🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Larn sits right off Pattaya in Chonburi province and is one of the easiest islands to reach in Thailand — no long flights, no long boat rides. It works for a day trip or an overnight stay. The charm is that beaches are scattered all around the island, each with its own mood. Want it lively, with shops and activities? Head to Tawaen Beach. Want it quiet? Move on to one of the less crowded beaches. The island isn't big, so renting a motorbike or hopping in a songthaew lets you hit several beaches in a single day.
Read this before you go
Koh Larn gets very busy on long weekends and Saturdays and Sundays, and the morning boats fill up. Aim to catch one of the first boats around 07:00–08:00 so you get a beach that's still open and an easy choice of seat on board. Keep in mind the water can be murky on some days depending on the weather and wind — it isn't crystal clear every day, and that's nature you can't control.
Koh Larn beaches — pick the one that fits your style
Koh Larn has about six main beaches to visit, each different in size, energy and facilities. Before you board, have a rough idea of what you want from the day, because the songthaews on the island run to whichever beach you tell them when you get off the boat.
Tawaen Beach
The biggest and liveliest beach, and where most ferries dock. Restaurants, beach chairs and a full lineup of water sports, with sand that slopes into shallow water that's great for letting kids play. The trade-off is that it's the most crowded beach on the island.
Samae Beach
A long beach on the west side, a little quieter than Tawaen, with a cool breeze and restaurants lined up along the sand. It's also the starting point for walking or riding a motorbike up to the Khao Nom viewpoint.
Tien Beach
Many people call this the clearest-water beach on the island — white sand, blue water, and a quieter feel. There are restaurants and soft canvas loungers, and the parking area up top makes a nice spot to shoot the beach view.
Nual Beach
At the far southern tip of the island, with white sand and clear water that's good for swimming and snorkeling. Monkeys live on the hillside, so plenty of people call it Monkey Beach. Watch your food and bags when the monkeys come close.
Tonglang Beach
A small, compact beach you can reach by walking down a staircase or by boat. Few people, so it's good for a quiet corner, with a handful of shops and bungalow stays.
Ta Yai Beach
A small beach to the north with thin crowds and rock formations on both sides for a pretty backdrop. Facilities are limited — just one or two restaurants — so it suits people who like the quiet.
Near Tawaen there's also Sangwan Beach tucked away — a short walk from Tawaen along a wooden path, and the mood shifts to quiet and slow right away. It's a good backup when Tawaen is so packed you can't find a seat.
Want more out of Koh Larn? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Hilltop viewpoints — capture the sea around the island
Koh Larn isn't just about the beaches — up on the hills there are viewpoints that look out over the sea and the beaches below in wide panoramas. If you rent a motorbike you can stop by easily, but some stretches of road are steep and winding, so ride slowly and only if you're confident on a bike.
- Windmill Viewpoint — a popular photo landmark with 360-degree sea views all around. Best in the morning or near sunset when the sun isn't harsh.
- Khao Nom Viewpoint — above Samae Beach, reachable on foot or by motorbike. It's a viewing and sunset spot that locals recommend.
- Tien Beach Viewpoint — at the parking area up top before you walk down to the beach, looking over Tien's blue water from above. An easy photo angle with no long walk.
Photo tips
The light is best in the morning before 10am and in the late afternoon near sunset. At midday the sun is harsh and shots come out flat and very hot. If you're set on catching the sunset, check the return boat schedule carefully, because the last ferry usually leaves around 18:00 — miss it and you'll have to charter a speedboat back, which costs a lot more.
Snorkeling over coral and fish
The popular snorkeling spots are around Tien Beach and the rocks on the southern side of Samae Beach, plus Nual Beach. The water is clear enough to see coral and schools of small fish, though visibility depends on the day and the wind — some days clear, some days murky. If you want to go deeper, boat tours run snorkeling trips around nearby islands like Koh Sak too.
- Rent snorkeling gear — masks and snorkels are available to rent on the beaches for around 100–200 THB, sometimes with a life jacket included.
- Multi-spot snorkeling boat tour — there are packages that take you to two islands (Koh Larn–Koh Sak), starting around 500 THB per person. Check whether gear and a life jacket are included.
- Always wear a life jacket — even if you can swim, because the current is strong in places and boats come and go constantly. Snorkeling near the marked lines is safer.
Help protect the island
Coral is very fragile — don't step on it or touch it, and don't feed the fish. Take all your trash back to shore or put it in the bins provided. Choosing a reef-safe sunscreen helps keep Koh Larn's sea beautiful for a long time to come.
Water sports — what to play and how much it costs
Tawaen and Samae beaches have a full range of water sports. The prices below are the rough range you'll commonly see — always ask clearly and agree on the price before you start, because some operators charge per ride, some charge per time, and prices usually go up on holidays.
Banana Boat
Ride an inflatable banana-shaped tube towed by a speedboat — fun in a group, with short rides of a few minutes. Good for families and big groups of friends.
Parasailing
Strap into a parachute and let the boat tow you up over the sea for high-angle island views. A hit activity at Tawaen and Samae beaches.
Jet Ski
Drive it yourself for speed and a rush, charged per time slot. Before you ride, photograph the condition of the machine and check every scratch with the owner to avoid being charged for damage later.
Beach chair + umbrella
Not a sport but a beach staple — rent one to sit and shelter from the sun all day. Many beaches offer them, with prices varying by beach.
Safety first
Before any water sport, check that the operator provides life jackets and has real safety staff on hand. Agree on the price and terms clearly — in writing or photographed. If you ride a jet ski, photograph its condition before you take it and when you return it. Young children and non-swimmers should only do activities where they sit with an adult, and should keep a life jacket on at all times.
How to get to Koh Larn and around the island
Boats leave from Bali Hai Pier at the end of Walking Street in Pattaya. There are two main options — choose based on your budget and time.
- Ferry — the cheapest, around 30 THB/person, taking 40–45 minutes, with departures roughly 07:00–18:00. The last return is usually around 18:00 (double-check on the spot).
- Speedboat — faster, getting you there in 15–20 minutes. Shared rides are around 200–300 THB/person; chartering one is around 1,500–3,000 THB. Good if you're short on time or traveling in a group.
- On the island — rent a motorbike for around 200–300 THB/day (bring a license and ride slowly on the steep roads), or take a songthaew to the various beaches for around 30–50 THB/person, or charter one for around 200–400 THB.
A Koh Larn trip plan
If you're not sure how to lay out your day, here are sample plans to adapt to your style — one for a day trip and one for an overnight stay.
Cover the beaches + water sports in one day
Quiet beaches + sunset
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