If Pattaya’s endless parties prove a little too much (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), we’ve got just the tonic: a day trip to Koh Larn!
Imagine azure blue seas, powdery white sands and mountains of fresh seafood, with barely a skyscraper in sight. That’s what awaits at this peaceful island paradise, which sits just 7.5 kilometres west of Pattaya Beach.
Nual Beach, Koh Larn
Getting There
Also known as Coral Island, Koh Larn is an easy 40-minute ferry from Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier (right next to Walking Street, about 20 minutes’ drive from Siam@Siam Pattaya), and at just THB30/person this is one ferry you want to catch.
Boats leave Pattaya at regular intervals (from around 7am to 6:30pm), but be aware they can pack out in the middle of the day. You also have the option of catching a speedboat across—expect to pay about THB200/person or more, depending on your haggling skills.
The tiny island has a population of around 400 people and makes for an easy, relaxing holiday within a holiday.
Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya
Ferry to Koh Larn
Fun in the Sun
The main attraction has to be the beaches. There are six dotted around the island, most of which have rows of deckchairs and sun umbrellas which you can rent for the day for around THB100.
Popular consensus seems to be that Samae and Thawaen are the most idyllic beaches, but we say you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Nual and Tien (just beware the footbridge in severe disrepair) are slightly quieter but just as rewarding.
All beaches sit more or less around 10 minutes’ ride from Nabaan Pier via baht bus (THB40) or motorcycle taxi (THB40-80).
Nual Beach, Koh Larn
Tien Beach, Koh Larn
Tien Beach, Koh Larn
Eat O’Clock
When it comes to seafood, you’re spoiled for choice. There are many seaside dining options, especially along the island’s east coast, with recommended options including Chalianglom Kitchen and Krua Phuangphayom.
Maharak Cafe is definitely one of the chicest spots to laze for a few hours with a cake and cool drink, while you’ll be lucky to find a better flat white on the island (or in Pattaya, for that matter) than at Rinrak Cafe.
If you decide to stay over, you can also drop by the night market near Nabaan Pier as well as reap the benefits of couple of 24-hour 7-Elevens.
Flat white at Rinrak Cafe
Krua Phuangphayom, Koh Larn
