π Updated 21 Jun 2026
This plan starts from Bangkok. It's about 100 km to Bangsaen (near Burapha University), an hour's drive or minivan ride. The EkkamaiβPattaya minivans run through Chonburi, Bangsaen, Nong Mon and Si Racha before reaching Bali Hai Pier, which is exactly where you catch the boat to Koh Larn. Tickets start at around ΰΈΏ131 and depart every hour from early morning. Driving yourself is easier, though, since the two zones sit in different districts.
Day 1 β Bangsaen, Khao Sam Muk, Ang Sila
Day 1
Sea near the city, starting at Bangsaen
08:30
Leave BangkokDrive yourself or take an Ekkamai minivan. Don't leave too late, since the motorway starts filling up after 9am on weekends.
09:45
Arrive at Bangsaen Beach, stroll the shoreA long beach you can swim at. Rent a canvas chair on the sand for a few tens of baht each. Early on the crowds are still thin and the sun isn't harsh yet.
11:30
Up to the Khao Sam Muk viewpointAbout 2 km from Bangsaen Beach, free entry and open all day, with a wide view over Bangsaen's sea. There's the Chao Mae Sam Muk shrine to pay respects at. Watch out for the resident monkeys and keep snack bags zipped away.
12:30
Lunch: Ang Sila seafoodDrive on to Ang Sila, about 15 minutes away. Seafood comes in fresh here every day because it's right by the pier. There are beachfront restaurants and a market where you pick your catch and have a shop cook it.
15:00
Nong Mon Market for souvenirsKhao lam (sticky rice in bamboo), Chinese sausage, hor mok, and khanom jak are all here, the classic Chonburi take-home snacks. You can graze as you walk.
17:00
Sunset on Bangsaen BeachThe evening breeze is nice and it's a good spot to relax before checking in. The Bangsaen area has beachfront hotels at a range of price points.
Day-one tip
Ang Sila seafood is priced by actual weight, so if you're ordering by the kilo, always ask the price per kilo first and watch the scale when they weigh it. You'll feel better about the bill.
ποΈBook the activities in your Chonburi trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want β prices and availability are shown live on each site.
ποΈ See all Chonburi tours & activities (Klook) Day 2 β Down to Pattaya, across to Koh Larn
Day 2
Check out and drive south to the island
08:30
Check out, drive from Bangsaen to PattayaAbout 40 km, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. If you drive, you can park in one of the lots near Bali Hai Pier; there's a daily parking fee.
10:00
Board the ferry at Bali Hai PierThe standard ferry is 30 THB per person, cash before boarding, no advance booking. Departures to Na Ban Pier run at 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 18:30, and the crossing takes about 40β45 minutes. If you're in a hurry you can charter a speedboat for around 150β300 THB per person.
11:00
Arrive at Koh Larn, check in, drop bagsMost accommodation on the island is around Tawaen Beach and Na Ban Pier. To get around, songthaews cost 20β50 THB per person depending on distance, or you can rent a motorbike.
12:00
Tawaen Beach: swimming and water activitiesThe island's main beach, white sand and clear water, with banana boats, parasailing, jet skis, and snorkeling from around 200 THB per person. Plenty of beachfront restaurants, busiest around midday.
15:00
Samae Beach and the windmill viewpointSamae Beach runs about 700 meters and is a touch quieter than Tawaen. Nearby is the windmill viewpoint with a 360-degree view around the island.
18:00
Sunset on the island, dinner by the beachThe upside of staying over is having the island in the evening, once the day-trip tours have all gone back. It's much quieter and prettier than during the day.
Boat tip
The last ferry from the island back to Pattaya leaves around 6pm. If you're staying over there's no rush, but on a day trip you need to allow time to get back to the pier before the final run. The standard ferry has limited departures, and if you miss it you'll have to charter a speedboat, which costs several times more.
Day 3 β Morning on Koh Larn, back to Bangkok
Day 3
A quiet morning before crossing back
07:00
Morning beach walk, clearest water of the dayEarly morning is when the water is clearest and the crowds haven't arrived. Good for photos and an easy swim before the morning tours turn up.
09:30
Check out, ferry back to Bali Hai PierBoats from Na Ban Pier back to Pattaya run at 06:30, 07:30, 09:30, 12:00 and 14:00, so pick whichever fits your return plan.
11:00
Lunch on the Pattaya sideOnce you're back on the mainland you can grab lunch around Pattaya before heading off, anything from seafood restaurants to street food.
13:00
Drive or take a minivan back to BangkokPattaya to Bangkok is about 140 km, and minivans back to Ekkamai run on several departures. If you're driving, avoid heading back on Sunday evening when traffic into the city is heavy.
Rough budget per person
- Round-trip travel β Ekkamai minivan return is around ΰΈΏ260β300, or split fuel + tolls if you drive.
- Ferry to Koh Larn β standard ferry 30 THB each way, 60 THB round trip.
- Songthaews on the island β 20β50 THB per trip depending on distance.
- 2 nights' accommodation β Bangsaen 1 night + Koh Larn 1 night, from the high hundreds up into the thousands depending on standard.
- Seafood β a big meal at Ang Sila or Koh Larn averages a few hundred per person if you share.
Adjusting the plan
If you only have 2 days and 1 night, it trims easily, just pick Bangsaen or Koh Larn. For pure beach, head straight to Koh Larn from day one. For an easy day near the city, Bangsaen and Ang Sila out in the morning and back in the evening is plenty.
