First time on Koh Larn — the 5-step start guide

Koh Larn (Coral Island) is the easiest, cheapest island escape from Pattaya — about 7 km offshore, reachable on a 40-baht ferry, with eight beaches and clear-ish water. It's busy by day and quiet by evening. Here's how a first visit works, start to finish.

1. 1
   Step 1

   Get to Bali Hai Pier

   Head to the southern end of Pattaya, at the foot of Walking Street — by baht bus, Grab/taxi, or on foot. This is where almost every boat to the island leaves from.

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2. 2
   Step 2

   Take the ferry — or a speedboat

   The public ferry is ~40฿ and takes ~30–45 min to Na Baan (the village) or, in season, direct to Tawaen. In a hurry or in a group? A speedboat does it in ~15–20 min and lands at any beach.

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3. 3
   Step 3

   Land, get cash, get your bearings

   Most boats dock at Na Baan village. Grab cash (most things are cash-only) and water, then take a shared songthaew (~30–50฿) or scooter over the hill to the beaches.

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4. 4
   Step 4

   Pick your beach

   Samae for the best all-round swim, Tien for quiet beauty, Tawaen for facilities and water sports. Match the beach to your mood — and to who you are travelling with.

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5. 5
   Step 5

   Catch the last ferry home

   Confirm the final return time when you arrive — don't cut it fine. Miss it and you'll be paying for a speedboat back.

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Half-day (4–5h)

One beach, one swim, one lunch. Good for cruise stops and tight schedules.

Full day (7–8h)

Two beaches plus a viewpoint or watersport. The sweet spot for a first visit.

Overnight (2d/1n)

The quiet island after the day-trippers leave — sunset and a dawn swim.

See the full itineraries for timed, step-by-step plans.

• Cash (small notes) — Ferry, songthaews, loungers and most food are cash-only; ATMs are few.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — Strong tropical sun; kinder to the water and marine life you came to see.
• Water & a hat — Shade and shops are thin on the quieter beaches; it's hot.
• Your own snorkel mask — Better fit and hygiene than rentals; lets you snorkel for free.
• Water shoes — Several beaches have rocky entries and hot sand.
• Dry bag — Protects phones and cash on boats and banana rides.
• Rash guard / light long sleeves — Sun protection without constant re-applying, and some jellyfish cover in season.
• Light first-aid bits — Plasters, antiseptic; the quiet beaches have nothing.

• Arriving late — the island fills by late morning and the calm, clear water is gone.
• Carrying no cash — the ferry, songthaews, loungers and most food are cash-only.
• Only seeing Tawaen — the clearer water and calmer vibe are over the hill at Samae and Tien.
• Cutting the last ferry fine — miss it and a speedboat back is the only (pricey) option.
• Renting a scooter without the skill — the hills are steep and crashes are common.