Coral Island (Koh Larn)
The closest island to Pattaya, 20 minutes by speedboat, with six beaches and decent snorkelling off the far side.
Koh Larn, known as Coral Island, is 7km off Pattaya and reached in 45 minutes by speedboat or 2 hours by ferry. Speedboat day trips start from 300 baht. The island has six beaches, and Ta Waen is the busiest.
Prices and hours are our current best information, not a published rate. Confirm on the day before you travel.
The closest island to Pattaya, 20 minutes by speedboat, with six beaches and decent snorkelling off the far side.
Koh Larn is the only inhabited island in Pattaya Bay and has a permanent population of a few thousand, mostly fishing and tourism families. The beaches on the west side face Pattaya and get the day-trippers; the east and south coasts are quieter and where the islanders actually live. The coral that gave it its English name is mostly gone, but the water is still clearer than Pattaya's.
It is the easiest proper beach day from Pattaya and good with children. Go to the far beaches (Samae, Tien) rather than the main pier.
What you’ll actually see
- Ta Yai Beach on the north coast, the quietest and the only one with real shade
- Nual Beach on the south coast, good for snorkelling off the rocks
- The viewpoint above Ta Waen, with Pattaya on the horizon
- The fishing village at the pier, where the island's own restaurants are
How to visit it well
- Take the ferry from Bali Hai pier for a fraction of the speedboat price.
- Hire a scooter on the island to reach the quiet beaches.
- Weekdays are much calmer than weekends.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Booking a 'coral island tour' that is mostly a floating platform with parasailing
- Staying at Ta Waen, which is umbrellas, jet skis and loudspeakers
- Taking the ferry back after 5pm — the last one leaves around 6pm
Is it worth it?
Worth a half day if you are in Pattaya, not worth a special trip. Rent a scooter on the island and go to Ta Yai or Nual instead of Ta Waen — a completely different experience for 200 baht.
Common questions
Ferry from Bali Hai pier takes 45 minutes and costs 30 baht. Speedboat takes 15 minutes and costs 150–300 baht.
Ta Yai on the north coast. It is a 10-minute scooter ride from the pier and has shade and a single restaurant.
Yes, there are small guesthouses from around 800 baht. Staying means you get the beaches before the day-trippers arrive.
Modest. The coral is degraded but Nual Beach has fish and rocks. Do not expect the Similans.
Tours that include Coral Island (Koh Larn)
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Nattapong Srisuwan