Living & visas
Koh Larn island: how to get there from Pattaya and which beach to choose
For Pattaya residents, Koh Larn is like a seaside cottage: half an hour by ferry and you are on white sand with turquoise water. People go for the day, for the weekend, with kids and with friends. Here is how to get there, how to get around, which beach to choose and how to plan the day so you see everything and still catch the last ferry.
In short
- Since 10 April 2026 the ferry from Bali Hai pier costs 40 ฿, 30 – 45 minutes. A speedboat is from 150 ฿, 15 – 20 minutes.
- For small children Tawaen, for snorkelling Monkey Beach, for shade Tien, at low tide Samae.
- Bring cash: cards are not accepted everywhere on the island.
Getting there
Ferries leave from Bali Hai pier at the south end of Walking Street. Since 10 April 2026 a ticket costs 40 ฿ one way (some guides still list the old 30 ฿), and children pay the adult fare. Tickets are sold at the pier ticket offices; the return ticket is bought on board.
Two routes:
- To Na Ban pier, the village on the east side of the island: 30 – 45 minutes, frequent ferries, the last one back around 18:00.
- Straight to Tawaen Beach: morning ferries at 8, 9, 11 and 13:00, the last one back around 16:00–17:00.
The timetable changes by season, so check the board at the pier and arrive 10 – 15 minutes early.
A speedboat costs from 150 ฿ a person at the pier ticket office, takes 15 – 20 minutes and drops you right at the beach you want. Boats may be cancelled in rough weather.
Getting around the island
- Songthaews from Tawaen to Tien or Samae cost about 40 ฿ a person, back to Na Ban about 30 ฿. Almost all vehicles from the beaches return to Na Ban pier, where most ferries leave from.
- Motorbike taxis are handy for Monkey Beach and Ta Yai.
- Scooters rent for roughly 200 – 500 ฿ a day. The island's roads are hilly with steep descents, so a tuk-tuk is easier without experience. Leave a driving licence as a deposit rather than your passport.
Which beach to choose
Tawaen
The island's biggest and most popular beach: white sand, a very gentle entry and a sandy bottom, ideal for small children. It has every facility, cafés and water sports. It is busy during the day; after 15–16:00 the tours leave and it gets quieter. In the evening the beach turns into a row of restaurants on the sand under lanterns. A wooden walkway leads to little Sangwan beach, with the best snorkelling straight from the shore.
Tien
Beautiful water and lots of trees: the easiest place to find free shade and lay down your own towel. Good for a quiet day, and for swimming at high tide.
Samae
Calmer than Tien, and the water barely recedes at low tide, so during the daytime low-tide season it is the busiest. A good spot for sunset.
Monkey Beach (Nual)
Clear water, rocks and a coral reef: the best snorkelling on the island. A monkey lives here and loves treats, so keep an eye on your food.
Ta Yai
A small, quiet beach with a lovely sunset, for when you want some privacy.
What else to see
- The viewpoint above Tawaen: a short climb with a lovely view of the beach and bay.
- The temple on Khao Yai hill: free to enter; cover shoulders and knees on the upper level.
- Na Ban village: cafés, shops and evening fishing from the pier.
A day plan
- Morning
The 8 or 9 o'clock ferry from Bali Hai, while it is cool and quiet.
- Late morning
Tawaen or Samae, a swim and lunch at a beach café.
- Afternoon
A songthaew to Tien or Monkey Beach for snorkelling and shade.
- Evening
Back to Na Ban and the ferry to town before 18:00, or sunset on Samae and a night on the island.
With kids
With little ones, choose Tawaen: shallow, with a sandy bottom and everything close by. Bring sunscreen, hats and water, as some beaches have little shade. Other beaches for kids are covered in Pattaya beaches, and family life in Pattaya with kids.
If you are looking for a home in Pattaya, we will help you choose the area and the condo.
FAQ
How much is the ferry to Koh Larn?
Since 10 April 2026, 40 baht one way; children pay the adult fare. A speedboat is from 150 baht.
How long is the trip to Koh Larn?
30 – 45 minutes by ferry, 15 – 20 minutes by speedboat.
What time is the last ferry from Koh Larn?
From Na Ban pier around 18:00, from Tawaen Beach around 16:00–17:00. Check the timetable at the pier.
Which Koh Larn beach is best with kids?
Tawaen: white sand, a gentle entry, a sandy bottom and everything close by.
Do I need cash on Koh Larn?
Yes, cards are not accepted everywhere and ATMs can run dry in high season.
Sources
- Pattaya Mail: Koh Larn ferry fare 40 baht from 10 April 2026
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Chonburi and Pattaya
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
