Tawaen Beach
North-west coast
The largest and busiest beach on the island, where many ferries and speedboats land. It has rows of loungers, restaurants and water sports.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Pattaya, Thailand
Koh Larn — Coral Island
Pattaya's island escape, 45 minutes by ferry: clear water and beaches such as Tawaen, Samae, Nual and Tien.
Favourite places
Samae Beach
West coast
A wide, quieter bay facing the open sea, with clear water and a good sunset view. Reach it by songthaew or motorbike taxi from the pier.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)
South-west coast
A small beach known for the monkeys on the hill behind it. Keep food out of sight.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Na Ban village
East coast, by the pier
The island fishing village where the public ferry from Bali Hai arrives. Its small streets have local shops and simple Thai restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Hilltop viewpoints
Island interior
The roads over the island climb to viewpoints looking down on the beaches and back across to Pattaya. Best visited by songthaew or motorbike taxi.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Local food
Pla muk yang
Pattaya, Thailand
Grilled squid on a skewer with a spicy seafood dipping sauce, sold on many island beaches.
Goong pao
Pattaya, Thailand
Large prawns grilled over charcoal and eaten with lime-chilli seafood sauce.
Som tam
Pattaya, Thailand
Green papaya salad pounded with lime, chilli and fish sauce — a light lunch in the heat.
Where to eat
Na Ban village
By the ferry pier
Simple Thai and seafood restaurants where islanders eat, usually better value than the beach restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Beach restaurants at Tawaen and Samae
West and north-west coast
Restaurants behind the sand serve Thai food and seafood; ask the price of seafood before ordering.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Where to stay
Na Ban village
Pattaya, Thailand
Guesthouses close to the pier, so you can catch the first ferry back to Pattaya easily.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Central Pattaya near Bali Hai pier
Pattaya, Thailand
Most visitors stay on the mainland and come for the day; the south end of town is closest to the ferries.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Culture
Koh Larn is a working fishing island. Cover up with a shirt or wrap when you leave the beach for the village, and take your rubbish back with you — the island has limited ways to deal with it.
History
Koh Larn is a small hilly island off Pattaya with a fishing village and half a dozen beaches. Ferries arrive at Na Ban pier in the village and Tawaen beach; from there motorbike taxis and songthaews go to the quieter beaches.
Tour plans
Koh Larn beach day
1 dayStep 1: Ferry from Bali Hai
Take an early public ferry to Na Ban pier.
Step 2: Samae Beach
Ride a songthaew across the island for a quieter morning swim.
Step 3: Island viewpoint
Stop at a hilltop viewpoint on the way back across.
Step 4: Lunch and return
Eat in Na Ban village, then catch the ferry back before the last boat.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April, when the sea is calm.
How to get there
Public ferry from Bali Hai pier (about 45 minutes) or a speedboat (about 15 minutes).
Getting around
From Na Ban pier, songthaews and motorbike taxis go to every beach — agree the fare before you get on. Scooters can be rented, but the roads are steep and winding, so ride only if you are experienced. Some boats also run directly between Pattaya and Tawaen beach.
Travel tips
Go on a weekday; check the last ferry time back to Pattaya.
