Hidden Beaches & Secret Islands Near Pattaya 2026

Everyone knows Koh Larn. The ferries run every hour, the beaches are on every tourist map, and on weekends it can feel as crowded as Pattaya Beach itself. But the Gulf of Thailand around Pattaya hides a constellation of smaller islands, secret sandbars, and untouched coves that most visitors never discover.

Here’s how to find them.

The Near Islands (Under 1 Hour)

Koh Sak — The Snorkeling Island

Just 20 minutes from Pattaya by speedboat, Koh Sak is a tiny crescent-shaped island with some of the clearest water in the area. The island is essentially one small bay with a coral reef — no hotels, no restaurants, no roads. Just sand, water, and fish.

• How to get there: Private speedboat from Bali Hai Pier (3,000-5,000 THB for the boat, up to 8 people)
• What to bring: Snorkeling gear, water, food — there’s nothing on the island
• Best for: Snorkeling, swimming, total peace
• Tip: The reef on the eastern side has the best visibility. Visit on a weekday for near-total solitude

Koh Krok — The Castaway Beach

Even smaller than Koh Sak, Koh Krok sits just north of Koh Larn and receives almost zero tourist traffic. There’s one tiny beach on the western side that feels genuinely deserted. The water is emerald green and the silence is remarkable.

• How to get there: Hire a long-tail boat from Koh Larn’s Na Ban pier (500-800 THB round trip), or include it in a private speedboat charter
• What to bring: Everything — this is a genuine deserted island
• Best for: Couples, photographers, anyone craving isolation
• Tip: There’s no shade. Bring an umbrella or tent, and plenty of sunscreen

Koh Larn’s Hidden Beaches

Even on busy Koh Larn, there are spots most tourists miss:

• Tien Beach — Accessed via a steep staircase on the island’s south side. The effort keeps the crowds away. Crystal clear water, minimal vendors
• Nual Beach (Monkey Beach) — Small, charming, and home to a troop of macaques. Bring your own food (and guard it from the monkeys)
• The northeast coastline — Rent a motorbike on Koh Larn and ride the coastal road toward the lighthouse. Several unmarked paths lead down to rocky coves with nobody around

The Far Islands (1-3 Hours)

Koh Phai (Bamboo Island)

Part of a small island group about 20 km offshore, Koh Phai offers the closest thing to a “tropical paradise” experience near Pattaya. White sand, swaying palms, turquoise water — the classic postcard scene.

• How to get there: Full-day speedboat charter (15,000-25,000 THB) or join a group tour (2,000-3,500 THB per person)
• Highlights: The main beach on the western side is stunning. Snorkeling around the rocky headlands reveals colorful fish and occasional sea turtles
• Tip: Koh Phai is a naval area — some sections require permission. Tour operators handle this automatically

Koh Rin — The Diving Spot

Further south, Koh Rin is known among divers for its underwater rock formations and relatively healthy coral. The visibility is better here than at the near islands, and you might spot barracuda, rays, and reef sharks.

• How to get there: Dive boat charter from Ocean Marina (full-day trip)
• Best for: Certified divers and serious snorkelers
• Tip: Not suitable for swimming — the currents can be strong. Stick with a dive operator

Secret Sandbars

At low tide, several sandbars emerge between the islands that are invisible at high tide. These temporary “beaches” are surreal — you’re standing on sand in the middle of the open ocean with 360-degree water views.

How to find them:

• Ask speedboat captains about “the sandbar near Koh Sak” — local boatmen know the spots
• Best visibility: December to March (calm seas, clear water)
• Bring waterproof footwear — the sand can have sharp shells

How to Book

Private Speedboat (Best Value for Groups)

• From Bali Hai Pier: 5,000-15,000 THB for a half-day, 10,000-25,000 THB for a full day
• From Ocean Marina: More professional operators, slightly higher prices
• Includes: Captain, fuel, basic safety equipment
• You bring: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear (or rent at Bali Hai)

Group Tours (Budget Option)

• Island-hopping tours: 1,500-3,000 THB per person, usually including lunch and snorkeling gear
• Book through: Hotels, tour shops on Second Road, or online (Klook, GetYourGuide)
• Downside: Fixed schedule, larger groups, less flexibility

Yacht Charter (Premium)

For the ultimate island-hopping experience, a private yacht from Ocean Marina gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace. See our Yacht Charter Guide for details and pricing.

Best Time to Visit

• November to February: Calm seas, clear water, best visibility. Peak season
• March to May: Hot but still good conditions. Fewer tourists
• June to October: Rainy season. Seas can be rough, some boat trips cancelled. Lower prices but less reliable weather

Final Thoughts

The islands around Pattaya are genuinely underrated. While they can’t compete with the Andaman Sea’s crystal clarity, the convenience of being 30 minutes from a major city makes them ideal for day trips. The secret is going beyond Koh Larn — hire a private boat, head to Koh Sak or Koh Krok, and you’ll have a Thai island experience that feels a world away from the neon lights onshore.