The island of Koh Larn
A surprising number of tourists, most in fact, look out to the island from Pattaya, but never visit the island. While the beaches of Pattaya are fairly nice, they are not great. I would say they are better to look at from a distance. Up close there is a fair amount of trash and the water is not all that clean.
People swim in the waters of Pattaya and I do not think that is very wise. After all, why swim in water that is dirty when you can take the ferry and luxuriate at the beach seen in the picture below?
The water is warm, crystal clear and the sand so soft you just want to sit or lay on it and drift away.
I spent my first month in Pattaya enjoying a relaxed life. Every day sitting along the beach at a different cafe enjoying the views. Each day I looked out and saw an island not far off. I did not even discover the island name until my trip was almost over.
After asking around a bit about the island I discovered that it was apparently a beautiful island with lovely beaches. I decided that when I returned to Thailand I would make an effort to go visit this island.
Koh Larn seen from Jomtien Pattaya
How to get to Koh Larn?
You need to get yourself to the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The pier is found at the end of the infamous Walking Street. At the very end, you will come to the pier. It will be easily seen as there are always large numbers of people getting on ferries and speed boats and heading to the island.
A speed boat will cost about 150 Bhat and the ferry costs 30 Bhat. Take the ferry. While the speed boat is quicker, it is an unpleasant trip. The ferry is relaxed and you may even drift asleep on the ride over. The speed boat is likely to make you feel a bit sick.
The best beach is Tiennara Beach. The number one thing to do at Tiennara Beach is lay in the super soft sand and let the water wash over you.
Koh Larn Beaches
There are five or six beaches on Koh Larn, depending on how you count. For most people there are really three beaches. Most people will get off the ferry at one of the two main towns on the island. Each town has a beach.
Some people will decide to remain in the town and a lot of fun can be had in either town.
If you get onto a Bhat Bus, and I suggest that you do. They will take you for a ride on the one main road on the island. There are three stops for the Bhat Bus. Each stop is a beach. I would name them for you but I suggest you skip them and go to the last stop on the ride. That last stop is Tiennara Beach. This is the beach for you.
Tiennara Beach is where people go if they just need to take the perfect picture of themselves. There is usually someone trying to take that perfect picture for social media here. That should tell you something about the beach. It is gorgeous and while some days it can be a little busy, many days you can have the beach to yourself. Even on the busy days, it is never crowded.
Clear, clean, shallow warm water. What is not to love?
Leaving Koh Larn is not all that easy. I always want to stay longer. With that said, if you are staying at one of the hotels on the island then enjoy a really long stay at the beach. Otherwise, you need to get back before the last ferry leaves. You do not want to be caught stuck on the island and needing to pay higher rates for a boat trip back.
Koh Larn is just a 25 min ferry ride away from Pattaya. It costs almost nothing to get there and back by ferry. Go many times and explore the island.
