🧍♂️ Traveller:
I’ve pretty much explored Pattaya, but I feel like going somewhere more tropical. Is there any island I can visit just for a day?
🧍♀️ Local Friend:
Then Koh Larn is the best choice. The water is super clear and the beaches feel like a different world.
🧍♂️ Traveller:
Is it really that beautiful? I have no idea how to get there or which beach I should go to though…
🧍♀️ Local Friend:
Don’t worry. The ferry is easy, and each beach has a different vibe. I’ll show you a simple way to enjoy Koh Larn today.
Koh Larn is a small island located just off the coast of Pattaya, making it perfect for a relaxed one-day trip.
With clear water, soft sand, and a calm island atmosphere, it offers a refreshing break from the busy city without requiring long travel time.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Koh Larn, which beaches are worth visiting, and how to plan a smooth and comfortable day trip at your own pace.
⛴️ What Is Koh Larn Like?
Koh Larn is a small island located just off the coast of Pattaya.
Although it is very close to the city, the atmosphere feels completely different.
With clear blue water, soft white sand, and a slower pace of life, Koh Larn is one of the easiest ways to experience real island vibes without traveling far.
It is perfect for a quick day trip, and also a great place to stay overnight if you want a more relaxed experience.
🌴 Only 7 km Away – An Easy Paradise for a Day Trip
Koh Larn is a small island you can actually see from Pattaya on a clear day.
It is only about 7 kilometers away, yet it feels surprisingly separate from the city.
If you leave your hotel in Pattaya in the morning, you can usually be standing on a Koh Larn beach in about one to two hours.
It doesn’t feel like a big journey — more like going to a beautiful beach just outside town.
This short distance is what makes Koh Larn so popular for day trips.
🌊 A Totally Different Vibe from Pattaya
Compared to busy Pattaya, Koh Larn feels like a completely different world.
The water is clearer, the sand is whiter, and everything moves at a slower, calmer pace.
There is no traffic noise, no endless crowds — just waves, beach chairs, and people enjoying the moment.
It’s the kind of place where you can swim, relax, or simply lie on the sand without feeling rushed.
⭐ Why Locals Recommend Koh Larn
Many people who live in Pattaya love Koh Larn because it is close, affordable, and feels like a true island escape.
It is easy enough for a simple day trip, yet comfortable enough to stay overnight.
Food, drinks, and basic services are only slightly more expensive than in Pattaya — not the extreme “island prices” many travelers expect.
You can enjoy clear water, beach views, and island scenery without long travel or high costs, which is why Koh Larn is often recommended by locals.
🚤 How to Get from Pattaya to Koh Larn (Ferry & Speedboat)
📍 Departure Point: Bali Hai Pier
Boats to Koh Larn leave from Bali Hai Pier, located at the southern end of Pattaya.
The easiest way to get there is by songthaew.
Get off near the Walking Street gate, then walk about 10 minutes to the pier.
This route is:
- Cheap
- Simple
- Easy even for first-time visitors
If you leave your hotel early, you can usually reach the ferry area without any trouble.
⛴ Public Ferry
(About 40 minutes | 30 baht one way)
The public ferry is the most popular and budget-friendly option.
No advance booking is needed.
Simply go to the ferry boarding area, pay cash, and get on.
There is an official timetable, but when the pier becomes crowded, extra ferries often operate, so you usually don’t have to worry about missing a boat.
The ferry is large, stable, and comfortable, which makes it a great choice for first-time visitors.
Ferries arrive only at these two official piers on Koh Larn:
- Na Baan Pier
- Tawaen Beach Pier
Before boarding, it’s a good idea to quickly confirm which pier your ferry will use, as this affects your transport on the island.
🚤 Speedboat
(About 20 minutes | from around 150 baht one way)
Speedboats are much faster, but the ride is more adventurous.
On the Pattaya side, most speedboats depart from the same Bali Hai Pier area.
On Koh Larn, however, arrival and departure points are more flexible.
Speedboats can drop you off not only at the two main piers, but also directly at certain beaches.
Because of this, it’s very important to confirm the landing point when you buy your ticket.
Another important point:
The ride can be quite bumpy, especially when the sea is rough.
If you have back problems, recent injuries, or are sensitive to strong movement, the ferry is usually the better choice.
🎟 Ticket Purchase, Timing & Busy Periods
For ferries:
- Tickets are bought directly at the boarding area
- Cash payment only
- No reservation required
- Extra ferries often run when crowded
For speedboats:
- You arrange everything directly with staff near the pier
- Always confirm:
- Your drop-off point on Koh Larn
- Your return departure point
Mornings are usually the busiest, especially on weekends and Thai public holidays.
🔁 Return Boats & Important Tips
For ferries:
- Always use Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach Pier
- Check the arrival pier before boarding
For speedboats:
- Pattaya departure is usually Bali Hai Pier
- Koh Larn return point can be a pier or a beach
- Always confirm both sides before paying
There is usually no need to worry about tickets selling out, because extra boats often operate when needed.
Easy rule to remember:
- ✅ Ferry → Check the arrival pier (Na Baan or Tawaen)
- ✅ Speedboat → Confirm the beach or pier before paying
🏝️ 3 Recommended Beaches on Koh Larn
Koh Larn has several beautiful beaches, but each one has a very different atmosphere.
Here are three recommended beaches that are easy to enjoy, even on a short visit.
🌊 Tawaen Beach
Tawaen Beach is the most famous beach on Koh Larn and the easiest choice for first-time visitors.
The pier is located very close to the beach, so once you arrive by ferry or speedboat, you can simply walk straight onto the sand.
The beach features wide white sand and bright turquoise water, creating a classic tropical resort look.
Along the beach, you’ll find many restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and water sports counters, giving this area the strongest “resort vibe” on the island.
You can enjoy activities such as parasailing and banana boats, and the beach always feels lively and energetic.
If you want a fun, convenient, and active beach, Tawaen Beach is the safest and most comfortable choice on Koh Larn.
Tap here to open the exact location of Tawaen Beach:
→ View on Google Maps
🌿 Tien Beach
Tien Beach is a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter and more natural atmosphere.
Compared to Tawaen Beach, there are fewer tourists, and the entire area feels much more relaxed and peaceful.
One of the most charming features is the line of trees growing just behind the sand, which creates natural shade and adds a calm, tropical mood to the beach.
Recently, small cafés and restaurants have started appearing at the back of the beach.
The area feels fresh and welcoming, but not overly developed.
It’s not too busy, not too commercial — just a comfortable balance that lets you enjoy a more local side of Koh Larn.
If you want a calm beach with greenery and space to relax, Tien Beach is an excellent choice.
Tap here to open the exact location of Tien Beach:
→ View on Google Maps
🌅Samae Beach
Samae Beach is one of the most scenic beaches on Koh Larn, with clear water and a calm, open atmosphere.
The sand is wide, and the water is very clean, making it perfect for both relaxing and swimming.
One of the most unique features is a fan-shaped structure that still clearly stands on a small hill at one end of the beach.
Next to it, a staircase leads up to the Samae Beach Viewpoint.
The path and stairs are quite steep, so comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the entire beach.
On the opposite side of the beach is Xanadu Beach Resort (a 3-star hotel).
Thanks to its location, it’s a great place to stay if you want to relax until sunset without worrying about ferry schedules.
There are some restaurants nearby, but shops and toilets are limited, so bringing your own drinks is a smart idea.
Samae Beach is perfect for travelers who want quiet scenery, gentle exploration, and a peaceful island atmosphere.
Tap here to open the exact location of Samae Beach:
→ View on Google Maps
🗓️ One-Day Model Course (Morning → Evening)
Based on my experience, here is the best way to explore Koh Larn in one day.
Pattaya→Tawaen Beach → Tien Beach → Samae Beach → Back to Pattaya
This plan is balanced, easy to follow, and perfect for first-time visitors.
Moves: Ferry + Songthaew + Short Walk only.
📝 From My Own Visits
I’ve visited Koh Larn several times as a day trip from Pattaya,
and the ferry route and beach order in this itinerary are based on what worked best during those visits.
Catch the morning ferry from Bali Hai Pier.
The ride takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll land directly at Tawaen Beach Pier.
Once you arrive, simply walk into the beach area — it’s lively, colorful, and full of island vibes.
Tawaen is the busiest beach on Koh Larn.
Grab a drink, enjoy the bright white sand, and check the activity booths if you want water sports later.
Spend about 1 hour strolling and settling into island mode.
From Tawaen, hop on a songthaew heading toward Tien Beach.
Ride time: around 10–15 minutes.
Tien Beach is calmer and more relaxed than Tawaen — perfect for lunch.
What to do:
- Eat at a beachfront Thai restaurant
- Enjoy the quieter vibe
- Take photos under the palm-lined walkways
After lunch, continue on foot to Samae Beach.
The walk from Tien → Samae is easy and scenic (approx. 15 minutes).
You’ll arrive at Samae Beach, one of the widest and cleanest beaches on the island.
Enjoy:
- Beach chairs
- The viewpoint stairs for panoramic photos
- A drink at one of the beach cafés
※ Samae has fewer shops, so bring drinks just in case.
When you’re done relaxing, go to the road area where songthaews are always waiting at Samae.
It’s very easy — no walking required.
Take a songthaew to Na Baan Pier, the main pier for the return ferry.
Board the 5:00 PM ferry from Na Baan Pier.
- Ferry time: about 40 minutes
- After walking out of Bali Hai Pier, you’ll be on Pattaya Beach Road by around 6:00 PM
Perfect timing to enjoy dinner, a sunset walk, or explore the night spots.
💡 Tips to Enjoy Koh Larn 100%
These simple tips will help you enjoy Koh Larn more comfortably and stress-free.
Start Early for the Best Experience
If you want to enjoy Koh Larn at its best, leave Pattaya early in the morning.
The beaches are calmer, the water is clearer, and you’ll have more space to relax.
Popular beaches like Tawaen start getting busy from late morning, so arriving early lets you enjoy the island before day-trippers arrive.
Bring Cash, a Towel, and Drinking Water
Cash is still essential on Koh Larn.
Most beach vendors, songthaews, and small cafés don’t accept credit cards, and ATMs are limited.
What to bring:
- Small bills in cash
- A towel (rentals aren’t always available)
- Drinking water
- Band-aids (some scenic spots have rocky areas)
A little preparation goes a long way on the island.
Getting Around the Island
There are three main ways to get around Koh Larn:
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks)
The most common and easiest option.
They run between beaches with fixed routes and prices.
Motorbike taxis
Good for short trips or solo travelers.
Always agree on the price before hopping on.
Rental motorbikes
Best for experienced riders.
Roads can be steep and winding, so ride with caution.
For first-time visitors, songthaews are more than enough.
Toilets, Showers, and Lockers
All major beaches offer basic facilities:
- Toilets (10 THB for toilets, 50 THB for showers)
- Freshwater showers
- Lockers at beach restaurants or rental shops
Facilities at Samae and Tien Beach are generally cleaner and easier to use than at busier beaches.
Where to Eat on Koh Larn
Most dining options are located right on the beaches.
- Tawaen Beach: wide selection, tourist-friendly
- Tien Beach: relaxed lunch with a sea view
- Samae Beach: quieter atmosphere, reasonable prices
You’ll find classic Thai dishes like fried rice, pad thai, grilled seafood, and cold drinks — perfect for a beach day.
🔎 Recommended Notes for Travelers
- During high season, ferries can get crowded, so try to arrive at Bali Hai Pier at least 20–30 minutes early.
- Always check the return ferry time before leaving Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach Pier to avoid last-minute stress.
- Songthaew rides on Koh Larn usually cost around 40 THB per trip, so prepare small cash in advance.
- Facilities vary by beach, and most “restrooms” are simple shower stalls.
Toilets usually cost around 10 baht and showers about 50 baht, so plan your swim stops wisely. - Natural shade is limited on most beaches.
Renting a beach chair with an umbrella (around 100 baht) is highly recommended for comfort. - If you plan to swim, bring a small waterproof bag for your phone and valuables.
Leaving bags on the sand is not ideal — renting a beach chair keeps your belongings safer, and staff nearby usually keep an eye on the area.
🏖️ Photo Spots & Scenic Views on Koh Larn
Koh Larn may not have flashy attractions,
but the island’s natural scenery itself is the highlight.
You don’t need special equipment or long hikes to enjoy beautiful views here.
Below are two easy-to-access photo spots that are perfect even for first-time visitors.
📍Blue Ocean Views from Tawaen Beach Pier
The pier at Tawaen Beach is one of the easiest places on Koh Larn to take great ocean photos.
This is where ferries and speedboats arrive and depart,
but if you walk toward the end of the pier, you’ll find clear views of the turquoise sea and white shoreline.
On sunny days, the water color looks especially vivid, making this spot perfect for wide-angle photos.
Why this spot works well:
- Very easy to access
- Perfect right after arrival or just before leaving
- The sea color really stands out in good light
It’s a simple location, but one of the most reliable photo spots on the island.
📍 Google Map: Tawaen Beach Pier
📸 Samae Beach Viewpoint
Located at one end of Samae Beach, this small viewpoint sits on a low hill overlooking the entire bay.
Near the beach, you’ll notice a fan-shaped structure that still clearly exists today.
Right beside it, a staircase leads uphill to the Samae Beach Viewpoint.
Once at the top, you’ll get a wide panoramic view of the beach, the sea, and the surrounding coastline.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- You can capture the entire beach and ocean in one shot
- Best light from morning to early afternoon
- The stairs are quite steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended
It’s not a big viewpoint, but the scenery feels calm, open, and very “Koh Larn.”
📍 Google Map: Samae Beach Viewpoint
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
🌧️Can you visit Koh Larn during the rainy season?
Yes — but with lower expectations.
During the rainy season, Koh Larn often has more cloudy days, and the sea is usually less clear than in the dry season.
It doesn’t rain all day every day, but overcast skies are common, and the water may not look as bright or turquoise.
That said, ferries still operate normally.
If you’re mainly going for a relaxed island atmosphere rather than perfect beach photos, it can still be an enjoyable trip.
🌙Can you stay overnight on Koh Larn?
Absolutely.
Koh Larn has many small hotels and beachfront resorts.
Staying overnight allows you to enjoy quiet beaches early in the morning and peaceful sunsets after most day-trippers have left.
If you want a slower, more relaxed island experience, staying one night is a great option.
🏄Do I need to book water activities in advance?
Not usually.
Activities such as parasailing, banana boats, and jet skis can be arranged directly on the beach.
Simply walk up, ask the staff, and confirm the price before starting.
During busy seasons, you may need to wait a short time, but advance reservations are rarely necessary.
💰Are there foreigner prices or extra fees?
In most cases, no.
Prices for ferries, food, drinks, and beach chairs are generally the same for everyone.
Some activities may feel slightly tourist-priced, but nothing extreme or unreasonable.
Overall, Koh Larn remains one of the more fair-priced island destinations near Pattaya.
☀️ Final Thoughts – A “Different World” in Just One Day
Koh Larn is the perfect example of a tropical island escape just one day away from Pattaya.
In about 1 to 2 hours, you can move from a busy city beach to crystal-clear water, soft sand, and a much slower pace of life.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore different corners of the island, or simply enjoy a cold drink by the sea, Koh Larn offers a true island experience without complicated planning.
It’s close, affordable, and surprisingly refreshing — which is why both visitors and locals continue to love it.
If you’re staying in Pattaya and want an easy change of scenery, Koh Larn is one of the best day trips you can make.
🔗 Helpful Guides for Your Trip
For a more detailed breakdown of ferry and speedboat options,
👉 see this step-by-step guide:
How to Get to Koh Larn from Pattaya
If you’re looking for quieter beaches closer to Pattaya,
👉 you may also enjoy:
Beyond Pattaya Beach: 3 Secret Shorelines for a Different Vibe
All information in this guide is based on recent visits and local experience,
but ferry schedules and prices may change slightly depending on the season.
