Looking for a tropical paradise just a quick boat ride from Pattaya? Koh Larn (Larn Island) offers beautiful clear waters, gorgeous white beaches, and some of Thailand's most accessible snorkeling spots. Whether you're a first-time snorkeler or an experienced underwater explorer, Koh Larn snorkeling opportunities will leave you breathless with their colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Let's dive into everything you need to know about this island gem for your 2025 Thailand adventure!
Location of Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn Island sits just 7 km off the coast of Pattaya on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard in the Bay of Bangkok. This small island (measuring only 4 km long by 2 km wide) is known locally as "Coral Island" and is the largest of three islands near Pattaya. With its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Koh Larn provides the perfect tropical escape from Bangkok's hustle and bustle, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
Koh Larn Activities: What You Can Do?
When planning things to do in Pattaya, a trip to Koh Larn should be at the top of your list. This small island packs a surprising number of activities into its tropical landscape. Let's explore the top activities that make a coral island tour Pattaya so popular.
1. Koh Larn Snorkeling
Koh Larn snorkeling is the island's standout attraction, and for good reason! The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island house vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just meters from shore. The best snorkeling spots include the northern end of Tien Beach, the rocky areas around Had Ta Yai Beach, and the quieter Nual Beach. Equipment rentals are readily available at most beaches for around 100-200 THB, making it easy to explore underwater even if you didn't bring your own gear.
2. Koh Larn Parasailing
For an adrenaline rush and breathtaking aerial views of the island, parasailing at Koh Larn is hard to beat. This activity involves being harnessed to a parachute and towed behind a speedboat, lifting you high above the turquoise waters. Most parasailing operations are based at Tawaen Beach, where you'll be taken to a platform at sea to begin your flight.
3. Koh Larn Banana Boat Ride
For a fun group activity that guarantees laughter and splashes, hop on a banana boat at one of Koh Larn's busy beaches. These inflatable yellow rafts shaped like bananas can accommodate up to 10 people and are towed behind speedboats at varying speeds.
4. Koh Larn Jet Ski
Experience the thrill of racing across Koh Larn's clear waters on a powerful jet ski. Available for rent at most major beaches (particularly Tawaen and Samae), these "motorcycles of the sea" offer an exhilarating way to explore the island's coastline. Remember to inspect your jet ski for existing damage before riding and always follow the safety guidelines provided by rental operators.
5. Koh Larn Hiking
Discover the island's natural beauty by hiking its network of trails and roads. Koh Larn offers moderate hiking with rewarding panoramic views. The trail connecting Tawaen Beach to Tien Beach provides stunning coastal scenery, while paths leading to various viewpoints offer perfect photo opportunities.
6. Koh Larn Beach Walk
For a more leisurely exploration, take a beach walk or sunset stroll. These walks provide excellent opportunities for photography and spotting beaches at dawn. Early morning or late afternoon walks are also comfortable temperature-wise and offer the best lighting for photos of the turquoise waters against white sand.
Koh Larn Beaches
Koh Larn offers seven distinct beaches, each with its own character and appeal. Every beach offers snorkeling opportunities, though some have better coral formations and fish populations than others.
1. Tong Lang Beach
Tong Lang Beach is a hidden gem on Koh Larn's western coast. This beach is special for snorkelers because of its relatively untouched underwater ecosystem. Access requires either a speedboat drop-off or a 15-minute hike down a hillside path, which keeps crowd levels low.
2. Had Ta Yai Beach
Had Ta Yai Beach (also called Daeng Beach) is a picture-perfect 105-meter crescent of white coral sand. This beach is a snorkeler's paradise thanks to dramatic rocky outcrops at both ends that create diverse underwater habitats. The calm, clear waters offer excellent visibility for spotting tropical fish, small reef sharks, and vibrant corals.
3. Tawaen Beach
Tawaen Beach is the island's activity hub, with every water sport imaginable available, including extensive snorkeling options. For snorkelers, the northern end offers better coral formations, though the central area gets quite busy with boats and jet skis during peak hours. The beach is directly accessible from Tawaen Pier, making it the easiest option for day-trippers. With numerous restaurants, shops, and accommodation options, Tawaen provides all the conveniences you could need
4. Tien Beach
Tien Beach offers not only excellent snorkeling but also spectacular sunset views, and you can see some geese swimming here as well. This picturesque stretch of coral sand features some of the best underwater visibility on the island, especially around its rocky northern end. Tien Beach strikes a perfect balance between convenience and natural beauty, making it a favorite among visitors seeking quality Koh Larn snorkeling without extreme crowds.
5. Sangwan Beach
Sangwan Beach is the closest beach to Tawaen Pier, making it an excellent first stop for eager snorkelers. The beach's relatively quiet atmosphere contrasts with nearby Tawaen Beach, offering a more relaxed snorkeling experience. With a couple of restaurants and basic facilities, Sangwan provides everything needed for a comfortable day of underwater adventure in a tranquil setting.
6. Samae Beach
As Koh Larn's second most popular beach, the Samae Beach combines excellent amenities with good snorkeling opportunities. Facing southwest, it offers beautiful sunset views and relatively calm waters. The best snorkeling can be found around the rocky areas at the northern end near the Koh Larn Viewpoint, where coral formations attract diverse marine life. Despite its popularity, Samae is slightly less crowded than Tawaen while still offering all the conveniences, making it an excellent choice for families or groups with mixed interests.
7. Nual Beach
Nual Beach (sometimes called Monkey Beach) offers a different snorkeling experience from the island's western beaches. Snorkelers can expect different fish species here compared to the western beaches, with particularly good visibility in the morning hours. The beach gets its nickname from the monkeys that occasionally visit from the nearby hillside. With several simple restaurants but no beachside accommodation, Nual remains quieter than more accessible beaches, rewarding travelers who make the effort to reach this southern gem.
For the best experience to Nual Beach, book your coral island tour in Pattaya with Black Pearl Pattaya or CHATEAU Yacht Pattaya Sailing Tour through Ontway to ensure a seamless adventure with reliable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and stress-free access to the island's attractions.
How To Get To Koh Larn Island?
Reaching Koh Larn is straightforward, with options to suit various budgets and preferences.
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Sailing Tour: For a luxurious and scenic journey, consider booking a sailing tour from Pattaya, these excursions typically include snorkeling equipment, afternoon tea, drinks, and stops at many beaches, offering a relaxed, premium way to experience the island.
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Ferry: The most economical option at approximately 30 THB each way. Ferries run regularly between 7:00 AM and 6:30 PM, with a journey time of around 40-45 minutes. Ferries arrive at either Tawaen Beach Pier (west coast) or Na Baan Pier (east coast).
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Speedboat: For a faster journey (15-20 minutes) and direct beach access, speedboats are available from any main beach in Pattaya.
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From Bangkok: First travel to Pattaya (2-3 hours) via bus from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal (150-200 THB), minivan from Victory Monument (150 THB), airport transfers to Pattaya, or taxi (1,200-1,500 THB), then take the ferry or speedboat to Koh Larn.
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On the Island: Get around using motorcycle taxis (50 THB per trip), the blue songthaew pickup trucks that run between major beaches, or rent your own motorbike (300 THB per day) near the piers or at Tawaen Beach.
Best Time To Visit Koh Larn
The optimal time for Koh Larn snorkeling and other water activities is during the warm-dry season from November through March. During these months, you'll enjoy clear skies, gentle sea breezes, and importantly for snorkelers, maximum underwater visibility often exceeding 10 meters. Water temperatures hover around a comfortable 28-30°C, perfect for extended exploration of the coral reefs. April and May bring hotter temperatures but still offer good conditions, while the rainy season (June through October) can bring afternoon thunderstorms and reduced visibility. September and October typically see the heaviest rainfall and should be avoided if possible. Weekend visitors should note that the island gets significantly busier with domestic tourists, so weekday visits provide a more peaceful experience.
Summary – Koh Larn Snorkeling
Koh Larn offers an unbeatable combination of accessibility and tropical beauty, making it the perfect addition to any Pattaya itinerary. With its diverse beaches, abundant marine life, and range of activities, the island caters to everyone from relaxation-seekers to adventure enthusiasts. Koh Larn snorkeling remains the standout experience, allowing visitors to discover the underwater world that gives Coral Island its nickname.
Ontway is a leading local travel agency specializing in authentic Thai experiences. We can also arrange seamless private car service, organize comprehensive island tours, and recommend the best restaurants in Pattaya to complete your trip. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, Koh Larn's vibrant reefs promise unforgettable memories in this accessible slice of Thai paradise.
