Koh Larn (Coral Island) — Complete Day Trip Guide 2026

Koh Larn is a small island just 7 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya, and it is the easiest escape from the city’s noise and traffic. The water is clearer, the beaches are cleaner, and the pace slows down considerably once you step off the ferry. Whether you want a lazy beach day, some snorkeling, or just a change of scenery, Koh Larn delivers.

Overview

Koh Larn (also spelled Ko Lan or Coral Island) is roughly 4 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. About 3,000 people live on the island year-round, mostly in the main village near Na Ban pier. The island has six main beaches spread around its coastline, connected by steep roads that cut through the hilly interior.

There are no cars on the island besides a handful of trucks. Transport is by motorbike, songthaew (converted pickup trucks), or on foot. The vibe is relaxed and low-key, a genuine contrast to central Pattaya just a 45-minute ferry ride away.

How to Get There

Public Ferry from Bali Hai Pier

The cheapest and most popular option. Ferries depart from Bali Hai Pier at the southern end of Walking Street in South Pattaya.

Price: 30 THB per person each way.

Duration: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

Ferry Schedule (Pattaya to Koh Larn):

• Departures at approximately 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00.
• Schedules can change depending on the season and demand. The 07:00 and 10:00 ferries are the most popular.

Return Ferry (Koh Larn to Pattaya):

• Departures at approximately 06:30, 07:30, 09:30, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00.
• The last ferry back to Pattaya is typically at 18:00. Do not miss it unless you plan to stay overnight.

Ferries arrive at Na Ban pier on Koh Larn. From there, you can take a songthaew or rent a motorbike to reach the beaches.

Speedboat

Speedboats are faster but significantly more expensive. They can be arranged at Bali Hai Pier or through tour agencies throughout Pattaya.

Price: 200 to 300 THB per person for a shared speedboat, or 1,500 to 3,000 THB for a private charter (one way).

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes.

Speedboats often go directly to Tawaen Beach rather than Na Ban pier, which can be convenient if that is your destination. They are also useful if you miss the last ferry or want to arrive at a specific beach.

Organized Day Tours

Many Pattaya tour agencies offer Koh Larn day trip packages for 800 to 1,500 THB per person, including speedboat transfer, lunch, and activities like snorkeling or parasailing. These are convenient but lock you into a fixed schedule and specific beach.

Best Beaches

Koh Larn has six main beaches, each with its own character. Here is what to expect at each.

Tawaen Beach

The biggest and most developed beach on the island. Tawaen has rows of sunbeds, dozens of seafood restaurants, and a full range of water activities. It is where the tour groups go, so it gets busy on weekends and holidays. The sand is decent and the water is noticeably cleaner than Pattaya Beach.

Best for: Visitors who want facilities, food options, and activities in one place.

Samae Beach

The second most popular beach, located on the western coast. Samae is slightly less crowded than Tawaen and has a more relaxed atmosphere. Several restaurants line the beach, and sunbed rentals are available for around 50 to 100 THB.

Best for: A balance between facilities and a quieter setting.

Tien Beach

A beautiful, more secluded beach on the southern side of the island. Tien is smaller and less developed, with just a few restaurants and sunbed operators. The water here is some of the clearest on the island, making it a good spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Best for: Visitors who want a quieter beach experience without the crowds.

Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)

Named for the monkeys that occasionally appear in the area, Nual is a small rocky beach on the southeast coast. It is more scenic than practical for swimming, with interesting rock formations and calm water. A few food vendors operate here.

Best for: A quick visit and photo stop, but not a full beach day.

Ta Yai Beach

A long, relatively empty stretch on the northeast coast. Ta Yai sees fewer visitors because it is harder to reach and has fewer facilities. If you want solitude and do not mind bringing your own supplies, this is your beach.

Best for: Escaping the crowds entirely.

Sang Wan Beach (Tong Lang)

The most remote beach on the island, on the far western tip. Access is limited and facilities are minimal. It is peaceful but not practical for a casual day trip.

Getting Around the Island

Motorbike Rental

Available near Na Ban pier and at several spots around the island. Prices are 200 to 300 THB for the day, and the bikes are the standard Honda Click or Wave models. The island’s roads are steep and winding in places, so ride carefully if you are not experienced. Helmets are provided and should be worn.

Songthaew

Songthaews wait at Na Ban pier when ferries arrive. They run to all major beaches for 30 to 50 THB per person. You can also charter a songthaew for your group at 200 to 400 THB to be taken directly to your chosen beach.

Walking

The distances between beaches are manageable if you are fit, but the hills are steep and there is limited shade on the roads. Walking from Na Ban pier to Tawaen Beach takes about 20 minutes. Walking between beaches on opposite sides of the island is not recommended in the midday heat.

Where to Eat

Tawaen Beach Restaurants

A long row of seafood restaurants lines the back of Tawaen Beach. They all serve similar menus of grilled fish, prawns, squid, fried rice, and papaya salad. Prices are higher than the mainland but still reasonable: expect 150 to 400 THB per dish. Grilled prawns for two with rice and a couple of beers will run about 500 to 800 THB.

Na Ban Village

The main village near the pier has several small Thai restaurants and convenience stores. Prices here are slightly lower than the beach restaurants. A plate of pad thai or fried rice runs 60 to 100 THB. There are also a couple of minimart shops for snacks and water.

Samae and Tien Beach

Both have small restaurants serving basic Thai food and seafood. The selection is more limited than Tawaen, but the quality is comparable and the setting is more relaxed.

Bring Supplies

If you are heading to one of the quieter beaches, consider bringing water, snacks, and sunscreen from the mainland or the Na Ban village. Facilities at the smaller beaches are minimal and vendors are not always present.

Activities

Koh Larn offers a range of water activities, mostly concentrated at Tawaen and Samae beaches.

• Parasailing: 400 to 600 THB per person for a single flight. Available at Tawaen and Samae.
• Jet ski: 800 to 1,500 THB for 30 minutes. The same scam risks apply as on the mainland, so be cautious.
• Banana boat: 200 to 300 THB per person. A short, fun ride best suited for groups.
• Snorkeling: Bring your own gear or rent a set for 100 to 200 THB. The best snorkeling is off Tien Beach and around the rocky areas south of Samae. Do not expect coral reef quality comparable to the Andaman Sea, but visibility is decent and you will see tropical fish.
• Glass-bottom boat: 150 to 200 THB per person for a short tour. A good option if you want to see the underwater scenery without getting wet.

Staying Overnight

While most visitors treat Koh Larn as a day trip, overnight stays are possible. Budget guesthouses near Na Ban village and around Tawaen Beach offer basic rooms for 500 to 1,500 THB per night. There are also a few mid-range options with air conditioning and sea views for 1,500 to 3,000 THB.

Staying overnight lets you experience the island after the day-trippers leave. Evenings are quiet, sunsets are excellent, and you get early-morning access to empty beaches. It is worth considering if you want more than just a quick beach visit.

Tips for the Perfect Day Trip

• Go on a weekday. Weekend crowds, especially on Saturdays, can be significant at Tawaen and Samae. Weekday visits are noticeably quieter.
• Catch an early ferry. The 07:00 or 08:00 ferry gets you to the island before the tour groups arrive. You will have the beach to yourself for a couple of hours.
• Bring sunscreen. There is limited shade on most beaches, and the Thai sun is intense. Reef-safe sunscreen is preferable.
• Carry cash. There are a couple of ATMs near Na Ban pier, but they are not always reliable. Bring enough cash for the day, including transport, food, and activities. A budget of 500 to 1,000 THB per person is comfortable for a day trip.
• Watch the last ferry time. Set an alarm if you need to. Missing the 18:00 ferry means either paying for a speedboat back (expensive) or finding overnight accommodation (limited availability on busy days).
• Bring a dry bag. If you plan to do water activities, a small waterproof bag keeps your phone, cash, and keys safe.

Koh Larn is one of the best day trips available from Pattaya and a genuine highlight for visitors willing to make the short ferry crossing. For more on planning your overall Pattaya trip, see our first-time visitor guide.