Sandy beach, forested mountains and clear sea at Coral Island, Koh Larn

Koh Larn - Coral Island

Just off Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island. Measuring four kilometers long and two kilometers wide, the island boasts beautiful beaches with clear waters and a hilly, forested interior.

Seven kilometers from Pattaya

At just seven kilometers off the coast of Pattaya, Koh Larn is a popular day trip. Beach chairs are for rent at all of its main beaches, restaurants serve seafood as well as Thai and international dishes. Besides swimming, sun bathing and relaxing on the beach, visitors can ride a jet ski or banana boat, go snorkeling or kayaking or take a hiking trip in the islands forested interior.

There are hotels and bungalows at several beaches for those who want to stay longer. The island’s main village is Na Baan, where most of its residents live.

Ferry boat on the way to Coral Island from Pattaya

Getting to Coral Island

Get to Coral Island by speedboat or ferry. Check the cost, advantages and disadvantages of both options, where to find the boats and the ferry timetable

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Beaches

Koh Larn’s best beaches are found on the West side of the island.

Samae beach

Samae’s sandy beach is over 500 meters long, the waters are clear. The swimming area is fenced off for the safety of the swimmers. Beach chairs are for rent at 50 to 100 Baht depending on season. About a dozen beach front restaurants and bars serve Thai food, drinks, cocktails, fresh seafood and ice creams.

At the end of the beach is a large building shaped like a ray, its roof covered with solar panels. A few steps from the beach is a resort for those who want to stay overnight.

You can get to Samae beach either by chartered speed boat from Pattaya or by taxi from one of Koh Larn’s two ferry ports, Na Baan pier and Tawaen beach pier.

A bay with a beach at Coral Island near Pattaya

Bay and beach at Coral Island

Tawaen beach

Tawaen’s long sandy beach is Koh Larn’s most popular destination. In high season the beach can get busy. Restaurants serve seafood, Thai and international food. Beach front bars bring cocktails, fruits and ice creams right to your beach chair. Activities include jet ski and banana boat. Visitors have a choice of several resorts to stay overnight.

Get there by chartered speed boat from Pattaya or take the ferry to Tawaen beach pier from Bali Hai pier in Pattaya.

Fun banana boat ride

Tien beach

Slightly shorter than Samae and Tawaen, Tien beach boasts a beautiful sandy beach lined with palm trees and great views of Koh Larn island’s forested interior behind it. Although very attractive with its white sand and clear blue waters, Tien is one of the quieter beaches on the island. Several restaurants are right on the beach, accommodation options are limited.

The quickest way to get to Tien beach is by chartered speed boat from Pattaya. Alternatively, take the ferry from Pattaya to one of Koh Larn’s two harbors, Na Baan pier or Tawaen beach pier. From there take a motorbike or taxi to Tien beach. As there is no road to the beach, a short walk is required.

Beach chairs and parasols

Khao Nom viewpoint

For the best views of Koh Larn, head to Khao Nom viewpoint near Samae beach. From there you will have great views of the island’s forested hilly interior, Samae beach, the ocean and several small islands in the Gulf of Thailand. If the weather is clear, you can see all the way to Pattaya.

Parasailing

If you are looking for a thrill, try parasailing over the sea. From a floating jetty in the sea halfway between Pattaya and Koh Larn a speedboat will draw the parachute into the air giving you a thrilling ride high above the waters. Rates are 500 Baht per person.

Getting to Koh Larn from Pattaya

Getting to Koh Larn is easy and takes little time. You can get there either by speedboat or ferry.

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Speedboat
The quickest way to get to Koh Larn is by chartered speedboat, especially if you want to get to one of the less visited beaches on the island. The speed boat trip takes about 20 minutes from Pattaya.

Many boats are available for charter. They can be found at Bali Hai pier just South of Walking Street in Pattaya. Rates are 1,500 to 3,500 Baht depending on the size of the boat.

Ferry
A little slower but much cheaper is the ferry. There is one to Na Baan pier and one to Tawaen beach pier on the other side of the island. Both take about 45 minutes and depart from Bali Hai pier at the South end of Pattaya Walking Street. The fare is 30 Baht one way.

Getting around

Getting around the island is easy and cheap. Either take a motorbike taxi or flag down a songthaew, also called Baht bus. Rates depend on distance, to most destinations the fare would be 30 to 50 Baht.
Several shops on the island offer motorbikes and bicycle rentals.

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