🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you come to Pattaya wanting to actually see clear water, Koh Larn is the closest answer. The sea right off Pattaya tends to look murky, but once you cross over to Koh Larn the water gets noticeably clearer, with fine white sand and a few different kinds of beach to pick from. You can visit on a day trip, or stay overnight if you want to see the island after the day crowds have all gone home.
Ferries to Koh Larn: where to catch one and what it costs
Every boat leaves from Bali Hai Pier at the south end of Pattaya. There are two types to choose from — the passenger ferry and the speedboat — depending on your budget and how much time you have.
- Passenger ferry — around 30–40 THB per person each way, taking roughly 35–45 minutes. It's the cheapest and most popular option.
- Shared speedboat — around 150–200 THB per person each way, just 15–20 minutes, but you usually have to wait for the boat to fill up before it leaves.
- Private charter — from around 3,000 THB for a small boat (seats 9). Good for groups or families who want to set their own schedule.
The ferry runs two routes: one to Na Ban Pier, the village on the side facing Pattaya, and one straight to Tawaen Beach. Na Ban has more frequent boats, starting around 07:00 with the last return in the evening, while the Tawaen Beach service is less frequent and bunched up around mid-morning.
A tip on the boats
Get to the pier about 20–30 minutes before departure, especially on long weekends — boats fill up fast and you may have to wait for the next one. The last return usually leaves Na Ban around 18:00, so don't get so caught up in the day that you miss it.
Want more out of Chonburi? 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.
Beaches on Koh Larn: which one to pick
Koh Larn has several main beaches, each with its own feel. If you want a lively spot with food and activities, go for the bigger beaches. If you'd rather have quiet, clear water, you'll need to take a ride over to the other side of the island.
Tawaen Beach
The busiest, most crowded beach on the island, around 700 metres long, with restaurants, beach chairs and the full range of water sports. Great if you want jet skis, banana boats or parasailing. The downside is the crowds, and the water isn't as clear as on the quieter beaches.
Samae Beach
The next most popular beach after Tawaen, around 500 metres long, with food and drink stalls lined up the whole way along. The water is fairly clear, making it a good fit for families who want to swim and grab a bite easily.
Tien Beach
Quieter and clearer than the main beaches, with fewer people. Good for anyone who wants to lie back with a book or snorkel in peace without the bustle. You'll need to take a songthaew or a motorbike taxi to get over here.
Nual Beach
A small, quiet beach some people call Monkey Beach because you'll spot monkeys around. The water is clear and it doesn't get busy — good for escaping the chaos of the bigger beaches.
Thong Lang Beach
A small beach on the west side of the island, with few people. Good if you like privacy and want to watch the sunset. There are fewer facilities than the other beaches, so bring your own water and snacks.
Snorkeling and water sports
The water at Koh Larn is clear enough to spot fish and patches of coral in places, especially at the quieter beaches like Tien and Nual where you can see underwater more clearly than at Tawaen, where so many people are swimming that the water turns murky. If you want to snorkel properly, rent some gear and pick a quiet beach, or take a boat trip out to an offshore snorkeling spot.
- Mask and snorkel rental — around 100–200 THB a set, available at the main beaches.
- Jet ski — around 300–500 THB for 10–15 minutes. Agree on the price and the riding area clearly before you get on.
- Banana boat — around 100–200 THB per person, fun in a group.
- Glass-bottom boat — around 50–150 THB, see the coral without getting in the water. Good for non-swimmers or anyone bringing kids.
- Parasailing — available at Tawaen Beach, price negotiated on the spot.
Straight talk
Water sports at Koh Larn often don't have clear posted prices, so always ask and settle the price before you start. As for the water, don't expect southern-island clarity — it's clearer than the Pattaya side, but it depends on the day and the currents, and at times you might see some litter or jellyfish drifting in.
Getting around the island
Koh Larn isn't huge, but the beaches sit on different sides of the island and it's a fair walk from one to the next, so most people use local transport to get around.
Songthaew
Shared pickup trucks running between the pier and the various beaches. The per-person fare is cheap — good if you're travelling solo or as a pair.
Motorbike taxi
Fast and convenient, handy for beaches the songthaews don't really cover. Agree on the price before you get on.
Motorbike rental
Ride around on your own schedule, though some roads are steep and narrow. Only do this if you can ride, and wear a helmet.
A day trip to Koh Larn that's worth it
Morning out, evening back
Keep planning your Pattaya and Chonburi trip — where to stay, eat, and explore
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