🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Tawaen Beach sits on the east side of Koh Larn, facing the sea and catching a pretty morning sun. It's the beach where the big passenger ferries from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya dock directly, so most people start their Koh Larn trip here. The beach runs about a kilometre long, with fine white sand, shallow water you can wade into, and full services from one end to the other. The draw is convenience; the trade-off is that it gets very crowded on weekends. If you want a chiller vibe, you can move on to Samae Beach or Nuan Beach later.
Where Is Tawaen Beach, and Why Is It the Main One?
Tawaen Beach is Koh Larn's front door for day-trippers, because the regular big ferries from Bali Hai mainly drop you at the Tawaen Beach pier. The moment the ferry docks, you're met by shops, gear-rental stalls, and rows of water-sports stands. From this one spot you can rent a beach chair to lounge on, grab an inner tube, catch a songthaew to another beach, or find something to eat. That's why it's become the liveliest hub on the island.
- Big passenger ferry — leaves from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, fare around 30 THB per trip, takes roughly 40–45 min, drops you at Tawaen Beach pier (some runs land at Na Ban pier instead, so check the sign before boarding)
- Speedboat — much faster, around 15–20 min to Tawaen Beach, roughly 150–200 THB per head to join a shared boat, or a few thousand THB to charter the whole boat depending on size. Good for groups who don't want to wait for the scheduled ferry
- Songthaew on the island — from the Tawaen Beach pier there are songthaews shuttling to other beaches like Samae, Nuan and Thian. Fares run from tens of baht to just over a hundred depending on distance. Always ask the price before getting on
On weekends, go early
On Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends it gets packed, the ferry queues get long, and the beach fills up by late morning. Catch one of the first ferries in the morning and you'll snag a well-placed beach chair, skip the water-sports queues, and enjoy the water while it's still clear before the crowd wades in. On the way back, if you leave in the late afternoon along with everyone else, budget extra time for the ferry wait too.
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.
What Water Sports Are at Tawaen Beach, and How Much?
What makes Tawaen busier than the other beaches is the full lineup of water sports running the length of the shore. The prices below are rough ranges from several operators and can shift with the season, weekends, and how well you bargain. Before any activity, ask the price clearly, confirm whether it's per ride or per person, and always check the gear and life jackets first.
Banana Boat
The crowd favourite that groups of friends and families do the most. You sit in a row on a banana-shaped inflatable while a speedboat drags you around the bay, waiting to see when it'll flip you into the water. It fits 5–6 people at a time, and it's great for anyone who wants a thrill without a fear of heights.
Parasailing
Strap into a parachute and let a speedboat pull you up into the air, with a high-angle view over Tawaen Beach and the island. It photographs well and hits a nice level of excitement. Big operators like KL Parasailing even offer pickup on the island. A ride lasts only a few minutes but it's worth the rush.
Jet Ski
You drive the jet ski yourself for the rental time you pay for. Speed lovers enjoy it, but it's the activity to be most careful about when it comes to damage-fee agreements. Before renting, photograph and video the machine from every angle, and settle the terms clearly to avoid being hit with a damage claim afterwards.
Sea Walker (Underwater Walk)
You wear a helmet with air piped down to it and walk along the sandy seabed, looking at fish and coral without needing to swim. It's great for people who want to see the underwater world but are nervous in water. It's usually sold as a package that includes the boat, and it costs more than the surface activities.
Snorkeling
Rent a mask and snorkel to look at coral and fish in the shallows, or buy a boat tour that takes you out to clearer spots around the island. It won't blow your budget and you get to see real marine life, suitable for all ages, though how clear the water is depends on the weather that day.
Kayak / Inner Tube
A chill option for people who don't want anything intense. Rent a kayak to paddle along the shore, or grab an inner tube to float in the shallows and soak up the sun. It suits kids and anyone here to relax rather than chase a thrill.
Safety first
Before any water sport, check that the life jacket is complete and cinches tight, ask clearly whether the price is per ride or per person, and settle the damage terms before you pay, especially for jet skis, which in some cases come with drama over inflated damage claims. Photograph the condition of the gear before you start as evidence, and if the wind and waves are unusually strong, push it to another day.
Beach Chairs, Umbrellas and Seaside Restaurants
Tawaen Beach has beach chairs and umbrellas to rent lined up along the whole shore, so you can sit and catch the breeze without laying out your own mat. Most charge per set per day, and some let you use them free if you order food or drinks from the restaurant that runs that zone. Before you sit, ask clearly how they charge so there's no confusion when the bill comes.
- Beach chair + umbrella — rented as a daily set, roughly a few hundred THB per set; some places discount it or throw it in free if you order food and drinks. Ask the terms before you sit
- Seaside restaurants — fresh seafood, stir-fried dishes, som tum, snacks and drinks. You can order it right to your chair. Prices on the island run a bit higher than on the Pattaya side because everything is hauled over by boat
- Toilets and showers — available for a small per-use fee, so keep coins or small notes handy. Rinsing off before the ferry back makes the trip easier
- Natural shade — there are trees along parts of the beach for shade, but in high season people grab those spots fast, so come early for a better position
A Day at Tawaen Beach — How to Plan Your Time
If you're doing Koh Larn as a day trip with Tawaen Beach as your base, here's a schedule built to dodge the crowds, so you get your swim, your water sports, and your lunch without rushing.
Catch the first ferry, claim a chair before the crowd
Water sports + a seafood lunch
Catch some photos, rinse off, then head back
Things to Know Before You Go to Tawaen Beach
- Weekends are crowded and ferries fill up — Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends overflow, with long ferry queues both ways. Going early and leaving before the late afternoon is far easier
- Check the price and safety before any water sport — ask the price clearly, confirm per ride or per person, check the life jacket and the gear, and settle the damage terms, especially for jet skis, before you pay
- The sea is murky on some days depending on the weather — how clear the water is depends on the weather and the wind and waves that day. Some days the water isn't as clear as in the photos, which is just nature. Check the forecast before you go
- Bring cash — shops, beach chairs, songthaew fares and many water-sports operators mainly take cash. The signal and card machines on the island aren't always reliable
- Help keep the beach clean — take your rubbish back or bin it properly, don't throw it in the sea, and help keep Tawaen Beach and Koh Larn clean and pretty for the long run
- Pack enough sun protection — the island sun is strong, so use waterproof sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and keep drinking water
The short version: Tawaen Beach suits people who want it all in one beach, swimming, water sports, a chair to lounge in the breeze, and restaurants, traded against the noise and crowds on weekends. If you want a quieter beach, you can move on to Samae, Nuan or Thian as alternatives.
Plan a full day on Koh Larn — where to stay, the beaches, and what to eat
See the Koh Larn travel guide →