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40 minute slow boat from Pattaya Pier
Koh Larn Island is arguably the most convenient island to visit from Bangkok and certainly an easy trip from Pattaya. To reach this island paradise, all you need to do is go to Pattaya Pier.
For those of you driving, there's a large and secure parking lot nearby that you should use – no need to worry about your car. The boats to Koh Larn run about every half hour, and at just 30 baht per ride, it won't cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you're feeling fancy, you can always opt for a speed boat at a higher price.
Trust me when I say that this island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and breathtakingly blue waters that Thailand has to offer. As a frequent visitor to Koh Larn, I've even documented my travels here on YouTube, so you can get a sneak peek of what to expect before you set off on your adventure.
When you arrive at your destination, you may encounter people who will try to take you to a different beach. They might even pressure you. The reason for this is that they want to earn money by offering you transportation services. They may also try to entice you with moped rentals, but I advise against this. The island has many hills and curves, which can make riding a moped dangerous, especially if you don't have proper protection such as helmets. Your safety is of utmost importance, so it's best to avoid any unnecessary risks and stay safe. Losing your life in such a silly way is not worth it.
There are songthaews (similar to minibuses without protection) available as well, but they can also be risky. However, they are the best mode of transportation you can get. If you're confused about which beach to visit, don't worry. I'll provide you with the information you need here. You will either arrive in Koh Larn at the town or Tawean Beach, those are the two piers on Koh Larn.
Tawaen Beach is the most lively and developed beach. It's also the most crowded beach on the island, with thousands of visitors every day. You'll find people from all over the world here, speaking different languages and enjoying different cuisines. Many restaurants and people serve you on the beach. You can also have fun with activities like Jet Ski, and Banana Boat. There are some resorts to choose from on this beach. Check out my Accommodations section for more details on where to stay. Tawaen Beach also has a 7-11 store and coffee shops on the beachfront.
Samae Beach is a beautiful destination for tourists. The beach boasts of white sand and blue waters which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can also rent a beach chair and order food and drinks from there. Along the beach, many restaurants are offering delicious food. The beach is 537 meters long, making it perfect for walking or jogging. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take part in activities like jet skiing, banana boating, and snorkelling.
If you're planning to stay near the beach, Xanadu Resort is a great option. The resort offers a free shuttle service from Naban Pier and is located near the beach. They also have a large conference hall that can host up to 200 people, making it perfect for work meetings or conferences. Your colleagues will surely love you after a meeting on an island.
Nual Beach, situated at the southern tip of Koh Larn, is a beautiful and serene beach on the island. It offers a variety of activities, such as restaurant, restroom, swimming and snorkeling. The beach has undergone some transformations in recent years. A former resort was demolished to make way for a new one, but the project was halted due to local opposition. Now, the beach has only temporary structures that give it a unique charm. Another distinctive feature of Nual Beach is the presence of monkeys on the hillside. Visitors can enjoy watching and feeding them if they wish.
In my opinion, Tien Beach is the best beach on the island. It is medium-sized and offers stunning views of the blue ocean and white sand. Tien Beach is popular all year round and is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and quiet environment. To get to Tien Beach, you can take a speed boat, charter a boat, or hire a local taxi. However, please note that there are no roads to this beach, so you will have to walk for about five minutes from the taxi stop.
Na Baan is connected to Samae Beach and is the main town of the island,
Na Baan is an area with a pier that connects to the mainland. You can find a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants here, offering local and international cuisine. If you need to do some laundry, there are laundrettes here too. However, you should watch out for the traffic, as there are no pavements and the drivers here tend to be simple shells we say.
Maharak Cafe was a popular one for me and the misses.
You can arrive in the morning and depart later in the day back to Pattaya. However, if you're like me and can't get enough of the island life.
My preferred lodging option is Sealey Resort, conveniently located right next to Tawaan Pier. This allows for easy luggage drop-off upon arrival.
Remember that there are two docking areas for boats on the island, so be sure to choose the one that corresponds to your intended destination.
I believe that Sealey Resort is the best choice, as explained in my video after exploring many resorts beforehand. So, take a look and see if it's the right fit for you!
If you happen to be staying on Tawaan Beach, I highly recommend heading up the road to Tawaan Beach Resort for some delicious and reasonably priced food. Their Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup) is particularly exceptional, and I always make a point to indulge in it when I'm there!
That being said, while it's always good to save money where you can, I encourage you not to be too hesitant to spend money at the expense of the locals. The islanders rely heavily on tourism to make a living, so please be sure to support their businesses as much as possible.
If you love water sports, you can try parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boating on the island. Many places on the beaches offer these fun activities.
For a quieter beach time, you can go to some of the other beaches on the island, like Samae Beach or Nual Beach. These beaches are not as busy and have a more chill vibe and enjoy your holiday!
Discover the charms of Koh Larn, a beautiful island in Thailand. You Know Thailand can help you plan the perfect trip with tips on what to see, where to stay, what to do and how to get there. We know the best deals and the hidden gems. You can book your travel options easily here. Don't wait, start your adventure today!
TRANSPORT
Getting to Koh Larn is relatively easy, and there are a few different options for transportation:
To get to Koh Larn from Bangkok, you'll first need to travel to Pattaya. From Bangkok, you can take a bus, minivan, or taxi to Pattaya. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transport you choose.
By boat: The most common way to get to Koh Larn is by boat from Pattaya. You can catch a ferry from Bali Hai Pier or Walking Street Pier, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes. The ferries run from early morning until late afternoon, and the cost is typically around 30-50 baht per person each way.
By speedboat: If you're in a hurry or prefer a more private transport option, you can also hire a speedboat to take you to Koh Larn. These can be more expensive than the regular ferries, but they offer a quicker and more comfortable journey.
By tour: Many tour companies in Pattaya offer day trips to Koh Larn that include transportation, food, and activities. This can be a good option if you want to see the highlights of the island without having to plan everything yourself.
Use the Asian Public Transport Link below to book your transport.
Once you arrive on Koh Larn, the main mode of transportation is by motorbike taxi or songthaew (shared truck taxi). These can be found at the piers and will take you to your accommodation or around the island. However, as previously mentioned, be cautious when renting a moped on the island, as the roads can be steep and dangerous.
ACCOMMODATION
Looking for a place to stay in Koh Larn, you have two main options: Tawaen Beach and Na Baan. Tawaen Beach is the most popular and crowded beach on the island, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and activities. Na Baan is the main village and port of Koh Larn, where you tend to find cheaper accommodation, local food and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Koh Larn has several areas to stay in based on budget and preferences. Tawaen Beach is the most popular with a long sandy beach, restaurants, and many accommodation options. Samae Beach is quieter but has restaurants and guesthouses. Nual Beach is peaceful and secluded, while Tien Beach is a bit further away and offers a tranquil atmosphere. Book in advance during peak season due to limited accommodation options compared to Pattaya.
TOURS
Pattaya - Koh Larn
Rayong - Koh Samet
Chao Lao Beach
Chanthaburi
Koh Chang
Escape to the tropical paradise of Thailand's eastern seaboard on this incredible tour. Start in Pattaya, a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Take a ferry to Koh Larn, an idyllic island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
From Pattaya, travel to Rayong and visit Koh Samet, a stunning island known for its lush jungle, pristine beaches, and stunning coral reefs. Take a scenic hike to admire the breath-taking views, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Next, visit Chao Lao Beach, a quiet and serene stretch of sand surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Sample delicious seafood caught fresh from the sea.
Continue your tour to Chanthaburi, a charming town known for its beautiful waterfalls and vibrant local markets. Explore the town's vibrant street life and sample delicious Thai cuisine at one of the many local street stalls.
Finally, head to Koh Chang, the largest island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park. With its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and diverse wildlife, this island is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of Thailand's tropical coast. Whether you're lounging on the beach, hiking through the jungle, or exploring the island's rich marine life, Koh Chang is sure to provide a memorable experience.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Thailand's eastern seaboard, from bustling cities and idyllic islands to serene beaches and lush jungles. With its stunning scenery, vibrant local culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, this tour is a must-see for any traveller.
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