Getting from Bangkok to Koh Larn (Coral Island) takes about 3 to 4 hours door to door: around 2 hours by bus or car to Pattaya, then a 30 THB public ferry from Bali Hai Pier (35 to 45 minutes) or a 15 to 20 minute speedboat. It is the easiest island escape from the capital, with clear water and several beaches on an island about 7 km offshore.
Whether you are a couple, a group of friends or a family, here is how to plan the trip, choose a beach and get back before the last boat.
At a Glance
- Bangkok to Pattaya: About 2 to 3 hours by bus from Ekkamai (around 148 THB) or from Suvarnabhumi Airport (from 135 THB)
- Pattaya to the island: Public ferry 30 THB, 35 to 45 minutes; speedboat 150 to 200 THB, 15 to 20 minutes
- Pier: Bali Hai Pier, south end of Pattaya Beach
- Last ferry back: Around 6 pm from Na Baan, earlier from the beaches (as of September 2026)
- Main beaches: Tawaen, Samae, Tien, Nual
In This Guide
- Bangkok to Pattaya
- Pattaya Before the Boat
- The Island at a Glance
- Ferry or Speedboat
- Which Beach Is for You?
- Things to Do
- A Sample Day Trip
- Island Tips
- When to Go
- Where to Stay
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Bangkok to Pattaya: The 2-Hour Dash
Pattaya is about 2 hours from Bangkok by road, so you can leave the city after breakfast and be on a boat before lunch.
- Bus from Ekkamai: Roong Reuang Coach buses leave Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal, next to Ekkamai BTS station, roughly hourly; the fare is around 148 THB and the ride takes 2 to 3 hours (as of September 2026).
- Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport: direct buses run to Pattaya from 135 THB and take about 2 hours.
- Private taxi or transfer: about 1.5 to 2 hours door to door, easiest with luggage or a group.
From Pattaya, take a Grab or baht bus (songthaew) to Bali Hai Pier at the south end of Pattaya Beach, the gateway to the islands.
Pattaya Before the Boat
Pattaya is famous for Walking Street, but it has plenty to see by day. If you have a spare afternoon, visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a hand-carved wooden sanctuary in Naklua, or browse our things to do in Pattaya.
Koh Larn: The Jewel of Chonburi
Koh Larn, often called Coral Island, lies about 7 km off Pattaya and is the most visited island near the city. The water is far clearer than on the mainland, and the island has a small village, Na Baan, plus several beaches linked by roads and songthaews.
Ferry or Speedboat?
You have two options from Bali Hai Pier:
- Public ferry: 30 THB each way, 35 to 45 minutes, paid at the kiosk as you board. Ferries go either to Na Baan village or straight to Tawaen Beach; check which one you are boarding.
- Speedboat: about 150 to 200 THB per person on a shared boat, or 1,500 to 3,500 THB to charter one, 15 to 20 minutes. It can be a bumpy ride.
Which Beach Is for You?
The island has several beaches, each with its own feel:
- Tawaen Beach: the biggest and busiest, where most ferries and speedboats land, with restaurants, shops and water sports.
- Samae Beach: on the west side, calmer, with sunbeds and a more relaxed pace.
- Tien Beach: a smaller bay with clear water, reached by songthaew or boat, good for a quieter swim.
- Nual Beach (Monkey Beach): named after the monkeys on the hillside; keep food out of sight.
Things to Do on the Island
The island is as busy or as lazy as you want. Thrill-seekers can try parasailing, jet skis, banana boats or sea walking, where you walk on the seabed wearing a helmet fed with air. Snorkelling near the rocks shows why it is called Coral Island, although the reefs are still recovering.
Agree prices before any water sport, and choose operators with life jackets. Or simply rent a sunbed and a scooter or songthaew and hop between beaches.
A Sample Island Day Trip
Staying in Pattaya the night before makes the day easier. A relaxed plan:
- 9 am: arrive at Bali Hai Pier and take the ferry to Tawaen or Na Baan.
- 10 am to 1 pm: swim and snorkel at Samae or Tien while Tawaen fills up.
- 1 pm: seafood lunch at a beach restaurant.
- 2 to 4 pm: water sports at Tawaen, or a songthaew to the island viewpoint.
- By 5 pm: head for Na Baan pier to be sure of a seat on a ferry back.
Island Tips: Cash, Ferries and Crowds
A few simple habits save time and money on the island:
- Bring small notes: many stalls and boats prefer cash, so carry 20, 50 and 100 THB notes.
- Watch the clock: the last public ferry back leaves Na Baan around 6 pm, earlier from Tawaen (as of September 2026); check the times on the day, or you will pay for a private speedboat.
- Go on a weekday: weekends and Thai holidays bring big crowds and full ferries.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: the coral is recovering, and oxybenzone harms it.
When to Go
The Gulf of Thailand is sheltered, so boats run most of the year. November to February is the most comfortable season, with lower humidity and calm seas; March to May is the hottest. From June to October, showers are common but usually short, and the sea can be choppier, so speedboats get bumpier.
Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, when Bangkok residents arrive in large numbers, and Thai public holidays such as Songkran in April are the busiest days of all. An early ferry beats the crowds in any season.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in Pattaya and visit as a day trip; a few stay on the island for quieter evenings after the day boats leave.
This is where we at Silqhaus come into the picture. Silqhaus, a Phuket and Pattaya holiday-rental company, has Zire Wongamat, a beachfront condo with sea views on Wongamat Beach, and The Base in Pattaya, both an easy ride to Bali Hai Pier. Booking direct is always at least 10% below Airbnb and Booking.com for the same home and dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Larn?
Take a bus or car to Pattaya (about 2 hours), go to Bali Hai Pier, then take the 30 THB public ferry (35 to 45 minutes) or a speedboat (15 to 20 minutes).
How much is the ferry to Koh Larn?
30 THB each way per person on the public ferry (as of September 2026). Speedboats cost about 150 to 200 THB per person.
What time is the last ferry back from Koh Larn?
Around 6 pm from Na Baan pier, earlier from Tawaen Beach. Times change, so check on the day.
Which beach is best on the island?
Tawaen for facilities and water sports; Samae or Tien for a calmer swim.
