry, local snacks, and handmade goods.
7. Best Beaches to Explore
Koh Larn is known for its stunning variety of beaches. Here are the must-visits:
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Tawaen Beach: The most developed beach, known for its long stretch of white sand and numerous restaurants. Lively and great for people-watching.
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Tien Beach: Often called the most beautiful beach on the island. Offers a peaceful atmosphere and clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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Samae Beach: Spacious and scenic, this beach is perfect for families and groups. Well-equipped with restrooms and eateries.
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Nual Beach (Monkey Beach): Quiet and natural, occasionally home to wild monkeys. A peaceful escape from the more crowded spots.
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Tonglang Beach: Accessible via a short walk or motorbike. Less crowded and great for a private beach feel.
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Ta Yai Beach: Smaller and more secluded, ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for a tranquil setting.
8. Where to Eat and Drink
Koh Larn offers a mix of traditional Thai flavors and international cuisine:
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Seafood Restaurants: Try fresh crab, prawns, grilled squid, and spicy seafood salads. Look for places near Samae and Tien Beaches.
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Local Thai Eateries: Enjoy Thai classics like Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
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Beach Cafes: Tawaen and Samae have several beachfront cafes serving light meals, cocktails, and smoothies.
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Western Options: Burgers, pizza, and pasta can be found in the more developed areas.
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Street Stalls: Great for snacks like grilled chicken skewers, coconut ice cream, and fried bananas.
Recommended Spots:
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Pa Nee Seafood
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Koh Larn Kitchen
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Tawaen Beach Food Court
9. Where to Stay (Hotels & Guesthouses)
While many visit for the day, staying overnight lets you experience the quiet charm of the island after the crowds leave:
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Budget Guesthouses: Found near Naban Pier and in the island’s village. Basic but clean, with fan or AC rooms.
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Mid-Range Hotels: Often near Samae and Tien Beaches. Comfortable amenities and air-conditioned rooms.
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Beachfront Resorts: Ideal for couples or honeymooners seeking privacy and ocean views.
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Unique Stays: Some properties offer rooftop terraces, hammock gardens, or eco-friendly bungalows.
Tips for Booking:
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Book early for weekends and holidays.
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Check if breakfast and Wi-Fi are included.
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Look at reviews and photos to ensure quality.
10. Travel Tips for Foreigners
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Koh Larn, here are some practical tips:
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Bring Cash: ATMs are limited, and most local businesses don’t accept credit cards.
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Language: English is spoken in tourist zones, but a few Thai phrases go a long way.
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Clothing: Casual beachwear is fine. Pack light but bring a sarong or cover-up for respectful dressing in local areas.
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Hydration & Sun Protection: The sun can be intense – drink water frequently and use high-SPF sunscreen.
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Connectivity: Purchase a Thai SIM card or use roaming data for maps and translation apps.
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Environmental Respect: Dispose of trash properly and avoid disturbing coral reefs or wildlife.
11. Suggested Itineraries (Day Trip vs Overnight)
Day Trip Plan (Ideal for Time-Conscious Travelers):
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08:00 AM – Depart Bali Hai Pier by ferry
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09:00 AM – Arrive at Tawaen Beach, swim and relax
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11:30 AM – Visit Tien Beach via songthaew or motorbike
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01:00 PM – Lunch at beachfront restaurant
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02:00 PM – Explore viewpoint or shop for souvenirs
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03:30 PM – Return ferry to Pattaya
Overnight Plan (For a More Relaxed Experience):
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Day 1:
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Arrive in the morning, beach-hop between Samae and Nual Beaches
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Sunset at Phra Tamnak viewpoint
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Dinner at Pa Nee Seafood
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Overnight at a beachfront bungalow
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Day 2:
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Early swim or snorkeling session
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Breakfast and casual walk
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Check out and return to Pattaya before noon
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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a credit card on Koh Larn?
A: Most local businesses prefer cash. Some larger restaurants and resorts may accept cards, but always ask first.
Q: Is Koh Larn safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, the island is generally very safe. Take standard precautions like avoiding dark, secluded areas at night.
Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: While limited, you can find vegetable stir-fries, rice dishes, and fruit-based meals. It’s helpful to mention dietary preferences clearly.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi on the island? A: Yes, many guesthouses and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile internet also works well if you have a local SIM card.
Q: Can I bring luggage for an overnight stay?
A: Yes. Ferries and speedboats allow small suitcases and backpacks. Choose lightweight, waterproof luggage if possible.
Q: Are pets allowed on Koh Larn?
A: Some ferries and accommodations are pet-friendly, but it’s best to check in advance.
Q: Are there medical facilities on the island?
A: There’s a basic clinic, but for serious medical issues, you’ll need to return to Pattaya.
