Koh Larn from Pattaya is the easiest island escape on the east coast: a 40-baht ferry, about 45 minutes at sea, and you land on an island with far clearer water than Beach Road. Here are the timetables, the piers, the beaches and my tips for mid-October, as the rainy season draws to a close.
The ferry from Bali Hai Pier
Everything starts at Bali Hai Pier, the big jetty at the end of Walking Street, south of Beach Road. The public ferry has cost 40 baht per journey since 10 April 2026; it had stayed at 30 baht for around sixteen years. Pay at the ticket booth on the pier, not to touts on the street. The crossing takes 40 to 45 minutes. There are two destinations: Na Ban, the main village and harbour, and Tawaen, the busiest beach.
Times to and from Na Ban
- Pattaya → Na Ban: 7.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.30.
- Na Ban → Pattaya: 6.30, 7.30, 9.30, 12.00, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.00.
Times to and from Tawaen
- Pattaya → Tawaen: 8.00, 9.00, 11.00, 13.00.
- Tawaen → Pattaya: 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00.
These are the times recorded in 2026. They can change, so take a photo of the board on the pier. In a hurry? Shared speedboats cross in 15 to 20 minutes for about 150 to 300 baht per person. A private boat starts at roughly 1,500 to 3,000 baht, depending on your bargaining.
Na Ban or Tawaen: which pier?
Na Ban is the heart of the island, with the songthaew and motorbike taxi rank. It is the best starting point if you want to see several beaches. The ferry runs back and forth all day, with the last departure to Pattaya at around 18.00.
The Tawaen ferry drops you right on the beach. Handy with children, or for a lazy sunbed day. But departures are mostly in the morning and returns stop at around 17.00. My advice: go to Na Ban, then come back from whichever pier suits you, after checking the time of the last boat.
The beaches of Koh Larn
- Tawaen: the longest (about 700 metres) and liveliest, with restaurants, showers and water sports. Great for families, but noisy with jet skis.
- Samae: on the west side, about ten minutes from Na Ban. Fine sand, clear water, more space. Lovely light late in the day, but there can be waves in the afternoon.
- Tien: a smaller, calmer bay, often called the prettiest on the island, with its wooden walkway.
- Nual, known as Monkey Beach: in the south, quiet, good for swimming and snorkelling. Monkeys live on the hillside: do not feed them and keep your bags closed.
Expect about 100 to 200 baht for a sunbed for the day, depending on the beach.
Getting around the island
In Na Ban, songthaews, the pick-up trucks with benches, wait about a hundred metres from the pier and leave when full. Expect around 30 to 60 baht per person depending on the beach. Motorbike taxis post their fares on a board near the pier: about 50 baht to Samae, around 400 baht for an island tour.
You can also hire a scooter for about 250 to 400 baht a day. Be careful: the roads are narrow, steep and full of bends. Only do it if you are used to riding, with a helmet and the right licence.
The viewpoint and the big Buddha
On the road to Samae, a viewpoint looks over the coast: stop for a few minutes. Higher up, the big Buddha hill gives a panorama over Tawaen and, on a clear day, as far as Pattaya. Songthaews and motorbike taxis go up on request. For the religious site, cover your shoulders and knees.
Mid-October: end of the rains, start of high season
Right now we are coming out of the rainy season, which runs roughly from May to October. The sea can still be rough, and a heavy downpour clouds the water for a day or two. In bad weather, speedboats, and even the ferry, may be suspended. Check the forecast the day before and leave some margin for the trip back.
From November, high season gets going: calmer sea, clearer water, blue skies until around February. The downside: more people, especially at weekends and on Thai public holidays. Go on a weekday if you can, and aim for the first boat to arrive before the mid-morning tour groups.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Bring cash in small notes: the cash machines in Na Ban are sometimes empty or have long queues.
- Buy your ticket at the Bali Hai Pier booth, never from a tout.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the return ferry: it may leave early if it is full.
- Sun cream, a hat, water and water shoes for rocky entries.
- Before hiring a jet ski, film the machine in front of the operator to avoid unfair damage claims.
- To round off your stay, read my guide to things to do in Pattaya.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ferry to Koh Larn from Pattaya?
40 baht per person per journey since April 2026, paid at the Bali Hai Pier booth. A shared speedboat costs about 150 to 300 baht.
What time is the last ferry from Koh Larn?
Around 18.00 from Na Ban and around 17.00 from Tawaen, according to the times recorded in 2026. Check on the spot on the day.
Which is the best beach on Koh Larn?
For clear water and space, Samae. For peace and quiet, Tien or Nual. Tawaen is the most convenient, but also the most crowded.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
