PATTAYA, Thailand – Just 7.5 kilometres off the coast of Pattaya, Koh Larn remains one of the city’s most popular day-trip destinations, offering clear waters, sandy beaches and an easy escape from the busy mainland. Whether travelling on the budget-friendly public ferry or taking a faster speedboat, getting to Coral Island is relatively straightforward. Here is a practical 2026 guide covering transport, ferry times, prices, beaches and tips for making the most of a day on Koh Larn.
Getting from Pattaya to Koh Larn
Visitors should head to Bali Hai Pier, at the southern end of Pattaya Beach Road, just beyond Walking Street. From there, travellers can choose between public ferries and speedboats.
Public ferry – best for budget travellers
The public ferry costs around 30 baht one way and takes approximately 45 minutes. Ferries generally operate to Na Ban Pier, the island’s main village, while some services go directly to Tawaen Beach.
Tickets should be purchased directly from the ticket booths at Bali Hai Pier rather than from street touts offering more expensive packages.
Speedboat – best for a faster crossing
Shared speedboats generally cost around 150–300 baht per person one way and take approximately 15–20 minutes. Private charter boats can cost around 1,500–2,500 baht, depending on the boat and arrangements. Speedboats can also provide greater flexibility, including drop-offs closer to some of the island’s beaches.
Koh Larn Ferry Times
Public ferry schedules can change because of weather and operating conditions, so travellers should check the latest departure information at the pier before travelling. Typical services include ferries from Bali Hai Pier to Na Ban Pier throughout the day, with additional services sometimes operating during busy periods. Direct services to Tawaen Beach are also available on selected departures.
Return ferries operate from Na Ban Pier and Tawaen Beach, with the final services generally running in the early evening.
Do not leave the return journey until the last minute. Missing the final public ferry can mean paying considerably more for a private speedboat or arranging an overnight stay on Koh Larn.
Which Koh Larn Beach Should You Visit?
Koh Larn has several beaches, each offering a different experience. Tawaen Beach is the island’s busiest and most developed beach, popular with tour groups and visitors looking for water activities, seafood restaurants and beachside facilities. Tien Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with attractive scenery, clear water and its distinctive wooden walkway.
Nual Beach, sometimes known as Monkey Beach, is located towards the southern end of the island and is popular with visitors interested in swimming and snorkeling. Monkeys may occasionally be seen in the area. Samae Beach has a wide sandy shoreline and is a popular choice for visitors looking for a more spacious beach setting and sunset views.
Getting Around Koh Larn
Songthaews are readily available around Na Ban Pier and provide an inexpensive way to reach the main beaches. Fares generally vary according to the destination. Motorbike taxis are another option, particularly for solo travellers, while scooters can also be rented near the pier. Visitors renting or riding motorcycles should take extra care. Koh Larn has narrow, steep and winding roads, and riders should have the appropriate licence, wear a helmet and follow local traffic regulations.
Practical Tips for a Koh Larn Day Trip
Bring cash. Although ATMs are available around Na Ban, travellers should not rely on them, particularly during busy periods. Many small restaurants, beach businesses and local transport operators operate mainly on cash. Beach chairs and sunbeds generally cost around 100–200 baht, although some restaurants may waive the charge when customers order food or drinks.
Weather is another important consideration. During the rainy season, particularly from May through October, sea conditions can become rough and speedboat services may be suspended when conditions are considered unsafe.
For first-time visitors, the easiest option is usually the 30-baht public ferry to Na Ban Pier, followed by a songthaew to the beach of choice. Those short on time or looking for a quicker crossing can consider a shared speedboat. With its proximity to Pattaya and variety of beaches, Koh Larn remains one of the easiest ways to turn a Pattaya holiday into a tropical island day trip.
