Koh Larn from Pattaya
In short
Koh Larn is Pattaya's beach island, about 45 minutes by public ferry from Bali Hai Pier.
Why go to Coral Island
Clear water and white sand, less than an hour from the city. Koh Larn has six main beaches: Tawaen is the busy one by the pier, and Samae on the west side is longer and calmer.
It's Pattaya's easy island day: swimming, a seafood lunch on the sand, and back in time for the evening.
- a small island of six main beaches, off Pattaya
- public ferry from Bali Hai Pier, about 45 minutes
- about 6pm (TAT timetable)
- from Ocean Marina, 15 to 30 minutes over
How do you get to Koh Larn?
You get to Koh Larn by public ferry, by shared speedboat, or on your own boat. Here's how they compare.
The coral island Pattaya ferry
The public ferry leaves Bali Hai Pier, at the south end of Beach Road by Walking Street, for Na Ban village, about 7.5 km and 45 minutes away. The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists boats out from 7am to 6:30pm and back from Ko Lan from 6:30am to 6pm, at ฿20 a person (checked November 2026). Miss the last one and you're paying for a speedboat.
Shared speedboats
Shared speedboats leave Bali Hai Pier when they're full and take 15 to 20 minutes, priced by the seat.
Ask Tanner, and your boat waits at Ocean Marina.
Public ferry
- From:
- Bali Hai Pier
- Time:
- about 45 minutes
- Cost:
- the cheap way, paid at the pier
Shared speedboat
- From:
- Bali Hai Pier
- Time:
- 15 to 20 minutes
- Cost:
- priced by the seat
Private boat
- From:
- Ocean Marina, Na Jomtien
- Time:
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Cost:
- from ฿49,000 for the boat, 8 hours
Which Koh Larn beach is best?
The best beach depends on whether you want the action or the quiet.
Getting between beaches is by motorbike taxi or small local transport, as the hills make walking slow.
My pick: skip Tawaen at midday. Go early, or head straight for Samae.
Tawaen
- Best for:
- the busy beach by the ferry pier, with water sports and lunch spots
Samae
- Best for:
- a long, calmer beach on the west side
Tien
- Best for:
- a quieter beach a short walk from Samae
Nual
- Best for:
- a small beach known for its monkeys
What the day costs
On the ferry, Coral Island costs little beyond lunch, a sunbed and a ride around the island. For a group, your own boat is the bigger number, but it covers everyone for the whole day.
The boat prices are from our Pattaya yachts page. Fully crewed, snorkel gear on board. You just turn up.
Your own boat, up to 16
- Cost:
- from ฿49,000 for 8 hours
Sailing catamaran or motor yacht
- Cost:
- Quoted to your plan
The party on deck
- Cost:
- a DJ from ฿8,000; an open bar at ฿1,500 each
How long should you stay on Koh Larn?
You need a full day on Coral Island to do it properly: about 45 minutes each way on the ferry, plus four or five hours on the beach. On your own boat, the crossing is 15 to 30 minutes, so more of the day is spent in the water.
Start early. The first ferries beat the crowds, and the afternoon sun is strong. Ask Tanner to have the boat ready at 9am.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Koh Larn is November to April, when the sea is calmer and the days are dry. From May, the southwest monsoon brings more rain and choppier water. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and Thai holidays are the busiest days on the island. Ask Tanner which weekday suits your group.
Your own boat: the group day
This is how a group does it: your own boat from Ocean Marina in Na Jomtien, 15 to 30 minutes to the island, and the whole day on your own clock.
- The boat: a sailing catamaran for the whole crew, or a motor yacht for up to 15.
- The route: Koh Larn for the beaches, then Koh Sak nearby for snorkelling, and the sunset on the way back.
- The party on deck: a DJ and an open bar, so the day becomes the party.
- No last ferry: you come back when you're done, then the car takes everyone to the villa or the club.
Booked boat not available? We find a similar one or refund you.
Plan it with Tanner.
Ferry, speedboat or your own boat?
Pick by your group and the day you want.
More than six of you? Take your own boat.
The cheapest day
- Take:
- the public ferry
A quicker crossing
- Take:
- a shared speedboat
The whole group together, a party and no last ferry
- Take:
- a private boat
What twelve of you really spend
Coral Island from Pattaya on your own boat: a boat for up to 16 from ฿49,000 for 8 hours, VAT included, with a DJ from ฿8,000 and an open bar at ฿1,500 a guest on top.
Insider tip: the last public ferry back leaves Ko Lan at about 6pm on TAT's timetable, so on the ferry, plan lunch early. See Pattaya to Koh Larn for every way over.
Tanner's pick: for twelve, the catamaran, with Samae Beach before lunch. Ask Tanner to hold the boat.
After the island
After Koh Larn, the evening is Pattaya's: a sunset drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Pattaya, a cabaret like the Tiffany's Show, then Walking Street and the best clubs in Pattaya.
Ask Tanner to line up the evening after the boat.
Koh Larn in short
- Koh Larn, or Coral Island, is a small island off Pattaya with six main beaches.
- The public ferry leaves Bali Hai Pier, about 45 minutes, first boat about 7am.
- The last ferry back from Ko Lan is at about 6pm.
- A private boat from Ocean Marina takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Samae is the long, calm beach; Tawaen is the busy one by the pier.
- Best months: November to April.
Checked November 2026.
Written by Tanner Altman · Updated 7 November 2026
Questions
Questions about Koh Larn and Coral Island
What is Coral Island in Thailand?
Coral Island is the popular name for Koh Larn, a small island about 7.5 km off Pattaya. It has six main beaches, with busy Tawaen by the pier and calm Samae on the west side.
How much is the ferry to Koh Larn?
฿20 a person on the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Na Ban, about 45 minutes. Your own boat from Ocean Marina skips the queue and takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What time is the last ferry back from Koh Larn?
About 6pm from Ko Lan, with the first boats back from 6:30am. The last boats fill up, so aim for an earlier one, or take your own boat and skip the timetable.
How long is the ferry to Koh Larn?
About 45 minutes on the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier; a shared speedboat takes 15 to 20 minutes, and your own boat from Ocean Marina takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Can you take a private boat to Koh Larn?
Yes. From Ocean Marina, your own boat for up to 16 costs from ฿49,000 for 8 hours, and the crossing is 15 to 30 minutes. The sailing catamaran and the motor yacht are quoted to your plan, with the DJ and the bar on top.
Which is the best beach on Koh Larn?
Samae for a long, calm beach on the west side; Tawaen, by the pier, for the busiest beach and the water sports. Go early to Tawaen, or head straight for Samae.
Is Koh Larn worth it?
Yes, for a beach day near Pattaya: clear water, white sand and a seafood lunch. Go early, or take a private boat, to skip the ferry crowds at Tawaen.
How do you get to Coral Island from Pattaya?
By the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier, about 45 minutes, by a shared speedboat in 15 to 20 minutes, or on your own boat from Ocean Marina in Na Jomtien.
Is Koh Larn good for snorkelling?
The beaches are for swimming more than snorkelling. For snorkelling, take your own boat to Koh Sak nearby, with the snorkel gear already on board. Ask Tanner to add it to the route.
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Credits: top photo AI-generated image.