Koh Larn from Pattaya: ferries, beaches and costs

Koh Larn, also called Coral Island, sits 7.5 km west of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand. It is small, about 4.5 km long and 2 km wide, with a fishing village and the main pier (Na Baan) on the sheltered east side facing Pattaya, and almost all of its beaches on the west side facing the open sea. The water is far clearer than on the mainland, which is why most visitors to Pattaya give the island at least one day.

Which Koh Larn beach should you choose?

The island has seven beaches that matter to visitors. From north to south down the west coast they are Ta Yai, Thong Lang, Sangwan, Tawaen, Tien, Samae and Nual. Tawaen has its own pier and its own ferry; every other beach is reached by road from Na Baan pier or from Tawaen, in 5 to 15 minutes.

Pick by what you want from the day. Tawaen is the easy choice with children and for water sports, Samae has the widest sand and the sunset, Tien is the pretty middle ground, and Nual is for snorkelling from the shore. Sangwan, Thong Lang and Ta Yai are small coves for people who would rather have quiet than facilities.

Tide matters at Tien and Nual. Both are best for swimming at high tide; at low tide the water pulls back over rock and coral, which is good for snorkelling at Nual and awkward for everything else. Water shoes solve the problem at both. Tawaen and Samae are sandy underfoot at any tide.

How do you get to Koh Larn from Pattaya?

Every boat leaves from Bali Hai Pier, at the southern end of Pattaya beyond Walking Street. Walk to the far end of the pier for the public ferries and buy your ticket at the booths there, on the day, in cash. There is no advance booking and a ticket is valid only for the sailing it is sold for. Ignore anyone selling tickets on the approach road.

The public ferry costs 40 THB per person each way, the same for adults and children. The boat operators' association raised the fare from 30 THB on 10 April 2026, the first increase since 2010. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Two routes run on separate timetables: one to Na Baan pier in the village, one straight to Tawaen Beach.

Bali Hai Pier is a 15 THB baht bus ride down Beach Road, then a 10 minute walk through Walking Street. Routes and fares are in getting around Pattaya.

Is the speedboat worth the extra money?

Shared speedboats leave from Bali Hai Pier when they fill, cost 150 to 300 THB per person each way and reach the island in 15 to 20 minutes, usually landing at Tawaen. They make sense if you have missed a ferry, if you are short of time, or if you want to come back later than the last public boat. A private charter for a small group starts at about 1,500 THB and rises to 3,000 THB or more for a larger or newer boat; agree the price, the beaches and the return time before you board.

On any boat, wear the life jacket you are handed and keep it on for the whole crossing. From May to October the sea is rougher and speedboats are sometimes suspended for the day, while the large ferries keep running in all but the worst weather.

How do you get around the island?

Songthaews (covered pickup trucks with benches) wait at Na Baan pier and at Tawaen and leave when they are reasonably full. Motorbike taxis leave at once and post their fares on boards at the piers. You can also rent a scooter by the pier. The roads are narrow, steep in places, especially towards Nual and the hilltop viewpoints, and shared with pedestrians.

Rent a scooter only if you ride one at home and hold a motorcycle licence, and wear the helmet. For a single beach day, a songthaew there and back costs less than the rental and removes the risk.

What do chairs, food and extras cost on the beaches?

Expect to pay more than in Pattaya, most of all for meals on the sand at Tawaen. Bring cash: beach vendors and drivers do not take cards, the only cash machines are in Na Baan village and there is no currency exchange on the island.

When do the last boats leave, and what if you miss them?

The last public ferry leaves Tawaen at 17:00 and Na Baan at 18:00. Day trippers pile onto those two sailings, so the queue at Tawaen starts forming before 16:30. If you are on a beach other than Tawaen, allow 30 minutes to find a songthaew and reach your pier.

Miss the last ferry and the choices are a speedboat at whatever price the boatman names, or a night on the island. Decide which pier you are returning from before you leave it in the morning, and photograph the timetable board.

Can you stay overnight on Koh Larn?

Yes, and the island is at its most pleasant once the last ferry has gone. Guesthouses and small resorts cluster in Na Baan village, behind Samae and near Tawaen. Simple rooms start at about 1,000 THB on a weekday in low season, and a standard air-conditioned room for two with breakfast runs about 1,500 THB. Saturdays fill with visitors from Bangkok and cost more, so reserve ahead for a weekend.

The 17:00 and 18:30 ferries from Bali Hai to Na Baan exist for overnight guests, and the 06:30 and 07:30 boats back let you return before the day crowds arrive. Many guesthouses collect guests from Na Baan pier; ask when you book.

What should you know before you go?

• Go on a weekday. Weekends and Thai public holidays bring long ferry queues and full beaches.
• Take the 07:00 Na Baan or 08:00 Tawaen boat. You get two quiet hours before the tour groups land.
• Swim inside the roped areas. Jet skis and speedboats use the water outside them.
• Agree the price and duration of any water sport before you start, and photograph a jet ski before you ride it.
• Pack sun protection, water shoes and a dry bag. Shade away from the chairs is scarce.
• November to February gives the calmest sea and the best visibility for snorkelling.
• Emergency numbers work on the island: Tourist Police 1155, medical 1669.

For the mainland alternatives, compare Pattaya Beach and Jomtien and Dongtan. Sea conditions month by month are in the best time to visit Pattaya, and families will find more ideas in Pattaya with kids.