Island 45 minutes from Pattaya. 6 beaches, clear water, snorkelling, seafood and everything for a perfect daytime escape.
Koh Larn is a small island 45 minutes by public ferry from Pattaya. It's the ultimate daytime escape from Pattaya city: clear water (compared to Pattaya beach), white sand, coral reefs, tropical fish, and no nightlife. Perfect if you want a beach day combined with diving or snorkelling. You wake early, ferry over in morning, swim/snorkel/relax all day, ferry back by evening (last ferry ~6PM), then dive into Pattaya nightlife at night.
The island has 6 main beaches, scattered restaurants and bars, basic infrastructure (7-Eleven, motorbike rental, tour operators). It's developing tourism but not overdeveloped. Crowd varies: weekdays are peaceful, weekends busier with Bangkok visitors. Tourist area is compact—you can walk between most beaches. Island life is simple and relaxing.
Water quality: significantly clearer than Pattaya main beach. Visibility typically 6–12 meters in peak season, 4–8 meters in low season. Marine life: tropical fish, corals, rays, occasional sea turtles. Snorkelling is excellent—you see life within 2 meters of shore in many spots. No major wrecks or deep dives like mainland sites.
Departure point: Bali Hai Pier (also called North Pattaya Pier), located at the northern end of Pattaya Beach, near Pattaya Klang Road. Address: Soi Bali Hai, off Pattaya 2nd Road.
Grab from Central Pattaya: ~50–80 baht, 10–15 minutes. Walk to the pier entrance once dropped off—it's visible from the road. Walking from Central Pattaya: ~30–40 minutes through town, not scenic; not recommended in heat.
Ferry options:
Booking: No advance booking needed for public ferry—just walk to pier and buy ticket at booth 15 minutes before departure. Speedboat operators at pier offer rides; agree price before boarding.
Largest and most developed beach. White sand, shallow water, seafood restaurants along shore. Often busy with tour groups. Best for casual swimming and eating. Snorkelling decent off the rocks at northern end. Multiple bars and beach chair rentals (50–100 baht for chair and umbrella all day). Good for families and relaxed vibes. Weekday visit recommended to avoid crowds.
Quieter and cleaner than Tawaen. Less crowded, nice sand, calm water. Fewer restaurants but better quality. Snorkelling excellent—clear water, coral right offshore, good fish. Fewer tour groups. Recommended for travelers seeking quieter island experience. 5–10 minute walk or motorbike (20 baht) from Tawaen.
Most secluded beach on island. Least crowded. Basic infrastructure (1 restaurant/bar, limited facilities). Beautiful sand, clear water, good snorkelling. Longer boat ride from ferry or motorbike from Tawaen (15 minutes). Best for those wanting solitude and nature. Limited shade and amenities—bring water and sunscreen.
Ting Beach, Khlong Dao Beach, Aiyat Beach—smaller, quieter, less touristy. Basic facilities. Good if you want to escape crowds on Tawaen. Reachable by motorbike rental or long walk.
Main activity. Gear rental: 100–150 baht per day (snorkel, mask, fins). Dive shops and beach vendors rent equipment. Visibility: 6–12m peak season, 4–8m low season. Marine life abundant: tropical fish, parrotfish, snapper, groupers, rays, occasional turtles. Recommended spots: off Samae Beach reefs, Nual Beach offshore rocks, Tawaen northern rocks. Go early morning for calmest water and best light.
PADI training and recreational dives available through operators on island. Open Water courses, fun dives, trips to better wreck sites on mainland. Cost: 2,500–3,500 baht for 2-dive trip. Depth: 5–20 meters typical on reefs. Less dramatic than mainland wrecks but good for beginners and relaxed diving.
Offered at major beaches. Banana boat: 200–300 baht per person for 15 minutes. Jet ski, wake board, parasailing available. More touristy than swimming/snorkelling but fun if you want active water time.
Rent kayaks from beach vendors: 200–300 baht for 1–2 hours. Paddle to nearby islands or along coastline. Calm waters ideal for beginner kayakers.
Seafood: Main offering. Fresh fish, prawns, squid, crab grilled or fried by weight. Typical pricing: 250–400 baht per kilogram. Restaurants on Tawaen Beach offer excellent quality at reasonable prices. Arrive early (11AM–noon) for best fish selection before sold out by evening.
Thai food: Pad Thai, curries, noodles, rice dishes at local shops. 50–120 baht per meal. Basic but filling. Found on all beaches.
International: Pizza, burgers, Western food at some Tawaen vendors. 150–250 baht. Limited options compared to Pattaya.
Drinks: Beer 60–100 baht, cold drinks 30–50 baht, fresh fruit smoothies 40–60 baht. 7-Eleven on island for snacks and water.
Tip: Eat early lunch (11AM–1PM) before peak heat. Take a siesta 1–3PM, then return to water/beach until ferry time.
No cars; island accessed by motorbike or foot. Motorbike rental: 150–300 baht/day. Simple bikes, basic insurance. Helmet required by law (often ignored). Road quality: paved but narrow, coastal roads. Drive carefully—tourists unfamiliar with riding cause accidents. Walking between major beaches is 15–30 minutes.
Peak season: November–May. Calm seas, clear water, good weather. December–February busiest and priciest.
Shoulder: September–October, June–July. Decent conditions, fewer crowds, cheaper.
Low season: August–September. Monsoon, poor visibility, chop. Avoid.
Best months: November–April (water calm, visibility excellent, weather perfect). March–April = warm, fewer crowds, good value.
Perfect itinerary: Early ferry 8AM, beach all day, return ferry 4–5PM, back to Pattaya 5:30–6PM, shower/rest/dinner 6–8PM, nightlife 9PM–3AM at Walking Street or bars. You're in nightlife when it kicks off and can stay out all night. Koh Larn is daytime activity; Pattaya nightlife is evening/night—perfect combo. Related: Scuba Diving Pattaya, Sanctuary of Truth, Cost of Living.
Ferry from Pattaya beach, snorkel, relax, eat fresh seafood. Back by evening for nightlife. Live streams every night to plan your day.