Just 7 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya and about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, Koh Larn is one of the most accessible islands you can reach from Thailand’s capital.
Unlike the busy beaches and crowded nightlife of mainland Pattaya, this island offers something refreshingly different.
The water here is genuinely clear, the sand is soft and white, and the green hills create a landscape that feels worlds away from the city.
Here is everything you need to know, from the best things to do to getting around and reaching the island with ease. 😊
1. Best Beaches in Koh Larn
Koh Larn has six main beaches, each with its own personality. Here is what you need to know about each one.
a. Tawaen Beach
Tawaen is the biggest and most developed beach on the island, stretching about 700 to 750 meters along the northern coast.
The sand is exceptionally fine and powdery white, transitioning into emerald-green and turquoise waters.
The shoreline is flat with shops and restaurants backing the beach.
Accessibility: Public ferries from Pattaya dock directly here. Also reachable via paved road from Na Baan village, about a 10-minute motorbike ride.
Best for: Water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, plus large swimming areas for day-trippers.
b. Sang Wan Beach
Sang Wan is a small, sheltered cove tucked next to the Tawaen Beach Pier.
The soft white sand and clear waters are protected by rocky headlands, making it feel more private than its busy neighbor. A wooden walkway connects it to Tawaen.
Accessibility: Foot traffic only via a wooden bridge from Tawaen or directly from the pier. About 2.1 kilometers from Na Baan Pier.
Best for: A quieter swimming spot close to the ferry terminal.
c. Tien Beach
Many travelers consider Tien Beach the most beautiful on Koh Larn. It spans roughly 400 to 500 meters with exceptionally fine white sand and highly transparent turquoise water.
The hilly backdrop and rock formations along the shoreline add to its scenic appeal.
Accessibility: No direct road access. Songthaews drop you at a viewpoint, then you walk about five minutes along a concrete pathway. About 3 kilometers from Na Baan Pier.
Best for: Relaxing, snorkeling, and feeding the resident geese. Trust me, the geese are surprisingly charming.
d. Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)
Nual Beach sits at the southern tip of Koh Larn and is known for its wild character and the long-tailed macaques that live here.
The white sand is mixed with coral fragments and rocks, especially at both ends of the cove. A small coral reef sits just offshore.
Accessibility: Paved road through the island’s interior, about a 20-minute motorbike ride (3.5 kilometers) from Na Baan Pier.
Best for: Nature observation and snorkeling. The rocky areas support more marine life than the sandy northern beaches.
e. Samae Beach
Samae Beach stretches about 700 meters along the western coast. The sand is slightly rougher than Tawaen but still white and high quality.
The water is a vibrant blue, and refreshing sea breezes keep things comfortable. Look up and you will see the island’s wind farm on the hill above.
Accessibility: Paved road from Na Baan village, about 15 minutes (3.1 kilometers). Some speedboats also dock here.
Best for: Water sports, swimming, and sunset watching. The western orientation makes this the best spot on the island for evening views.
f. Ta Yai Beach
Ta Yai is a tiny cove at the northern tip of the island, only about 100 meters long. The sand is exceptionally white and fine, and rocky outcrops frame both ends, giving it a secluded feel.
Accessibility: A narrow paved road leads almost to the entrance. Only 1.5 kilometers from Na Baan Pier, making it one of the easiest beaches to reach.
Best for: Quiet relaxation, photography, and snorkeling around the rocky headlands.
2. Best Things to Do in Koh Larn
a. Action and Adventure
The island’s water sports are a major draw, especially at Tawaen and Samae beaches.
- Go Parasailing: Get harnessed to a parachute and towed by a speedboat high above the water. The views of the Gulf of Thailand and Pattaya skyline are incredible.
- Try Sea Walking: Walk on the seabed wearing a special oxygen helmet. No scuba certification needed.
- Ride a Banana Boat: Climb onto an inflatable tube, get towed by a speedboat, and prepare to get splashed.
- Speed Around on a Jet Ski: Personal watercraft are available at most major beaches.
- Paddle a Clear Kayak: These transparent kayaks let you see coral and fish through the hull. Here is the fun part: it feels like floating on glass.
- Snorkel the Reefs: Best spots are off Nual, Ta Yai, and Tien beaches.
- Feed the Geese at Tien Beach: A flock of friendly white geese roam the beach for interactive feeding sessions.
b. Scenic Viewpoints and Culture
The Windmill Viewpoint
Also called Khao Nom or Radar Hill Viewpoint, this spot sits on a high ridge between Samae and Nual beaches.
It is home to 45 giant wind turbines and solar panels that power the island.
From the top, you get a full 360-degree panorama including bird’s-eye views of multiple beaches and the distant Pattaya coast.
Giant Buddha (Luang Por Thuad)
The Big Buddha Viewpoint features a large golden statue of Luang Por Thuad, a revered 16th-century monk.
According to legend, he turned seawater into drinking water to save a boat crew during a storm.
The site also includes a shrine to Guan Yin and several smaller temple structures.
c. Cafe Hopping and Dining
- Maharak Cafe: A two-story wooden cafe about 900 meters from Na Baan Pier with a minimalist Korean-cafe aesthetic. Coffee by day, live music by night.
- Fat Submarine Café and Restaurant: On the Na Baan beachfront with a shady, tropical vibe.
- Matata Bay Cafe: On the road to Ta Yai Beach with Balinese-tropical design. Features a clifftop balcony and seating on a private beach section.
- Indigo Cafe: A stylish spot with modern white decor and colorful surfboards. Popular for photos.
d. Visit Koh Sak
Koh Sak is a tiny C-shaped island just 600 meters off the northern tip of Koh Larn. It has some of the most vibrant coral reefs near Pattaya. Reach it by private speedboat or join an organized snorkeling trip.
3. Where to Stay in Koh Larn
a. Naban Village (Na Baan) – Main Pier and Village Life
- Vibe: Traditional Thai village life mixed with boutique tourism. Local markets, street food, and independent cafes.
- Best for: Travelers who value local culture and dining variety over immediate beach access.
- Accessibility: Most ferries from Bali Hai Pier dock here.
- Beach proximity: No swimming beach. Plan a 5 to 15-minute ride to reach sand.
- Nightlife: Local bars and seaside restaurants with live music. No loud clubs.
b. Near Na Baan Pier – Central and Accessible
- Vibe: Practical and convenient. Motorbike rentals, songthaew stations, and 7-Eleven.
- Best for: Budget travelers or those exploring multiple beaches daily.
- Accessibility: Step off the ferry and you are here.
- Beach proximity: Central location with easy access to several beaches.
- Nightlife: Pier-side dining and small cafes.
c. Tawaen Beach – Main Beach Hub
- Vibe: High-energy during the day. After the last ferries leave around 6:00 PM, it becomes quiet and almost private.
- Best for: Day-trippers wanting immediate beach access, or overnight guests who want the sand to themselves in early morning and evening.
- Accessibility: Right at the Tawaen Beach Pier.
- Beach proximity: Direct beachfront.
- Nightlife: A few beachfront bars. Much quieter than mainland Pattaya.
4. Best Time to Visit
Koh Larn follows the tropical monsoon patterns of the Gulf of Thailand. Here is the big picture for planning your trip.
a. November to February (Peak Season)
- The best time to visit overall
- Comfortably warm with pleasantly cool breezes
- Very little rain, often just one or two rainy days per month
- Northeast winds keep the air fresh and the seas calm
- December through February offers the clearest underwater visibility, making it ideal for snorkeling
- Expect the most tourists during this window
b. March to May (Hot Season)
- The hottest months, and you will feel it
- April is the peak of the heat
- Still mostly dry until May, when the rains start arriving
- Great for beach time if you can handle intense sun
- Humidity climbs significantly by late April
- Hiking to viewpoints can be exhausting in these conditions
c. June to August (Early Monsoon)
- Southwest monsoon brings regular rain, typically afternoon showers
- Temperatures stay warm but humidity is high
- Seas become choppier with waves around one meter
- Underwater visibility drops compared to peak season
- Still possible to enjoy the island between rain showers
- Fewer tourists mean quieter beaches
d. September to October (Peak Monsoon)
- The rainiest period, receiving about half the island’s annual rainfall
- Expect frequent heavy downpours and overcast skies
- Highest risk of storms and rough seas
- Waves can exceed two meters during thunderstorms
- Speedboat services may be suspended in bad weather
- Sea visibility is poor due to sediment runoff
- Best to avoid these months if snorkeling is your priority
5. How to Get Around
Koh Larn is small, measuring just 4.65 by 2.15 kilometers. Getting around is straightforward.
Songthaew (Shared Taxi Trucks)
The main public transport. They run fixed routes from Na Baan and Tawaen piers to all major beaches. Find them near pier exits. They wait until enough passengers board before departing.
Motorbike Rental
Widely available but with legal requirements:
- Foreign tourists need a valid domestic license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement (Category A)
- Riding without proper documentation voids insurance and risks fines
Road Conditions
Paved but narrow with steep hills and sharp switchbacks. Routes to the Windmill and Big Buddha viewpoints are challenging. Inexperienced riders should use songthaews for these sections.
Travel Time
Getting between any two points rarely takes more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Walking
Works between neighboring beaches like Tawaen and Sang Wan. The hilly terrain and heat (often above 30°C) make walking between distant beaches impractical.
6. How to Get There
Public ferries and shared speedboats depart from Bali Hai Pier (Laem Bali Hai) at the southern end of Pattaya’s Walking Street.
Arrival piers on Koh Larn:
- Na Baan Pier
- Tawaen Beach Pier
Travel time:
- Public ferry: 40 to 45 minutes
- Speedboat: 15 to 20 minutes
Types of boats:
- Public ferry: Large multi-deck vessels. Budget-friendly. (30 Baht)
- Speedboat: Fast boats with flexible destinations. (150-200 Baht)
Official operators:
- Koh Larn Ferry (primary public service)
- Song Pee Nong Speedboat Pattaya
Buying tickets:
- Public ferry: At counters at Bali Hai Pier or cash on boarding
- Speedboat: Pier-side booths or online booking
Return logistics:
Ferries return from both Na Baan Pier and Tawaen Beach Pier. Services typically end between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, so check the last boat time when you arrive.
