Coral Island (Koh Larn)

Coral Island caters to both adventurous travelers and those looking to relax. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to marvel at colorful fish, sea urchins, parrotfish, and sea sponges; kick things up a notch with a banana boat ride or parasailing experience; or simply sink your toes into the sand.

Group and private tours typically include include transportation from Pattaya hotels and a tour guide, and include plenty of free time to explore Coral Island’s six main beaches, all of which are lined with seafood restaurants and offer opportunities for activities like parasailing, water skiing, and scuba diving in the green-blue waters.

• Coral Island is popular with beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

• Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sun protection, a change of clothes, and a towel.

• Day trips to Coral Island can last anywhere from 5 to 10 hours, depending on the activities included.

Coral Island is only accessible from the mainland by boat. The majority of Coral Island tours depart from Pattaya Beach’s South Pier, and the journey takes 15 minutes by speedboat.

The best time to enjoy Coral Island’s outdoor attractions is between November and February, when the weather is ideal. This is also Thailand’s high season, making it a great time to escape the mainland crowds.

Visitors to Coral Island have several beaches to choose from. The ones on the west end of the island tend to offer the best experiences: Samae Beach has a fenced-off area for swimming, while Tawaen Beach tends to be the liveliest. If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, try small, forest-backed Tien Beach.

The only way to reach Coral Island (Koh Larn) is by boat. Regular passenger ferries run from Bali Hai pier in Pattaya to Koh Larn, stopping at either Tawaen Beach or Na Baan Port (about 45 minutes). A faster option is a private speedboat, which takes around 15-20 minutes, but is pricier.

Coral Island has several beaches, and you can easily get around by songthaew (shared taxi) or motorbike taxi. Tawaen Beach is one of the liveliest, Samae Beach has a dedicated swimming area, and Tien Beach has an idyllic forest backdrop. For quieter options, head to Thong Lang or Nual beach.

Coral Island is renowned for its sandy beaches and calm, clear waters—ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to spot the island’s namesake corals, take a glass-bottom boat cruise, or enjoy water sports, like water skiing, parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.

Yes, there are many hotels and accommodation options on Coral Island, ranging from low-budget guesthouses to luxury beachfront resorts. The majority are found in the north of the island, around Na Baan Pier and Tawaen Beach, but you can also stay near Samae Beach in the south.

Ferries run to Coral Island year-round. The most popular time to visit is the dry season (November-April), when the average maximum temperature is around 86°F (30°C), it's far less humid, and the sea is calmer with fewer storms, making it ideal for swimming and water sports.

Yes, there are plenty of options for drinking and dining on Coral Island, including modern cafés and traditional restaurants—some have seating right on the beach. However, some of the quieter beaches in the south have limited options, with often only a single beach bar or kiosk.