Wanting to escape and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life?
For white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and tranquil atmosphere – look no further than Koh Larn and its surrounding islands.
Situated to the west of Pattaya, Koh Larn takes only about 45 minutes on a ferry or 15 minutes on a speedboat to get to and is surrounded by clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches.
The island is only 4km long and 2km wide (around 3,500 rai) and is made up of beautiful mountainous landscaped backdrops and beaches.
Big boats aren’t allowed to anchor in Koh Larn to protect the coral.
But you can get a glass-bottomed boat and view the scenic underwater life without getting wet.
Home to some beautiful beaches with Ta Waen in the north being one of the most popular thanks to its 750m stretch of white sand.
Tien Beach is another popular beach and is great for water sports. Neal Beach, known as monkey beach for the families of Macaques living on the nearby cliff, is one of the smaller beaches and is an ideal spot for relaxing.
There is plenty of shops and food stalls on Koh Larn as well as beach restaurants and there’s many activities ranging from banana boats, jet skis, parasailing, fishing, shooting to underwater activities including snorkeling and scuba diving.
STAY
SUNTOSA
With panoramic sea views this luxury boutique resort boasts 11 modern rooms with sea views, nestled close to all the main beaches and is the perfect hub for you to enjoy and explore the best attractions in Koh Larn.
BAAN RACHAWADEE
This quirky resort is the perfect place for those feeling a little more adventurous with some rooms based on a mini-bus theme. Bright colours bring this hotel to life and it’s the ideal place for fun and relaxation. Baan Rachawadee has 52 guestrooms in variety of colours and themes.
SEE & DO
Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, canoeing, hiking, parasailing and many other water sports. Khao Nom viewpoint in the south of the Island near Samae beach offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
EAT
PAUSE RESORT & BAR RESTAURANT
This stylish and hip resort and bar is the perfect place to chill, serving light bites and great Thai food set in an ultra cool loft environment but on the beach. By day chill out and relax and as night falls on a Friday and Saturday Pause becomes a live music venue.
KRUA BAN HOI
Located on the atmospheric breezy seaside of Ta Waen beach, this restaurant serves fresh seafood as well as all your Thai favourites, laid back and delightfully unfussy this place is a great hangout.
MAHARAK CAFÉ RESTAURANT
Maharak offers a variety of dishes ranging from Thai to a European fusion menu. Set in a comfy and rustic environment Maharak Café is fast becoming the place to be.
HOW TO GET THERE
Koh Larn is just 7.5 km from Pattaya and a 45-minute ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat.
Ferries leave every 30 minutes from Bali Hai Pier and cost as little as Bt3o. T
he first leaves at 6.30 am with the last returning at 6.30pm and there are two ports with separate drop-offs dependent on which beach you are going to.
Alternatively, you can take a speedboat and the prices start at around Bt2,000, but it’s obviously much quicker and is a great option if there is a group of you.
