Audio Guide of Koh Larn, Coral Island

To get there, you need to go to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya; from there, public ferries depart (taking 45 min) and speedboats (15 min). Ferries generally operate from 07:00 to 18:30, but I recommend checking the latest schedules when you arrive or consulting local tourism sites such as Tourism Thailand.

Entry to the island itself is free; your only mandatory expense is transportation. The public ferry is very cheap (around 30 THB each way), while speedboats usually cost between 150 and 300 THB depending on your bargaining skills.

Ideally, you should dedicate a full day, arriving early in the morning and returning on the last afternoon ferry (about 5 to 7 hours). This gives you enough time to hop between beaches such as Tawaen and Samae, eat fresh seafood, and relax without constantly checking the clock.

It is known as Coral Island because of the abundance of coral reefs that historically surrounded it, making it a snorkeling paradise near Bangkok. Although tourism has affected the area, it remains a vital haven of turquoise waters that contrasts with Pattaya’s urbanized coastline.

The best time is during the dry season (November to April) to ensure calm, blue seas. To avoid the crowds, the expert trick is to go on a weekday and take the first boat in the morning (07:00 AM), before the large tour groups arrive.

Honestly, accessibility is a challenge: boarding the boats can be unsteady, and getting around the island involves sandy paths or motorcycle taxis. If you are traveling with reduced mobility, the best option is to hire a private speedboat that offers personalized assistance for safe boarding and disembarking.

When you return to Bali Hai Pier, you are just a few minutes from the famous city sign and the viewpoint on Phra Tamnak Hill. Also, you should not miss a visit to the impressive Sanctuary of Truth, an architectural wonder of carved wood a short taxi ride away.

Always carry cash (baht) because ATMs on the island sometimes fail and, if you rent a motorbike, be very careful because the slopes are steep and tricky. So you do not miss any detail of Thai culture during your trip, I suggest downloading our specialized audio guides.