🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Larn is a small island within the Pattaya area of Chonburi province, about 7 km offshore. The draw is clear water and white-sand beaches that are very easy to reach: drive from Bangkok to Pattaya, hop on a boat, and you're there in about half an hour. That's why so many people come for a morning-to-evening day trip, or stay a night to make the most of the swimming. This article walks you through everything from before you board the boat to planning out each day on the island.
How to get to Koh Larn by boat, and where to board
Everyone starts at Bali Hai Pier at the south end of Pattaya. There's a car park here, and it's the main pier where boats depart for Koh Larn. You have two options: the large passenger ferry or a speedboat, and they differ quite a bit in price and speed.
- Large passenger ferry — 30 THB per person, around 30–45 minutes. A two-deck boat that holds plenty of people and is the cheapest option, good if you're not in a hurry.
- Shared speedboat — roughly 150–250 THB per person, reaching the island in 15–20 minutes. Worth it if you want to save time in the morning.
- Private speedboat charter — from around 1,800 THB one-way to Na Baan Pier, or roughly 3,000 THB for a same-day round trip. Good for big groups or families who want to set their own schedule.
The large passenger ferry runs to Na Baan Pier (the island's main pier) several times a day, starting at 7:00 a.m., then 10:00 / 12:00 / 2:00 / 3:30 / 5:00 / 6:30 p.m. Boats that land directly at Tawaen Beach run at 8:00 / 9:00 / 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. You buy tickets at the pier before boarding — no advance booking needed.
Earlier is always better
On long weekends and Saturdays and Sundays it gets very crowded, and the later boats are usually packed with long queues. If you want a comfortable seat and plenty of time in the water, aim for a boat between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. On the way back, check the time of the last boat carefully — don't leave it until the evening runs, when queues get long.
Book the activities in your Koh Larn 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 — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
How to get around once you're on the island
There are no buses on the island, but you have a few ways to reach each beach. Pick whatever suits your group size and how comfortable you are driving.
- Rent a motorbike — around 400 THB a day (some shops include 1 liter of fuel and take a deposit). You can rent near Na Baan Pier. It's the most flexible option if you can ride, but some roads are steep and narrow, so take care.
- Songthaew / shared pickup taxi — runs between the pier and the main beaches. Good if you'd rather not drive; you pay by distance, so always ask the price before getting on.
- Motorbike taxi — point-to-point drop-offs, handy if there are just a few of you and you don't want to drive.
- Walking — only for short distances, like from Na Baan Pier to the nearby restaurants. Crossing to other beaches is too far to walk.
Before you rent a motorbike
Check the bike's condition — brakes and tires — and photograph any existing scratches before you take it. Always wear a helmet. The island roads have steep downhill sections, so if you're not a confident rider, a songthaew is the safer choice.
Which beach suits you
Koh Larn has several beaches, each with its own feel. Picking the one that matches your style makes for a better day than trying to hit every beach in one go.
Tawaen Beach
The island's main beach — a wide stretch of sand, clear water, restaurants, beach loungers, and the full range of water sports. It's the busiest, and the most convenient for first-timers who want everything close at hand.
Samae Beach
Lovely emerald-green water with a viewpoint nearby. Good for people who like taking photos and swimming in a relaxed setting.
Nuan Beach
Fine white sand with fewer people than Tawaen and a calm atmosphere. A good pick if you want a quiet break.
Tien Beach
A wooden jetty stretching out over the sea makes a popular photo spot, and the water is clear. Good for photographers and anyone who likes the quiet.
There's also Thong Lang Beach (Ta Yai), which is quiet with few people, and Sangwan Beach near Tawaen. If you're coming for just a day, picking one main beach and enjoying it fully beats running between several, since getting around the island eats up a lot of time.
Eating, cafes, and water sports
The island's food scene is all about seafood, with most places clustered around Na Baan Pier and along the main beaches — everything from fresh seafood joints to seaside cafes with great photo views.
- Seaside seafood — fish, shrimp, shellfish, and blue crab sold by weight. Check the price per kilo and how fresh it is before ordering to get better value. The popular spots near Na Baan tend to get busy around lunchtime.
- Seaside cafes — there are several with sea views, in the Na Baan area and along the beaches. A nice place to rest out of the afternoon sun, sip a coffee, and take in the view.
- Water sports — jet skis, banana boats, parasailing, mostly at Tawaen Beach. The price per ride varies by operator.
Stay safe with water sports
Always ask the price clearly and agree on it before you start. Choose an operator with enough life jackets in good condition. Check the wind and waves and how crowded the swimming area is before you go in. If you're not a strong swimmer, keep a life jacket on the whole time.
One-day plan: morning out, evening back
Focus on one beach and take it easy, no rushing
Overnight plan: a relaxed two days, one night
Arrive on the island and swim at the main beach
A morning by the sea before the boat back
What first-timers often get wrong
- Arriving too late — the later boats are packed and the queues are long, cutting into your swimming time. Going early pays off a lot.
- Trying to hit every beach in one day — you lose time getting around the island; picking one beach and enjoying it fully is better.
- Not allowing time for the return boat — evening queues are long, so check the last departure and arrive ahead of time.
- Not checking prices before ordering seafood or doing water sports — agree on the price clearly every time for peace of mind.
- Expecting clear water every day — some days the sea is murky depending on the weather and wind. That's just nature.
Help keep it clean
Koh Larn stays beautiful because everyone pitches in. Take your trash back to the mainland or to the bins provided, don't throw anything into the sea, and don't step on the coral. Travel this way and the next generation will still get to see the same clear water we do.
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