Kicking off your adventure around Thailand and considering an island that’s not crowded yet just as beautiful as Phuket or Krabi? Koh Larn Island is where you’ll want to land.
Head off Pattaya for a quick holiday, the best place to rest and relax is Koh Larn, this island is all about beautiful beaches and clear waters,
Here’s the lowdown on making the most of your visit to Koh Larn: we’ll cover how to get there, the prime spots to visit, and the must-do activities that promise to fill your trip with fun and relaxation.
So pack your swimsuit and sunscreen – let’s explore Koh Larn, I can’t wait to tell you more!
Koh Larn Island, Thailand – Overview
Let’s start this guide with some essentials about Koh Larn (also called Coral Island) that you should know when visiting, such as getting there, getting around, and more.
Where is Koh Larn?
Koh Larn is an island off the coast of Pattaya, only 7.5km from the nearest shore. It’s a great place to go for a day trip or even to stay for a few days.
How to Get to Koh Larn?
First of all, you’ll have to reach Pattaya. From Bangkok, you can take the bus from Ekamai bus station to Pattaya, which costs 120 baht per person and leaves every 30 minutes from 6.00 am. The bus to Pattaya takes 2 hours.
From other parts of Thailand, you can fly directly into Pattaya U-Tapao International Airport and head over to Bali Hai Pier.
Once in Pattaya Bali Hai Pier, there are 2 ways to get to Koh Larn – by ferry or by speed boat.
The ferry is the cheapest way to reach Koh Larn; it only costs 30 baht per person and leaves every 30 minutes or so. The trip takes about 1 hour.
The speed boat to Koh Larn costs $5 per person and takes around 20 minutes to get there. Just like the ferry, speed boats to Pattaya leave regularly as soon as they’re full, about each 30 minutes or so.
Note that there’s no fixed schedule for either option and no counter to buy tickets in Bali Hai Pier. Just get inside the pier, and you’ll see lots of vendors selling tickets for the speed boat. If you prefer taking the ferry, continue till the end of the pier, pay the staff, and jump aboard.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide for getting
to Koh Larn from Pattaya.
How to Get Around in Koh Larn?
The best and safest way to travel around is by motorbike – there are hardly any cars and minimal people, and you can rent one for around 250 baht per day. If you were hoping to hire a car, this isn’t an option!
Or, you can join the daily trip around Koh Larn which is the most convenient because the tour guide will take you everywhere on the island.
Best-Rated Tour
Half Day Tour from Pattaya to Koh Larn
- Affordable and fun day guaranteed!
- Leave early before the crowds arrive
- Get to Koh Larn easily on a speed boat
Includes
- Roundtrip transfers from Pattaya
- Speed boat ticket and beach chair
- Plenty of activities to choose from
Best Things to Do in Koh Larn Thailand
Koh Larn , this tiny island is located off the coast of Thailand and is known for its beautiful beaches and being far less touristy than many other islands in Thailand. We have compiled a list of what we believe are the best things to do in Koh Larn when paying a visit.
Chill at the Beach
The beaches in Koh Larn are some of the quietest you can visit while traveling across Thailand, and each one has its own energy/feel.
Among the recommended beaches on the island are Samae Beach, Tawaen Beach, and Tien Beach. There are plenty more beaches to explore in Koh Larn, which I discuss later in this blog post.
Long stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear water make it an ideal place for lounging and sunbathing.
You won’t be bored during your trip if you like taking part in various sports. Parasailing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding are all popular options here.
And when you’re ready to unwind, there are many restaurants and cafes to settle down with a cold beer and a delicious meal while the sunsets over the ocean.
Koh Larn Zipline
Koh Larn Zipline is one of the most popular island attractions and it’s easy to see why. It starts at the highest point of a hill and carries you all the way down to the beach, 780 meters long is pretty cool!
At 500 baht (about $15) per person, you can zip all the way down overlooking the beautiful Nual beach. It can’t possibly get any better than that.
On the island itself, there are several other adrenaline-pumping activities to try, you can always take a banana boat ride, but the zipline will definitely top your to-do list.
Hop on a Banana Boat
Thailand’s beautiful beaches are famous, and Koh Larn is no exception. One of the best ways to enjoy Koh Larn’s beaches is to ride a banana boat.
Available for groups of up to 6 people renting a large inflatable raft should be an essential stop for you while traveling across islands like these.
Cruising around on a banana is a great way to increase the experience on the island and it’s an awesome activity. For a unique way to experience Koh Larn, consider hopping on our giant fruit today!
Rent a Scooter and Drive Around the Island
Koh Larn is the perfect place to rent a scooter and drive around, and getting around to see everything takes an hour max!
The best and fastest way to discover Koh Larn is actually with a motorbike, just because you will be able to access areas that with a car you shouldn’t.
The island has plenty of rental shops and many hotels rent their own scooter as well, so finding a scooter is easy.
Once you’re on the road, there are plenty of places to see, from Samae Beach to Tawaen Beach to Naban Pier and much more.
Be aware that the prices for a scooter day rent should be around 300 Baht, so in case you see a shop advertising a higher price, move on to the one next door.
See the Giant Monk Statue at Tawaen Beach Viewpoint
The Giant Monk Statue is an iconic place at Koh Larn, located at the Tawaen Beach viewpoint, and you can go up to and overlook two of the main beaches and the coast in Koh Larn.
There are motorbike trails and a long set of stairs leading up to the statue, making it easy to get to.
Eat Delicious Thai Food
When it comes to food, Thailand is paradise. You never feel hungry in this country! Thai food tastes ridiculously good and the prices are super cheap.
This small island off the coast of Pattaya is a foodie’s dream, with a wide range of beachfront seafood shacks and local eateries offering an authentic taste of Thailand. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, fried chicken, or Thai curry, you’ll find it all at Koh Larn.
And most importantly, this piece of paradise has not yet been destroyed by mass tourism so you can eat your dinner in peace, without any sweat and load.
Stop at some Cafes
When visiting Koh Larn, be sure to stop at one of the many cafes dotting the island. The small island is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
While it is a peaceful and pretty chill island, you’ll find stunning, modern, and clean cafes to have a drink or a meal.
With so many cafes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Whether you prefer a light and airy space with plenty of natural light or a cozy and intimate setting, there’s a cafe on Koh Larn that’s perfect for you.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of the many Thai-style coffees or teas, like ice Thai tea? You might just find your new favorite beverage.
These are great cafes on the island:
- Maharak Cafe
- Matata Bay Cafe
- Sea You Again Cafe
- Pookai Cafe & Restaurant
- Fat Submarine Cafe and Restaurant
Beaches in Koh Larn
Are you looking for a beautiful and relaxing beach to relax on during your trip to Koh Larn? If so, all the beaches offer stunning views, gentle waves, and plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun. So, don’t miss out.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about
the best beaches on Koh Larn.
Samae Beach (Pattaya Beach)
Samae Beach, also called Pattaya Beach, is one of the best beaches on Koh Larn, with an expansive sandy beach and clear water. It’s affordable, and has plenty to offer in terms of food & drinks as well as lounge chairs that you can rent for 100 baht per day!
Tawaen Beach
Tawean Beach is quickly one of my favorite places to relax and get a tan on my trip to Koh Larn. Unlike other beaches, it’s the biggest and best place to relax or go surfing, if that’s your cup of tea.
In addition to the sunbathing opportunities, there are several watersports available here, including kayaking, which is great fun for the whole family.
Plus, having some good restaurants close at hand never hurts whenever you feel hungry. They offer appetizing Thai dishes to enjoy by the seaside.
Alternatively, make a pit stop at 7-Eleven which is located right on the western side of Tawaen Beach.
Sang Wan Beach
In case you are not in the mood for the big and noisy crowded beaches on Koh Larn, consider visiting Sang Wan Beach, one of the quieter beaches.
Sangwan Beach is a small, quiet beach with clean sand and a gentle slope. The water here isn’t as crowded compared to other spots like Samae Beach, which makes it much more relaxing!
You can only enjoy two food options at this spot – either get your meal from one of the cafes or enjoy the tree house if you’re looking for some extra space.
Last but not least – there are cool swim rings ready for rent. Grab a unicorn, or a donut for THB100 to make your time here even more fun!
I suggest staying until the sun sets and taking pictures with no people or anything. Can it get any better?
Tien Beach
One of the most fabulous beaches on the island! The water here is of an unusual crystal-clear quality that you won’t find anywhere else. A kilometer-long stretch of soft white sand, not difficult to find a free bit and walk right along the beach.
On the way from the parking lot to the beach, you will find a lady selling fruit which is fantastic. Grab some watermelon or dragon fruit for only 20 baht!
Ta Yai Beach
Located a few minutes’ drive from Koh Larn Pier (Na Baan Pier), Ta Yai Beach is a small beach with only a few people, and it’s great to spend a couple of hours at.
There is a large parking lot. Next door, just a few hundred meters down the road, there is the lovely Matata Bay Cafe, a place great to go for something to drink or for a coffee.
In short, come to Ta Yai in the morning, work on your tan and have a swim, and take some stunning photos on one of the best beaches on the island.
Tong Lang Beach
Located at the northern tip on the Western side of Koh Larn, after Tawarn Beach, Tong Lang beach is another relatively small beach, yet very beautiful.
Here, you can rent a banana boat, enjoy a drink at the cafe, or go parasailing.
While I liked Tonglang Beach, it tends to get very crowded around sunset so I personally suggest coming during the day and moving to Tawaen Beach or Samae Beach for sunset.
Viewpoints in Koh Larn
If you’re up for a hike or want to take the views over Koh Larn from above, these are the best viewpoints on the island that you can visit while visiting.
The Windmill Viewpoint
The Windmill Viewpoint in Koh Larn is the best place to see the sunset. With views over the coast and the Pattaya skyline afar, you’ll have a good time taking photos around, sipping on a beer, or exploring the natural trail around.
As I just mentioned, it’s pretty hard to climb up the trail to the viewpoint (Koh Larn can get very hot) and, therefore, I suggest renting a motorbike and getting up – there’s a parking lot at the summit.
-> Click here to see the location on Google Maps
Tawaen Beach Viewpoint
Tawaen Beach Viewpoint is where the statue of the Big Monk and Big Buddha are, and apart from those, the views over the coast will make you fall in love in a heartbeat.
Out of all the viewpoints in Koh Larn, this is probably the highest one.
All you can see is Tawaen Beach from above and its beautiful blue waters, which are so clear you will want to drop all your filters! Check by yourself.
-> Click here to see the location on Google Maps
Koh Larn Viewpoint
Located on top of Tawaen beach on the main road to the village and Koh Larn pier, this viewpoint is one of the best around, and you’ll easily understand why.
First, you’ll get to have some of the best views on Koh Larn, which is surely what you want to take great photos to take home. Also, you can take a photo with the “Koh Larn” sign, evidence of you coming to the island!
-> Click here to see the location on Google Maps
Restaurants in Koh Larn
A trip to Thailand must include food! And for this reason, other than the seafood restaurants I’ve already included above, these are some more options on the beautiful island. Make sure to write these down, as I’m sure you’ll like them.
Fat Submarine Cafe and Restaurant
The Fat Submarine is a must-see for any visitor to Koh Larn Island. This coffee shop has stunning perspectives of the gulf and is located near the Na Ban pier, which is perfect if you want some time away from your busy day exploring the island.
Fat Submarine is also one of the most Instagrammable spots on the island it means that you are definitely going to take a cool picture when you visit! They have a takeaway window too.
The products are a must-eat food of the submarine, and I recommend the honey toast vanilla ice cream, the sub-ice healthy, and the club sandwich – All dishes that will leave you craving for more.
Sea Space
Another good spot where I recently had dinner is Sea Space. The food was good and very flavorful. It felt like a fun and different place with amazing cocktails. I went to Sea Space a few times and really liked it – the service, the quality of the food, and the view.
You’ll find Thai food options as well as Western food which is good if you want a change from the local cuisine. As a final note, this is definitely the place to be whether it’s for a date night, a loved-up dinner with your other half, or a few beers with friends.
That aside, it’s more expensive than most of the other restaurants in Koh Larn, but there are also beautiful views and settings, which make up for the price, so you should really go there when in Koh Lan.
Visit Koh Larn Island – FAQ
We have covered everything about Ko Larn in detail, so let’s discuss some more essentials that first-timers often ask, and that you might find helpful too.
Is Koh Larn Worth Visiting?
Yes, Koh Larn is definitely worth it. Koh Larn is a beautiful destination that is just a ferry ride away from Pattaya. Surrounded by crystal-clear water and featuring powdery white beaches it’s hard to match such a stunning location in Thailand.
Despite the increasing number of tourists in the last few years, Koh Larn still seems like kind of a hidden place, and that’s a great alternative to places like Phuket or Krabi.
Enjoy lots of amazing and easily accessible seafood anywhere, and of course, fresh coconuts squeezed fresh out of the tree. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a fabulous family vacation, Koh Larn certainly won’t disappoint.
I recommend staying at least 3 days to make the most of it.
Where to Stay in Koh Larn?
Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in Ko Lan Island, whether you travel on a budget or looking for a premium property.
Luxury: Rocco Villa
Mid-Range: Xanadu Beach Resort
Budget: The Castello Resort
Conclusion – Koh Larn Island
No matter what you’re looking for, Koh Larn Island is sure to have something that will suit your needs. With its beautiful beaches, stunning viewpoints, and abundance of activities, this Thai island has something for everyone.
All in all, Koh Larn is a beautiful and secluded island that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. And now that you know all the best places to go, what are you waiting for?
