Pattaya is well known for it’s beaches. I love the beach. So taking the ferry out to Koh Larn is a perfect getaway.
This article has answers to popular questions like: “How to go to Koh Larn?” and “What is there to do on Koh Larn and is it worth visiting?”
Where is Koh Larn
Koh Larn is sometimes spelled Koh Laan or Koh Lan and is located just off the coast of Pattaya.
Pattaya’s coast is full of beaches. They are convenient, plentiful and also crowded. Their proximity to the road also makes it more challenging to escape and relax. Think Ocean Drive in Miami – but with a narrower strip of sand.
We think that’s why we enjoyed Koh Larn so much. It’s removed from the mainland and thus feels special. There’s not an endless sea of automobiles to your back. The beach we went to was still crowded, but knowing that you’re on an island makes it easier to forget that.
How to Get to Koh Larn
To reach the island you have 2 options.
• Speedboat – quick but expensive unless there are several of you to split the cost
• Ferryboat – slow, but cheaper than a beer
Both transport options are side by side. Our plan was to take the ferry. The first departure was at 8:00 A.M. We arrived at the ticket booth at about 8:01. Talk about bad timing. We were stuck in some traffic and had trouble finding a parking spot. You can avoid this if you take public transport.
The trip to the island is a quick 40 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the warm breeze as Pattaya City passes you by. For only 20 Baht (less than $3) you can escape the craziness of the city and find yourself in a completely new environment. That’s what great about Pattaya, it has a little something for everyone.
Top Things to Do on Koh Larn
Once on the island there are plenty of places to relax. The beach is divided into sections. There are areas to swim and areas to go boating. Chairs and umbrella’s are plentiful. As are shops to buy food and souvenirs.
We had never been jet skiing before, so we saw this trip to Koh Larn to be the perfect opportunity to have our own adventure.You can find them all over the beach. They also have a watertight compartment to store your belongings – or you can rent a locker near the shops. Like anytime you rent something (car, jetski, etc.), always check to make sure there are no dents or scratches on the vehicle and inform the attendant. It’s a good practice anywhere you go.
We only had about 2 hours on the island, so we couldn’t enjoy everything it had to offer. There are plenty of places to eat, inner tubes to rent, snorkeling lots of other water sports and a variety of beaches to explore. This is an easy full-day event.
There is a 2nd pier on the island that returns back to shore as well as the original one you came in on. It’s located at Naban Pier. A quick motorbike ride will take you there. It’s return time’s are slightly different than the first ferry that brought you to the island which is convenient. Plus there are many food stalls if you want to grab something to eat for your trip home.
Before departing the for the mainland we stopped at 7-Eleven for some snacks. There are hundreds of them in Thailand. We sought out some chips and cookies.
Know Before You Go
Appeals To: Everyone
Suggested Stay: An easy half-day. But you may want to make it a full-day experience. If you miss the last ferry to shore you’ve just extended your stay by one day. Congratulations. Tell us what you did all night!
Cost: 20 Baht (less than $1) per person, one way on the ferry. Jet Skis, Beach Chairs, Inner Tubes, Sea Bananas, etc. all vary in price. Bring cash and sharpen your bargaining skills. We paid the first price given but it doesn’t hurt to try to bargain, especially if there are a lot of you renting. What’s the worst they could say, No?
Getting There: Ferries leave from Bali Hai Pier, located on the South end of Walking Street (look for the Pattaya City sign). Parking is minimal and the few lots that exist fill up quick. You may want to take a taxi there and back to save you the trouble of finding a parking spot.
Don’t Miss: The island has several beaches. The one the ferry drops off at, Tawan Beach, is the most convenient and thus the most crowded. There are additional beaches on the other side of the island that we were told are more secluded. We couldn’t make it there so you’ve got something to explore on your own.
Visit Online: None that we could find. You’re choosing your own adventure here. Have fun.
BTW: Lockers, showers and bathrooms are available. Bring cash to use all three. Motorbikes can be rented all day, or by the trip. By the trip is significantly cheaper if all you need is a one-way ride.