Koh Larn is a beautiful escape island. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, just a short boat ride away from the bustling city of Pattaya, lies the idyllic Koh Larn Beach. This hidden gem is a haven for beach enthusiasts seeking sun, sand and sea, away from the urban hustle and bustle.
This small island is often overlooked by millions of backpackers that visit the country and one of the reasons could be because Thailand has many amazing islands to offer.
On my recent visit to Bangkok, I discovered a beautiful island, the charm of Thailand, a tropical paradise waiting to be discovered. Gear up for Koh Larn!
1. Bangkok en route to Pattaya
I booked a Grab from my hotel in Bangkok and arrived at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. Koh Larn is easily accessible from Pattaya City, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Here’s a revised version:
A handy travel tip: when journeying from Bangkok city to Pattaya, consider catching the earliest ride to avoid elevated fare charges.
Where do you purchase speedboat tickets?
There are many speedboat counters at the pier, you can walk up to any and get a speedboat ticket to Koh Larn Island. The advantage is that you don’t need to buy tickets in advance. Simply visit Bali Hai Pier and acquire your ticket directly from any counter. It’s advisable to consider a round-trip ticket, streamlining transportation and easing one item off your travel checklist.
The journey takes about 45 minutes and during the ride, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride, clean pristine waters and gentle sea breeze create a sense of tranquillity, setting the stage for a memorable experience.
The ferry docked at Na Baan Pier and from there I walked to my hotel and later on rented a bike to move freely around the island.
Speedboat ticket price to Koh Larn: 300 Baht round trip
2. Moving around the Island
There are three possible ways for you to explore the island,
- Walk and enjoy the scenic view of the island
- Rent a bike
- Hop on the Songthaew (a passenger vehicle almost like a pickup truck)
3. Where Do You Start?
As a slow traveller, I spent most of my time admiring the beauty in front of me. Since I stayed at Sentosa Resort, it was just a 2-minute walk from Na Baan Pier and perched over the water’s edge so the view was pretty much spectacular. I spent the entire evening ready by the resort.
Now, Koh Larn is renowned for its diverse beaches, each offering a unique atmosphere and activities. Here are the most popular island landmarks:
Most Popular Koh Larn Landmarks:
- Samae Beach
- Tien Beach
- Tawaen Beach
- Tonglang Beach
- Nual Beach
- Ta Yai Beach
Viewpoint
- Khao Phra Yai Viewpoint
- Windmill View Point (you’ll have to hike)
- Shooting Range
- Big Buddha Mountain
Here comes the spoiler, Koh Larn Beach is pretty small and I explored the entire island in just one day. But, from a day of exploration here’s what I think that could get you kickstarted.
The good news is that Koh Larn has a beach to suit every taste regardless of your preference.
Tawaen Beach is the largest and most popular beach. The Giant Buddha statue is seated at the viewpoint and since it is a popular destination, it is crowded and you can find many water activities in this area. The beach is huge with powdery white sand and an array of water sports.
For those seeking a quieter retreat, Samae Beach offers a more laid-back ambience, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.
But the most satisfying beach I enjoyed throughout my stay was Ta Yai Beach. Its quiet 100-metre-long stretch of white sand with just one place to eat and drink got me returning more than once.
During my time on the island, I dedicated an entire day to Ta Yai Beach. I immersed myself in the simple pleasures of reading, intermittently taking refreshing dips in the sea. Later, I returned to unwind on the beach seats, savouring the remainder of the day in relaxation.
3. Adventurous Water Activities
Adventure-seekers will find lots of water activities to indulge in at Koh Larn. Snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Jet skiing, parasailing or kayaking are also available for those looking to inject an adrenaline rush into their beach day.
The island’s clear waters and vibrant underwater ecosystem make it a paradise for water lovers.
4. Local Thai Cuisine
There are plenty of local coffee shops, small eateries and food stalls dotted around the island. Seafood lovers will be delighted with the array of fresh catches prepared in traditional Thai styles. Beachside restaurants offer a perfect setting to savour delectable dishes while enjoying panoramic ocean views. From grilled prawns to spicy curries, Koh Larn’s culinary scene is a treat for the taste buds.
Worthy Eats
- พักร้อน Coffee Bar
- Love on Sea Cafe
- Matata Bay Cafe
- Krua Chalita Restaurant
- Pizza & Coffee Koh Larn
- Night Market around the pier
i enjoyed พักร้อน Coffee Bar, they served delicious blueberries cheesecake!
5. Blissful Sunrise & Sunsets
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sunset from one of Koh Larn’s scenic viewpoints. The sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues, casting a magical glow over the island. Whether you’re with friends, a loved one, or simply enjoying the solitude, the sunset at Koh Larn is a moment to cherish.
6. Accommodation or Guest Houses
Koh Larn currently boasts a diverse selection of more than 70 guesthouses and hotels, predominantly owned by local families. Unlike Pattaya, you won’t find sprawling resort hotels on the island, as regulations prohibit further development along the beaches. Consequently, the majority of accommodations are located in the vicinity of Naban Pier.
An overnight stay on Koh Larn provides an optimal way to immerse yourself in the island’s charm. Throughout the year, once day-trippers depart, tranquillity envelops the island, offering a serene haven. Tour groups typically arrive between 9-10 am and depart in the mid to late afternoon, around 3-4 pm. Consequently, the periods before and after these hours present ideal opportunities for secluded swimming and snorkelling, away from the crowds.
Even if the main beach is almost overrun by day-trippers from Pattaya, the remaining beaches of Koh Larn have remained calm and offer amazing holiday feelings.
Koh Larn Beach in Pattaya City is a true tropical paradise, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a sunbather, or a seafood connoisseur, this island has something for everyone.
Escape the urban chaos and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Koh Larn, a slice of heaven waiting to be explored.
