Koh Larn, sold on tours as Coral Island, is the nearest island to Pattaya with proper beaches, an easy half-day or day trip. It belongs to Pattaya City, so there is no national park fee. Below: how to get there, what to see and how to pick a tour. Facts checked on 17 October 2026.
What you will see
- Beaches with clearer water than the city. The best known is Tawaen Beach, where many tours stop
- The view of Pattaya. A viewpoint on the island looks across the whole bay and the city
- Na Ban village by the pier. Ferries dock here, songthaews leave for the beaches, and there is a Buddhist temple inland
Tour programme, step by step
A typical half-day trip by operators’ programmes:
- Hotel pickup in Pattaya around 08:50, transfer to Bali Hai Pier
- Speedboat crossing to the island
- Beach time: swimming, sunbeds, optional parasailing and other paid activities
- Lunch on the island if included
- Boat back and drop-off at your hotel around 15:30
About 6 hours in total. Times differ between operators, so check your tour’s programme.
Getting there on your own
- Get to Bali Hai Pier in south Pattaya, 3.7 km from the centre
- Buy a ferry or speedboat ticket at the pier and ask when the last boat back leaves
- On the island, songthaews and motorbike taxis run to the beaches; agree the fare first
The city does not publish an official ferry timetable or fares online, so we do not quote them. In 2022 Pattaya City set up a waiting area for Koh Larn passengers at Bali Hai Pier.
When to go
By Thai Meteorological Department normals (Phatthaya station, 1991-2020), November to March brings 12-57 mm of rain a month, the best time for the island. May to August brings 91-132 mm, September and October 214-225 mm: you can still go, but pick a clear day and check that boats are running.
What to bring
- Cash: sunbeds, food and island transport are paid separately
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch
- A change of clothes for the ride back
Who it does not suit
- People after an empty beach. Koh Larn is the closest island to the city and gets crowded at weekends and in season
- Anyone prone to seasickness. A speedboat on a windy day is bumpy; take the ferry
How to choose a tour
Compare more than the price: the boat (speedboat or ferry), departure time, whether lunch and sunbeds are included, which beach you go to and what happens if boats are cancelled for weather. Do not prepay strangers in private messages, and get a booking confirmation. More options in our guide to day trips from Pattaya.
FAQ
Are Koh Larn and Coral Island the same place?
Yes. The Thai name is Koh Larn (เกาะล้าน), and tours sell it as Coral Island. It is the closest large island to Pattaya and is administratively part of Pattaya City.
Is there a national park fee on Koh Larn?
No. Koh Larn is not a national park but part of Pattaya City, so there is no DNP fee. You pay for the boat, sunbeds, island transport and activities. If a tour lists a fee, ask what it is for.
How do I get to Koh Larn on my own?
Go to Bali Hai Pier in south Pattaya, where ferries and speedboats leave for the island. Pattaya City set up a waiting area for Koh Larn passengers at the pier in 2022. The city publishes no official timetable or fares, so ask about the last boat back when you buy your ticket.
How much time do I need?
Half a day is enough for a beach: operators' half-day trips run about 6 hours including hotel transfers. Allow a full day if you want several beaches and the viewpoint.
Can I go in the rainy season?
Yes, but pick a clear day. By TMD normals Pattaya gets 91-132 mm of rain a month from May to August and 214-225 mm in September and October. Boats do not sail in storms, and a speedboat is rough in a swell.
Ferry or speedboat?
The ferry is cheaper and gentler in waves; the speedboat is faster and is what tours use. With children or if you get seasick, take the ferry and sit towards the stern.
Sources
- Pattaya City. Waiting area for Koh Larn boats at Bali Hai Pier (news, 04.08.2022, in Thai)
- OpenStreetMap, Nominatim: Koh Larn as part of Pattaya City
- OpenStreetMap: Bali Hai Pier and Na Ban Pier
- TMD. Climatological Data of Thailand for 30 Year Period (1991-2020), Phatthaya station (48 461)
- Tour programme: Coral Island half day trip with Thai lunch, Ta Wan beach, from Pattaya (Expedia)
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