Koh Larn (Lan Island), this island is 7.5 km. from south Pattaya, about 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat. Tourists prefer a swim and enjoy water-sports along several beaches. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the Koh Larn. Thongland beach and Ta Waen beach are popular beaches for its bustling atmosphere, squatic sport gear, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Tien beach and Samae beach offer a more restful atmosphere.
Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats or skin-diving to view coral reefs in front of Tien beach.
At the southend of Koh Larn is Nuan beach, Samae beach, Tawaen beach, and Thian beach where a hotel is situated. It is another spot for viewing corals.
Lazy Day On Koh Larn
There are a few places in the world where life rarely comes to a complete standstill. And just a couple of hours away from busy Bangkok is an outpost that seems locked in delightful isolation, yet very accessible any day during the week.
Imagine coral reefs and endless skies. Clear blue waters and white sand beaches. Mountainous terrain and rocky outcrops. No, it is not a dream. For these are among the sights on Koh Larn, the biggest island off the coast of Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand. Sparsely populated and still generally unspoiled, it is about four kilometers long and two kilometers wide, and is just the right place for that quick getaway.
Besides getting a tan and plain beachcombing, visitors to Koh Larn can engage in several fun activities, like snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. They can also ride a banana boat for a fast spin along the coast, or view corals and other natural formations aboard a glass-bottomed boat built specifically for this purpose.
In Koh Larn, there is also the option of firing a few rounds at a shooting range. Traverse well-marked trails for a few hours of hiking or get on a mountain bike and explore the jungle. For those wanting something less stressful, just take a few steps and click away from a few selected spots to get stunning views of the sea and tracts of wilderness.
But for the intrepid adventurer, there is always the diving. Among the recommended dive sites are Koh Larn Vac, an excellent site where several species of fish and other marine creatures abound, Shark Point, where small sharks are quite common, and Laem Thong, known for a deep drop-off measuring more than 50 meters.
The beaches worth visiting are Ta Waen on the northern part of Koh Larn, with its long stretch of fine sand, Laemtien and Samae on the southwest of Koh Larn, both perfect for those wanting solitude, Ta Pan on the west of Koh Larn where one can put up a tent and be lulled by the sound of the waves rushing back and forth, and Nuan on the south of Koh Larn where a huge hotel is the preferred destination of tourists.
Accommodation facilities may vary on any part of Koh Larn but will always suit any budget. While most residents live in the village of Naban, there are restaurants at nearly every beach. All are known for fresh seafood served anytime during the day.
Getting Koh Larn
From downtown Pattaya, take a mini bus to South Pattaya pier for the ferry. You can also ride a boat to Koh Larn from the wharf on Pattaya Beach Road for the 45 minute trip. Upon arrival on Koh Larn, take a songtaew to your chosen beach. Make sure to know what time the boat leaves for the return trip. Most shops sell food, refreshments, beach gear and souvenirs.
Lazy Day On Koh Larn
There are a few places in the world where life rarely comes to a complete standstill. And just a couple of hours away from busy Bangkok is an outpost that seems locked in delightful isolation, yet very accessible any day during the week.
Imagine coral reefs and endless skies. Clear blue waters and white sand beaches. Mountainous terrain and rocky outcrops. No, it is not a dream. For these are among the sights on Koh Larn, the biggest island off the coast of Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand. Sparsely populated and still generally unspoiled, it is about four kilometers long and two kilometers wide, and is just the right place for that quick getaway.
Besides getting a tan and plain beachcombing, visitors to Koh Larn can engage in several fun activities, like snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. They can also ride a banana boat for a fast spin along the coast, or view corals and other natural formations aboard a glass-bottomed boat built specifically for this purpose.
In Koh Larn, there is also the option of firing a few rounds at a shooting range. Traverse well-marked trails for a few hours of hiking or get on a mountain bike and explore the jungle. For those wanting something less stressful, just take a few steps and click away from a few selected spots to get stunning views of the sea and tracts of wilderness.
But for the intrepid adventurer, there is always the diving. Among the recommended dive sites are Koh Larn Vac, an excellent site where several species of fish and other marine creatures abound, Shark Point, where small sharks are quite common, and Laem Thong, known for a deep drop-off measuring more than 50 meters.
The beaches worth visiting are Ta Waen on the northern part of Koh Larn, with its long stretch of fine sand, Laemtien and Samae on the southwest of Koh Larn, both perfect for those wanting solitude, Ta Pan on the west of Koh Larn where one can put up a tent and be lulled by the sound of the waves rushing back and forth, and Nuan on the south of Koh Larn where a huge hotel is the preferred destination of tourists.
Accommodation facilities may vary on any part of Koh Larn but will always suit any budget. While most residents live in the village of Naban, there are restaurants at nearly every beach. All are known for fresh seafood served anytime during the day.
Getting Koh Larn
From downtown Pattaya, take a mini bus to South Pattaya pier for the ferry. You can also ride a boat to Koh Larn from the wharf on Pattaya Beach Road for the 45 minute trip. Upon arrival on Koh Larn, take a songtaew to your chosen beach. Make sure to know what time the boat leaves for the return trip. Most shops sell food, refreshments, beach gear and souvenirs.
