Some people think that all beaches are the same – that if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Those people have never been to Thailand.

A perfect example is Koh Larn, an island just a short boat ride from Pattaya Beach. Koh Larn has a unique atmosphere, with white sand, crystal clear water, and activities for a perfect day trip from Pattaya as soon as you arrive on Koh Larn. Here are some quick facts about the island:

• The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 7 km from Pattaya Beach.
• It’s just 4 km long and 2 km wide, with the highest hilltop reaching 180m.
• There are 6 main beaches (all of which have full facilities, bathrooms and showers).
• Those seeking an overnight stay can choose anything from budget rooms to luxury accommodation.

There’s a lot of fun to be had on this tiny island near Pattaya, so let’s jump right into it.

Travelling to Koh Larn

You’ve got your swimsuit on and day bag packed: Sunscreen? Check! Swimsuit? Check! Adventurous spirit? Check!

If you’re ready for Koh Larn, the first thing you need to do is book a ride to the island. The most popular kinds of transport are speedboats and ferries. Both can be booked from the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya.

The speedboat to Koh Larn will be quick and bumpy, taking approximately 15 minutes. The ride costs 300-400 baht per person or 2,000-3,500 baht if you want to rent the whole boat. The ferries to Koh Larn are smoother but slower. They cost just 30 baht per person for a one-way ticket and take around 45 minutes.
After deciding how to get to Koh Larn from Pattaya, you’ve chosen a transportation method, hopped onboard, and you’re on your way to Koh Larn.

Getting Around the Island

Koh Larn is in your line of vision. The boat reaches the port and a man starts to help passengers step off the boat safely. It’s your turn: The man extends his arm, and your feet soon touch the ground.

You’re starting to feel comfortable at Koh Larn already. But now it’s time to decide how you will get around. There are four methods: motorbike rental, motorbike taxi, songthaew (local transport), and on foot.

Motorbike rentals cost 400 baht for 24 hours – gas excluded. Motorbike taxis also cost up to 400 baht, but this price is flexible. Drivers know the shortest route to different beaches, and may also function as introductory tour guides.
Songthaews cost around 50 baht and are sometimes shared by a dozen or more people. The last method is on foot – free and easy, but some form of transportation will get you where you need to go much faster.

Beaches in Koh Larn

You hop on your ride and begin travelling to your first destination. You feel the breeze flowing through you, as you contemplate where to get off. There are six main beaches on Koh Larn: Sa Mae Beach, Tawaen Beach, Tien Beach, Nual Beach, Tonglang Beach, and Tayai Beach. All of them have white sand and clear water – but there are plenty of different features between them waiting to be discovered.

Of all the beaches, Tawaen Beach in Koh Larn is the busiest and most developed. It has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and beachside loungers, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. 

You arrive at the beach, finding plenty of restaurants onshore and waves washing over your feet as you step forward. Each beach offers basic amenities like beach chairs, lockers, toilets, and showers for comfort and convenience. Prices to expect:

Beach chairs: 50-100 baht
Toilets: 10 baht
Lockers: 50 baht
Showers: 40-50 baht

Beach Activities

Wondering what to do in Koh Larn? There are plenty of activities to choose from. You can pick up a beach chair and find a spot to relax or join the popular island activities: parasailing, banana boat rides, jet ski rentals, underwater sea walking, and fishing. Costs vary according to available packages, but to give you an idea, parasailing costs around 600 baht per ride; banana boats are 300 to 800 baht per person; jet skis are available for rent at 1,200 to 1,800 baht for half an hour; underwater sea walking costs approximately 800 baht per person; and fishing is free, but don’t forget to bring your rod and line.

You could also spend your time snorkelling and scuba diving at the reefs near Tien and Tonglang beaches. If you want to keep it laid-back, beachcombing, sunbathing, or enjoying a fresh seafood lunch with a sea view is more than enough. You pick a couple of activities, and by the time you are done, the sun is low in the sky, and it’s time to go home. You had a blast at Koh Larn, creating memories and experiences. Perhaps you could even stay a bit longer?

Keep in mind

As you explore Koh Larn Island from Pattaya, keep in mind this small island welcomes scores of visitors each week. You’re travelling to places where the environment around you is delicate and needs to be cared for. For instance, avoid littering and say no to single-use plastics when possible. Be mindful of marine life while swimming or snorkelling. Look after the place and the people, help keep Koh Larn beautiful, and preserve this fantastic destination for future visitors.