Koh Larn is a cute little island with the feel of traditional Thailand within easy reach just off the coast of Pattaya. You access the island via ferry for 50 Bhatt per person return (which is about 100 Rupees) or in smaller speedboats for a little bit more. The ferry takes about 25mins and is a peaceful ride giving you the opportunity to reflect back on the skyline of Pattaya across the water.
You arrive into Koh Larn at a small port, which is set in a little pocket of shops, cafe's and stalls selling the typical holiday trinkets you would expect. It feels very quaint but is typically touristy with lots of backpackers and day trippers heading over from Pattaya. We happened to visit on Songkran, which is a Thai festival, which rivals the hype of British Christmas time, so it was very busy with tourists and locals too who were out with family’s celebrating the festive period. A friend we were with has visited Koh Larn multiple times and said that it was never as as busy as it was the day we went, so I assume when no festivals are on, it wouldn’t be quite as busy.
Koh Larn itself Is a small island with little pockets are places to visit easily accessible by bike taxi or baht bus’. We visited Samae beach, which has the iconic manta-ray hotel on it. Identified by the winged roof in the shape of a ray at the top end of the beach. The sand was dusty and white just what you hope for on a Thai island and the water was crystal clear and reasonably calm. The edge of the beach is lined with beach hut/stall style eateries who all have beds and umbrella’s outside. Some have small costs to use them where others are free if you purchase food and drinks from them.
The only downfall was that the umbrellas over the beds are so tightly compact that it’s not too good for sunbathing and the toilets you have to pay for
There’s also lots of ladies available on the beach for massages, hair braiding and henna tattoo’s at reasonable prices.
It’s a small island and maybe not enough going on for a long stay, but for price and distance to the mainland, it’s an ideal day out or relaxing for a short stay!
