🛥️ How to Get to Koh Larn from Pattaya & Getting Around the Island

Ready for a beach escape? Koh Larn is just a short boat ride from Pattaya, offering turquoise waters that feel a world away from the city.

However, with two different piers on the island and various boat options, getting there can be a bit confusing for first-timers. This guide covers everything from choosing the right ferry to navigating the island once you arrive, based on my experience visiting Koh Larn multiple times.

🚤 Get to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya

Bali Hai Pier is the main departure point for ferries to Koh Larn.

How to reach Bali Hai Pier:

• Walk from South Pattaya / Walking Street area.
• Songthaew (shared taxi) along Beach Road or Second Road.
• Taxi or ride-hailing app (Bolt is the mainstream).

👉 Most travelers arrive at the pier 15–30 minutes before departure to buy tickets and board comfortably.

⛴ Ferry and Speedboat Options from Pattaya

There are two main ways to travel from Pattaya to Koh Larn: the public ferry and a speedboat. Both depart from Bali Hai Pier, but the experience, cost, and pace are quite different.

Choosing the right option depends on how much time you have and what kind of trip you want.

Public Ferry (Relaxed & Budget-Friendly)

Local Tip: Always check the physical signs at the pier, as digital updates can sometimes lag behind real-time changes!

The public ferry is the most popular way to reach Koh Larn.
It’s cheap, stable, and surprisingly comfortable, especially for a short island trip.

The 40-minute ride is not just transportation — it’s part of the experience.
You’ll be sitting with locals, day-trippers, families, and travelers from all over the world.
For me, this slower pace feels relaxed and reassuring, and it’s a nice way to ease into island time.

Speedboat (Fast & Flexible)

Speedboats are a good option if you want to save time or prefer a more direct ride.
They’re commonly used by couples, small groups, or travelers with a tight schedule.

That said, the ride can be quite bumpy, especially on windy days.
If you’re sensitive to motion or simply prefer a calmer journey, the ferry may feel more comfortable.
When booking, it’s also important to confirm the exact drop-off point on Koh Larn.

🛳 From My Own Experience: Why I Prefer the Ferry

I’ve taken the ferry from Pattaya to Koh Larn several times,
and the routes, piers, and timing described in this guide are based on what worked most smoothly during those trips.

Personally, I prefer the ferry.
The ride takes about 40 minutes, but I actually enjoy that time.
Sitting with travelers from many different countries, watching the sea, and occasionally chatting with people makes the journey feel like part of the experience, not just transportation.

The ferry also feels more relaxed and steady to me.
Speedboats are faster and more thrilling, but I personally value a calmer pace and a laid-back ride.
And of course, the price matters too.
At such a low price, the ferry is by far the most affordable way to reach Koh Larn.
For me, the ferry isn’t just the cheapest option — it’s the most enjoyable way to get there.

📍 Choosing the Right Arrival Pier

Your arrival pier on Koh Larn plays a big role in how smoothly your day trip goes.
It affects transportation options, crowd levels, and how quickly you can reach your first beach.

There are two main arrival piers for ferries from Pattaya.

🚢 Na Baan Pier (Main Pier)

Na Baan Pier is the island’s main transportation hub.

• Largest pier with small shops, food stalls, and restrooms.
• Songthaews and motorbike taxis are always available nearby.
• Best option if you plan to visit multiple beaches in one day.
• Easy to adjust your plan if the weather or crowds change.

This pier gives you the most flexibility and is ideal for travelers who want to explore more than one area of the island.

🏖 Tawaen Beach Pier (Beachfront Access)

Tawaen Beach Pier drops you directly at Koh Larn’s most popular beach.

• Step off the ferry straight onto Tawaen Beach.
• Very convenient if you want an easy, no-planning beach day.
• Plenty of beach chairs, restaurants, and activities nearby.
• Can get crowded during late mornings and peak seasons.

This pier is perfect if Tawaen Beach is your main destination and you don’t plan to move around much.

👉 Which Pier Should You Choose?

If you already know which beach you want to visit, choosing the nearest pier makes sense.
However, if you’re unsure or want flexibility, Na Baan Pier is the safest and most versatile choice.

It allows you to decide your route after arrival and makes island transportation much easier—especially for first-time visitors.

🚐 How to Get Around Koh Larn

Getting around Koh Larn is simple once you know your options.
For first-time visitors, the songthaew is the easiest and most reliable way to travel between beaches.

That said, there are a few different transport options available on the island,
depending on your travel style and confidence level.
Below are the main ways to get around Koh Larn.

• Songthaew (shared pickup truck) – the most common and beginner-friendly option.
• Motorbike taxis – quick rides available near piers and busy beaches.
• Rental motorbikes – suitable only for confident and experienced riders.

🚐 Island Songthaews: Fares and General Rules

4 Main Songthaew Pick-up Points on the Island

① Na Baan Pier Songthaew Pick-up Point

Songthaews wait a short walk from the ferry pier.
After exiting the pier area, head toward the main road where drivers gather with their trucks.

② Tawaen Beach Songthaew Pick-up Point

Songthaews wait near the main beach road behind Tawaen Beach, especially close to the pier exit area.

③Tien Beach Songthaew Pick-up Point

Tien Beach is famous for its beautiful white sand and clear water, and it’s a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about getting stranded here, as it has its own dedicated songthaew pick-up point.

Local Tip: Tien Beach is located right next to Samae Beach. While songthaews are usually waiting here throughout the day, they can become less frequent after 4:00 PM. If you can’t find a ride directly from Tien Beach later in the afternoon, simply walk over to the neighboring Samae Beach area, where more drivers tend to gather for the final rush back to the piers!

④ Samae Beach Songthaew Pick-up Point

Samae Beach also has a convenient songthaew waiting area located just behind the beach.
This spot is especially useful because songthaews are usually waiting here throughout the day, making it easy to travel without long waits.
Most songthaews from Samae Beach run back toward Na Baan Pier and nearby junctions, so it works well as a transfer point when moving between beaches.
If you’re spending time at Samae Beach and plan to explore other parts of Koh Larn, this waiting area makes onward travel simple and stress-free.

Motorbike Taxis

• Available near piers and busy beaches.
• Useful for short hops or solo travelers.
• Prices are negotiable — confirm before riding.

Rental Motorbikes

• Available mainly around Na Baan Pier.
• Only recommended for confident riders.
• Roads are steep in some areas.

For most visitors, songthaews are the easiest and safest way to move between beaches.

⏰ Return Ferries to Pattaya

Return ferries usually depart from Na Baan Pier in the late afternoon.

• Typical departure: Last ferries usually depart in the late afternoon.
• Travel time: about 40 minutes.
• Arrival in Pattaya: around 6:00 PM, including walking from the pier.

Schedules occasionally change, so check locally on the day of travel.

This timing leaves enough evening hours to enjoy Pattaya after your island trip.

✅ Summary: The Easiest Way to Reach Koh Larn

From Pattaya to Koh Larn Island, most travelers take approximately 1 to 2 hours door-to-door.

The ferry itself takes about 40 minutes, while speedboats typically take around 20 minutes.
However, you should also factor in waiting time at the pier and boarding procedures.

In practice, the typical flow is as follows:

1. Leave your hotel in Pattaya.
2. Arrive at Bali Hai Pier.
3. Take a public ferry (40 minutes).
4. Arrive at Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach(Koh Larn).
5. Take a songthaew or similar to the beach.
6. Return to Bali Hai Pier(Pattaya) in the early evening.

This makes Koh Larn one of the easiest island trips you can do from Pattaya.

※Travel conditions and transport schedules may vary, so always check locally on the day of your trip.

📚 Related Guides

Pattaya Songthaew Guide: Master the local routes and ride like a local! Read our complete city transport guide here:

Where to Stay in Pattaya: Not sure which area fits your style? Check out our ultimate hotel neighborhood breakdown: