If you are looking for a breathtaking beach destination, Koh Larn in Thailand should be high on your list. Koh Larn is a popular day trip from Pattaya and Bangkok and the beaches here are among the most picturesque in the country.
The is tiny and you can explore all the beaches on Koh Larn in only 1 day driving a scooter, from Samae Beach to the massive Tawaen Beach. Are you after a beautiful and relaxing beach to relax on during your trip to Koh Larn?
If so, these beaches offer stunning views, gentle waves, and plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun. Let’s jump right into it!
Where is Koh Larn?
Koh Larn is an island off Pattaya’s coast, 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.
By Ferry:
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.
By Speed Boat:
The speed boat costs 150 baht per person and takes around 30 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.
With a Tour from Bangkok or Pattaya
The last option is to take a tour from Bangkok or Pattaya.
If you’re taking a tour from Bangkok, you’ll take a bus to Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier, and then a ferry to Koh Larn. The journey takes about two hours.
If you’re taking a tour from Pattaya, you will take a speedboat from Bali Hai Pier, which takes about 30 minutes. Once you’re on the island, you can enjoy the beaches of Koh Larn, go snorkeling, and explore around the island.
How to Get Around in Koh Larn?
Once you’re on the island, the best way to get around is by motorbike. You can rent one for about 250 baht per day. There are no cars on the island, so renting one isn’t an option.
Alternatively, you can join a day trip around Koh Larn, and your tour guide will take you everywhere around Koh Larn, which is the most convenient option.
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Top Beaches in Koh Larn
If you’re after for a chill, exciting day ahead on the island, then exploring all the best Koh Larn beaches is a must. These beaches are some of the most stunning in all of Thailand, and they offer plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Let’s get started and go through all the beaches in Koh Larn, the facilities, and the activities to keep you busy during the day.
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!
You’ll also have access to gear like snorkeling equipment available if needed, and several restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood – the perfect way to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Facilities at Samae Beach
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Toilet – 10 baht
- Shower – 30 baht
- Parking Lot – Free
- Xanadu Beach Resort
- Beach sellers offering manicures and massage
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella – 100 baht per person
Activities at Samae Beach
- Jet Ski
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- Banana Boat – 450 baht
READ MORE: Samae Beach Travel Guide
Tawaen Beach
While vacationing in Koh Larn, I’ve been to Tawaen Beach several times to relax and getting a sunbath. The largest and most happening place I know of when it’s your turn to unwind or do some surfing! There are plenty of water sports available, like kayaking which is fantastic for a day out.
Plus, they have great restaurants nearby if hunger strikes while sitting by the ocean side eating tasty Thai food. Alternatively, you can grab a snack at 7-Eleven, it’s located right on the western side of Tawaen Beach.
Facilities at Tawaen Beach
- Cafes
- 7-Eleven
- Restaurants
- Toilet – 10 baht
- Shower – 50 baht
- Parking Lot – Free
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella – 100 baht per person
Activities at Tawaen Beach
- Jet Ski
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- Parasailing
- Paragliding
- Banana Boat
READ MORE: Tawaen Beach Complete Guide
Sangwan Beach
If you’re on the hunt for a peaceful and small beach in Koh Larn, then stop here, Sang Wan is the one for you.
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 of the tree house if you’re looking for some extra space.
Lastly, you can also rent a cool swim ring, like a unicorn or a donut, for only 100 baht; what a cool way to make the experience more entertaining!
I recommend staying until sunset and enjoying a calm moment while taking awesome photos with no people. Can it get any better?
Facilities at Sangwan Beach
- Bar
- Toilet
- Swim Rings
- Changing Rooms
- Parking Lot – Free
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella
Activities at Sangwan Beach
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- Eating Fresh Seafood
READ MORE: Sangwan Beach Complete Guide
Tien Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The water here has a crystal-clearness that you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s packed with soft sand to make your feet happy after walking onto its shoreline for an hour or two.
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!
Facilities at Tien Beach
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Tiennara Hotel
- Parking Lot – Free
- Toilet – 10 baht
- Shower – 30 baht
- Towel Rental – 50 baht
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella – 100 baht per person
Activities at Tien Beach
- Jet Ski
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- Banana Boat
- Play with the Geese (so many of them!)
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Ta Yai Beach
Located a few minutes’ drive from Koh Larn 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’s a massive parking lot, and Matata Bay Cafe is located only a few hundred meters away which is good for getting a drink or some delicious cake.
In short, come to Ta Yai in the morning, work on your tan and have a swim, and take some stunning photos in one of the best beaches on the island.
Facilities at Ta Yai Beach
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Toilet – 20 baht
- Shower – 50 baht
- Parking Lot – Free
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella – 100 baht per person
Activities at Ta Yai Beach
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
READ MORE: Ta Yai Beach Complete Guide
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 Tong Lang 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.
Facilities at Tong Lang Beach
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Toilet – 10 baht
- Shower – 30 baht
- Xanadu Beach Resort
- Beach sellers offering manicures and massage
- Lounge Chairs with Umbrella – 100 baht per person
Facilities at Tong Lang Beach
- Jet Ski
- Snorkeling
- Parasailing
- Sunbathing
- Banana Boat
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Koh Larn Beaches – FAQ
Is Koh Larn Worth Visiting?
Yes, Koh Larn is definitely worth visiting, it’s a breathtaking island getaway located just a short ferry ride from Pattaya. Surrounded by crystal-clear water and featuring powdery white beaches it’s hard to match such a stunning location in Thailand.
Although it’s become a popular tourist destination in recent years, Koh Larn still feels like a hidden gem. You can explore secluded coves, snorkel in coral reefs, or relax in a hammock with a good book.
There’s also plenty of delicious seafood to enjoy, as well as fresh coconuts straight from the tree. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family-friendly vacation, Koh Larn is sure to exceed your expectations.
Is Koh Larn Expensive?
Koh Larn is a relatively cheap place to visit compared to other islands. You can find accommodation for as little as 500 baht per night and meals for less than 100 baht. So, if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some beautiful beaches, Koh Larn is definitely worth a visit.
Where to Stay in Koh Larn?
I recommend booking a hotel or a guest house near Na Baan Pier, where you’ll come straight from Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier. Most guest houses pick up their guests here and rent their motorbikes. This location is a great spot to travel around Koh Larn during the day and come back after sunset.
How Long to Stay in Koh Larn?
To make the most of Koh Larn, I recommend spending at least 3 full days. This gives you the time to visit the different beaches, get to the 3 main viewpoints, and taste all the delicious Thai food Ko Larn has to offer.
More Thailand Travel Guides
- Koh Larn Complete Travel Guide
- Best Day Trips from Bangkok
- Best Tours to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
- Awesome Day Trips from Chiang Mai
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Krabi
- Thailand Itinerary for 1 Week to 1 Month
- 11 Incredible Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- How to Get to Doi Suthep from Chiang Mai
Conclusion
There were the best Koh Larn beaches to visit while on holiday in Thailand. With its clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush greenery, it’s no wonder that people travel to Koh Larn for its beaches. I had an amazing time exploring all the different beaches and can’t wait to go back again soon! What about you?
