🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Larn is the island just off Pattaya in Chonburi province, easy to do as a day trip or as an overnight stay since there's plenty of accommodation. Boats leave from one place only: Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. From here you'll find both cheap passenger ferries and speedboats, so you can pick based on budget and time. On the island itself there are songthaew trucks, motorbike taxis, and scooter rental shops to get you around the beaches. We'll walk through each part.
Start at Bali Hai Pier
Bali Hai Pier sits at the southern end of Walking Street in South Pattaya, and it's the only place ferries to Koh Larn depart from. There's paid parking near the pier. Coming from Bangkok or a hotel in Pattaya, you can take a songthaew (the red shared trucks) to the entrance and walk in. The pier has ticket stalls, toilets, and drink shops. Give yourself about 10 minutes to walk from the parking area to the boats, especially on busy weekend days.
Go early
On Saturdays, Sundays, and long weekends the passenger ferries get packed and the queues are long. If you want a comfortable seat without being squeezed in, aim to reach the pier before 9am. The mid-morning and midday departures are when crowds bunch up the most.
Passenger ferry vs speedboat — which to pick
The two main options differ in price and time. The passenger ferry is cheap and worth it if you're not in a rush, while the speedboat is much faster and can reach several beaches, but costs several times more. Choose based on your plan and how many people are in your group.
Passenger ferry (large crossing boat)
The budget option most people use. The big boats hold around 200 people and run on a set schedule, so you get an easy ride with nice views and it's gentle on the wallet. The downside is you have to wait for your departure slot, and weekends get packed.
Shared speedboat (per head)
Noticeably faster than the ferry, good if you're a small group and don't want to wait for a scheduled slot. It leaves once the boat fills up. Prices depend on the pier and time of day, and you can negotiate at the dock.
Private speedboat charter — Na Ban Pier
Charter the whole boat, which holds around 25–33 people. Worth it for a big group: you leave when you want and can stop at beaches or small islands along the way.
Private speedboat charter — Tawaen Pier
Same as above but drops you straight at Tawaen Pier, the island's main beach. Saves you the transfer, ideal if you plan to head straight for a swim at Tawaen Beach.
Confirm the price before boarding
Speedboat prices swing with the season and how well you negotiate. Ask for a clear price and agree on the drop-off point (which pier) before every departure. Watch out for touts who quote a price and tack on extras later.
Passenger ferry schedule — Na Ban Pier
Na Ban Pier (in front of the island's village) is the main passenger-ferry dock. The schedule may shift with weather and season, so allow extra time and snap a photo of the posted timetable at the pier just in case.
- Outbound (Bali Hai → Na Ban Pier): 07:00 · 10:00 · 12:00 · 14:00 · 15:30 · 17:00 · 18:30
- Return (Na Ban Pier → Bali Hai): 06:30 · 07:30 · 09:30 · 12:00 · 14:00 · 15:30 · 17:00 · 18:00
- Fare: 30 THB/person each way
Passenger ferry schedule — Tawaen Pier
If you want to land right at Tawaen Beach, the most popular beach, without a transfer, some passenger ferries run directly to Tawaen Pier. There are fewer departures than at Na Ban Pier, so check the times carefully before you plan.
- Outbound (Bali Hai → Tawaen Pier): 08:00 · 09:00 · 11:00 · 13:00
- Return: uses the same slots as Na Ban Pier — 06:30 · 07:30 · 09:30 · 12:00 · 14:00 · 15:30 · 17:00 · 18:00
- Fare: 30 THB/person each way
Don't miss the last boat
The last return ferry is around 18:00. If you miss it, you'll have to charter a speedboat back, which costs a lot more. On busy days, give yourself at least 20–30 minutes to board before the departure time.
Getting around the island — songthaews and motorbike taxis
If you don't rent a scooter, the island has songthaew trucks and motorbike taxis to take you to the beaches. The main pickup points are around Na Ban Pier, in front of the temple, and along the beaches. Fares are per person by distance, you can negotiate, and prices may climb on busy days.
- Songthaew (from Tawaen Beach): to Na Ban Pier ~20 THB · to Samae/Tien/Nual/Tayai beaches ~40 THB per person
- Motorbike taxi (from Tawaen Beach): to Na Ban Pier ~30 THB · to Thonglang Beach ~40 THB · to Samae/Tien/Nual/Tayai ~50 THB per person
- Charter a songthaew around the island: from around 1,200 THB up, good for groups who want to tour several beaches in a day without driving themselves
Songthaews don't run constantly
The songthaews on the island don't circle nonstop like in the city. At times they wait until they have enough passengers before leaving. If you're in a bigger group or want to hit several beaches in a day, renting a scooter is usually cheaper and more flexible.
Rent a scooter and explore on your own
The most flexible way to get around is renting a scooter and driving yourself. Rental shops cluster around Na Ban Pier and Tawaen Beach. Prices run roughly 200–300 THB/day; some shops charge 400 THB including 1 litre of fuel, and there are hourly rentals at around 100 THB/hour. Most require a deposit or that you leave your ID card.
- Rental price: ~200–300 THB/day · some shops 400 THB with fuel · hourly ~100 THB
- Always wear a helmet — the island roads have steep hills and plenty of bends, especially the climbs to viewpoints and the inner beaches
- Check the bike before you take it — photograph the scratches all around so you're not charged for damage at return, and test the brakes and lights before heading out
- Fill up enough fuel — petrol on the island is limited, sold from bottles or coin-operated pumps at higher prices than in town, so plan your range
Ride carefully
Some stretches of road are narrow, steep, and slick with sand. If you're not used to riding on hills, taking a songthaew or motorbike taxi is safer. Don't force your way down a steep slope if you're not confident in the brakes.
Distances to the beaches from Na Ban Pier
Koh Larn has several beaches, each with its own character. The front beaches near the pier are busy and crowded, while the inner beaches are quieter but need a ride over the hills to reach. Here's an overview of the main beaches people head to.
Tawaen Beach
The main and liveliest beach, with a long stretch of white sand, restaurants, umbrellas and loungers, and the full range of water sports. Great for a first visit, though the trade-off is crowds and bustle on weekends.
Samae Beach
The second-most popular beach after Tawaen, with clear water and beachfront restaurants and accommodation. A touch more relaxed than Tawaen.
Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)
A small, quiet beach on the south side of the island, good for escaping the bustle. You'll need a ride over the hill to get there, and there are fewer facilities.
Tien Beach
An inner beach popular for water sports and snorkelling, with fairly clear water and a less crowded feel than the front beaches.
Thonglang Beach
A small, quiet beach, good for chilling away from the crowds. There aren't many shops, so it's easier to bring your own water and snacks.
The water can turn murky with the weather
Koh Larn's water is very clear on sunny, calm days, but after rain or when the waves pick up it can get murky and silty. Not every beach is clear all the time, so set your expectations and check the forecast before you go.
Water sports and safety
Tawaen and Tien beaches have plenty of water-sports activities — banana boats, parasailing, jet skis, and snorkelling. Fun, but watch out for the pricing and your safety.
- Confirm the price before you start — agree on the price, number of rounds, and time up front to avoid being charged extra afterwards
- Wear a life jacket for every activity — and check the gear before you get in the water; if it looks old or damaged, ask for a replacement
- Watch for damage charges on jet skis — photograph or video the condition before you ride, and inspect for scratches with the owner before returning it, so you're not billed for repairs you didn't cause
- Watch the flags and warnings — on rough or windy days, skip the open-water activities. Safety comes before fun.
Two trip plans by style
Pick a plan based on whether you have just one day or are staying overnight. These are rough time guidelines that you can adjust to the actual ferry slots on the day.
Day trip (one day)
Easy overnight (2 days, 1 night)
Help keep it clean
Koh Larn stays beautiful because plenty of people help look after it. Carry your rubbish back to the mainland or to the bins provided, don't throw anything into the sea, and avoid feeding the animals along the beaches. It helps keep the island clean for the people who come after you.
Want to stay overnight on Koh Larn right by the beach? See our recommended places
See Top 10 Koh Larn stays →