Bangkok or Pattaya to Koh Larn Island Day Trip

UPDATE 2022: I lived in Bangkok for almost 10 years. It’s a fun city, but it gets a little crazy and sometimes you just need to escape! A great option is traveling from Bangkok to Koh Larn (or Pattaya to Koh Larn), as Koh Larn is far and say the closest Island to Bangkok. It may not be as nice as Koh Phayam, but it’s a welcome break. So rather than taking a Bangkok staycation, you can be on the beach within a couple of hours. Not so many travelers know that you can easily spend the day soaking up the rays and be home in time to club it up or sink some buckets on Khao San Road.

TOP-TIP: Cheapest, easiest travel insurance for Thailand? $10 a week!

Should You Book A Bangkok to Koh Larn Day-Trip?

It’s up to you. When I first went from Bangkok to Koh Larn Island, I was broke. So I took the bus, then the ferry. Now I have more money from starting a blog, I’d probably pay the $70 and day-trip from Bangkok, to the island, some activities, and back to Bangkok. It’s much more efficient and saves a lot of time!

TOP-TIP: You can book a Bangkok to Koh Larn day trip, with hotel pick-up in Bangkok, including guides and ferry, for about $70!

Where is Koh Larn Island

 Koh Larn is the nearest island to both Bangkok and Pattaya. It’s just off the coast of Pattaya. To get from Bangkok to Koh Larn, if timed correctly, takes about 3 hours one-way.

How to Get From Bangkok to Koh Larn; And Pattaya to Koh Larn

Whether you’re going from Bangkok to Koh Larn or from Pattaya to Koh Larn, ultimately you have to reach Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. All speed boats and ferries to Koh Larn leave from there.

Bangkok (Or Pattaya) to Koh Larn:

Taxi + Boat to Koh Larn:

Taxi from Bangkok to Bali Hai is normally around 1500THB ($50) after negotiation and takes about 2 hours. 

Then you have to choose which boat. The cheap but slow ferry. Or the fast, but pricier, speedboat. 

Slow Ferry is 30THB and takes 45 mins. Speedboats are 300/400THB and go when full. Or charter the whole thing for about 3000THB ($100, 15mins)

Bus + Boat to Koh Larn: 

There are 2 ways to go by bus. Ekkamai Bus station will take you to Pattaya bus station (150THB, buses ALL day long), then taxi to Bali Hai Pier. Or take a bus from any of the Bangkok bus stations  (Ekkamai, Sai Tai Mai or Mo Chit) that you’re going to Koh Larn and they can organise an extra stop, normally for 50THB extra. Buses run every 30 minutes or so. 

Then once again choose the ferry or speedboat from Pattaya to Koh Larn.

Koh Larn Ferry Times:

The last ferry back from Koh Larn to Pattaya is at 6pm, so be aware of that!

Koh Larn Map

Things to do in Koh Larn

Koh Lan is not the place for full moon parties and all-night raves, save that for Koh Phang An. But if you want to chill, drive a scooter through the mountains, visit beaches that aren’t packed with travelers then this is the place for you. It’s much more popular with Thais than foreigners but if you go midweek it promises to be pretty empty. Don’t expect lots of things to do in Koh Larn though. Mostly watersports, and chilling by the beach. 

• Rent a scooter for the day and explore (200THB)
• Buddha Hill Temple (scooter ride then 250 steps to the viewpoint)
• Parasailing
• Jetskiing
• Snorkelling
• Seabed walk
• Shooting Range
• Banana boats
• ‘Submarine’ Rides

The Best Beach on Koh Larn

There are 6 beaches in Koh Larn, but the 3 best beaches in Koh Larn are:

• Tawaen beach: The main beach, the busiest and the biggest. Loads of restaurants, activities and therefore loads of people.

• Samae beach: My favourite, quieter but still everything you’d want. The beach is probably more beautiful and has a nicer vibe.

• Nual beach: Never been but rumours are you’ll spot the odd nudist here (bonus?!).

Can You Sleep on Koh Larn?

To be quite honest, Koh Larn is used more as a day trip destination from Pattaya or Bangkok. There are a couple of Koh Larn hotels and resorts but rooms start at $35+  and they’re nothing special. Best advice? Day trip it and head back to BKK, last but from Pattaya is 11pm.

Other Ideas for Day Trips from Bangkok?

I love Bangkok, so check out all the other stuff you can do from Bangkok as day trips or multi-day trips.

1. Kanchanaburi
2. Damonen Saduak floating market
3. Ayutthaya Daytrip
4. Mae Klong Railway market
5. 3 days in Bangkok itinerary
6. Bangkok staycation itinerary
7. Bangkok Wakeboarding
8. Erawan Museum
9. Airplane Graveyard Bangkok