Pattaya to Koh Larn: The Complete Day Trip

Koh Larn sits about 7 km off Pattaya Beach, a 30 to 45 minute boat ride. The island has six main beaches ringed by clear water and white sand that feels like a different world from Pattaya Beach. It is the most popular day trip from the city, and it is cheap and easy.

Around 1,000 people live on the island permanently, with a school, temple, small hospital and shops. If you want you can stay overnight for 800 to 2,500 baht and enjoy sunset and near-empty beaches at sunrise the next morning.

The public ferry runs from Bali Hai Pier every day at 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 18:30. The fare is 30 baht one way and the trip takes 45 minutes to Na Ban Pier (Tawaen Beach). This is the cheapest, most reliable option and the choice of backpackers and unhurried travellers.

Private speedboats can be chartered for 1,500 to 2,500 baht round trip, taking only 15 minutes and dropping you at any beach you pick. They are best for families or groups of four to six who want to visit several beaches in one day. Always negotiate the price at Bali Hai before boarding.

Tawaen Beach is the main and busiest beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas rent for 100 to 150 baht, there are rows of restaurants, and every water sport is available (banana boat, parasailing, jet ski). It suits first-timers who want everything on hand.

Samae and Nuan beaches are far quieter, with fine white sand and clearer water — great for families or anyone escaping crowds. Tien and Laem Tong are the best snorkeling spots, with coral and colourful fish visible just a few metres from shore.

Most restaurants on Koh Larn are order-by-the-plate seafood places charging 20 to 30 percent above Pattaya prices. Grilled prawns run 350 to 500 baht per kilo, steamed fish with lime 450 to 700 baht, pad thai with fresh prawns 150 to 200 baht. A reliable local favourite is "Ran Pla Phao Na Ban" near the pier.

Every beach has street food stalls and fruit smoothies for 60 to 120 baht a cup. Watermelon shakes, fresh young coconuts and bags of chopped fruit on ice are perfect in the heat. Budget around 800 to 1,200 baht per person for a full day of food.

At Tawaen Beach, banana boat rides cost 300 baht for 10 minutes, parasailing 800 baht per go, jet ski 1,500 to 2,000 baht for 30 minutes, and snorkel sets 150 baht. Be aware of the well-known jet-ski damage scam and inspect the ski carefully before you ride.

Snorkeling boat tours around the island run two to three hours for 600 to 1,000 baht per person including lunch. For scuba diving, book in advance with a Pattaya dive shop such as Mermaid Dive Center or Aquanauts, starting at 2,800 baht for two dives.

The last public ferry back from Na Ban leaves at 18:00, while speedboats run later. If you want to see the sunset, catch the 17:00 ferry at the earliest so you can watch the orange glow spread across Pattaya Bay on the ride back.

Tip: visit on a weekday rather than a weekend for fewer crowds and better prices. Bring a hat, strong sunscreen and grippy sandals. Carry enough cash since ATMs on the island are scarce and expensive, and do not rely on Wi-Fi — mobile signal is patchy.