If Pattaya has one trump card that hardly any other major city in Asia can play, it's this: a genuine dream island sits just a few kilometres from the doorstep. I send every visitor there at least once, and the reaction is always the same: "THAT is right next door?" Here is my complete roadmap for the perfect island day.
Getting There: Ferry or Speedboat?
Both depart from Bali Hai Pier at the southern end of Walking Street. The regular ferry is the classic choice: around 30 Baht per leg, roughly 45 minutes' sailing time, arriving either at the main village of Na Baan or, during high season, directly at Tawaen Beach. The speedboat gets there in around 15 minutes but costs several times more, whether as a seat on a shared boat or as a private charter. My advice: go by ferry (that's half the holiday right there) and return depending on your time and budget.
The most important sentence in this article: check the time of the last return ferry at the pier — it leaves in the late afternoon. Anyone who misses it will spend the evening negotiating with speedboat captains, and that gets expensive.
The Beaches Compared
| Beach | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tawaen | Main beach, sun loungers, restaurants, water sports | First-time visitors, families |
| Samae | White sand, clear water, photogenic | A beach day with comfort |
| Tien | Quieter, lovely views | Relaxed couples |
| Nual | Small cove in the south | Those seeking solitude |
| Ta Yai | In the north, low-key | Anyone wanting to escape Tawaen |
An honest assessment: on weekends and Thai public holidays Tawaen gets crowded. Anyone looking for that picture-postcard tranquillity should go on a weekday and head for Tien or Nual.
Getting Around the Island
From the Na Baan landing, songthaews (shared taxis) take you to the beaches for very little money; scooters are available to rent from around 300 Baht per day. The island is hilly and the roads are narrow: anyone who rarely rides a scooter is better off taking the songthaew. For the more energetic, the hike to the viewpoint between Tawaen and Samae is a rewarding, if sweaty, workout.
Food and Drink
The beach restaurants at Tawaen and Samae serve fresh fish, som tam and cold coconuts right to your lounger. In the main village of Na Baan the food is more authentic and cheaper, especially in the evening once the day-trippers have gone. Those who stay overnight, incidentally, get to see the island at its most peaceful; the small guesthouses are simple, but the sunrise more than makes up for it.
The View Back: the Island from Your Apartment
There is a moment many of my clients know well: standing on Koh Larn in the evening, looking back at the Pattaya skyline and thinking, "I could live over there." The reverse is equally true — the view TOWARDS the island is one of the most prized in the city: sea-view apartments on Pratumnak Hill and in Jomtien have Koh Larn as their daily backdrop. What such locations cost is shown in the Price Index; which neighbourhood suits you best is covered in the Location Compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the trip to Koh Larn cost?
With the regular ferry (around 30 Baht per leg), songthaew, beach lounger and lunch you can get through the day very comfortably on about 500 to 800 Baht per person. Speedboat and water sports cost extra. As of July 2026.
How long does the ferry to Koh Larn take?
About 45 minutes from Bali Hai Pier. Speedboats take around 15 minutes but cost several times more than the ferry.
Is it worth staying overnight on Koh Larn?
For those seeking peace and quiet, yes: after the last ferry the island becomes wonderfully tranquil. For a first visit, a day trip is perfectly sufficient — the highlights are all close together.
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