Top Thai Islands Near Pattaya: Koh Larn and Koh Sak Review
Hi Traveler, have you ever wondered about the top Thai islands near Pattaya you can visit on a day trip? This blog provides a top Thai island near Pattaya review to give you more information and help you decide on your next destination. The good news you don’t need a long journey or an expensive package tour. Just walk to the pier and go.
We have taken this trip many times, living here in Pattaya. From crystal clear water to quiet beaches with almost no crowds, the top Thai islands near Pattaya are seriously underrated. We will guide you through our experiences here step by step.
What Are the Top Islands Near Pattaya?
The two most popular islands near Pattaya that you can easily visit as a day trip are Koh Larn and Koh Sak. Both are reachable from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. Both offer clear water, beaches, and that island feeling without flying anywhere.
Your starting point for both islands is always Bali Hai Pier. It is located at the south end of Pattaya, near Walking Street. From North Pattaya, you can take a Songthaew (baht bus) for around 10–20 THB. From Jomtien, take a baht bus toward South Pattaya and walk about 5 minutes. A Grab car from anywhere in Pattaya costs around 100–150 THB.
Pier hours: Open from around 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. There is a 7-Eleven nearby if you arrive hungry.
Koh Larn: The Most Popular Island Near Pattaya
Koh Larn sits just 7 km from the Pattaya coast. It is the most visited of all the islands near Pattaya, and once you arrive, you will understand why. The water is clear, the beaches are beautiful, and the island has everything you need for a relaxing day.
Is there an entry fee for Koh Larn? No entry fee. You only pay for the boat.
Koh Larn Ferry Details from Bali Hai Pier:
- Public ferry price: 30 THB per person, one way
- Ferry duration: Around 40–45 minutes to Na Baan Pier
- Ferry schedule to Na Baan Pier: 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm
- Return ferry from Na Baan Pier: 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm
- Direct ferry to Tawaen Beach Pier: 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm
- Return from Tawaen Beach Pier: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm
Update 2026: The Koh Larn ferry price has increased from 30 THB to 40 THB per person starting April 10, 2026.
If you prefer a faster trip, shared speedboats are available for 150–200 THB per person and reach Koh Larn in just 15–20 minutes.
Best Beach in Koh Larn:
- Tawaen Beach the most popular, great for swimming and water sports
- Samae Beach a bit quieter, beautiful water
- Tien Beach calm and peaceful, great for couples
- Nual Beach (Monkey Beach) quiet side of the island, chance to see monkeys
- Ta Yai Beach small and relaxing, great for photos
Once you arrive at Na Baan Pier, rent a scooter to explore the island freely. Ask around at different shops near the pier to compare prices before you commit. Also take photos of the scooter condition before you ride.
Best time to visit Koh Larn: Weekday mornings before 9:00 am. Monday is the quietest day. Weekends and Thai public holidays get very busy.
You can read more in our full guide: Koh Larn One Day Trip from Pattaya and Cost of Ferry at Koh Larn.
Koh Sak: A Quiet Snorkeling Near Pattaya
Koh Sak is a smaller, much quieter option compared to Koh Larn. It is only about 9 km from Pattaya, but it feels like a world away. The water around Koh Sak is very clear, which makes it popular for snorkeling.
There is no daily public ferry directly to Koh Sak. Most travelers join a speedboat tour from Bali Hai Pier, or hop over from Koh Larn. Tour packages typically start around 500–1,000 THB and often include snorkeling gear.
Koh Sak Quick Guide:
- Access Point (where to catch a boat to an island): Bali Hai Pier, speed boat; Koh Larn; any boat to an island
- Cost: Around 500-1000 THB typically, includes snorkelling equipment
- What you will get: A quiet beach, less busy than Pattaya; snorkelling; relaxing in sun
- Approx. Time Taken – 45 minutes (45 min each way). There is very limited food on the island.
Comparing the Islands Near Pattaya
| Koh Larn | Koh Sak | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Pattaya | 7 km | 9 km |
| Ferry cost | 30 THB public ferry | 500–1,000 THB tour |
| Travel time | 40–45 min (ferry) | ~45 min (speedboat) |
| Best for | Families, beach day, water sports | Snorkeling, quiet escape |
| Crowds | Busy on weekends | Usually quiet |
What to Bring to the Islands Near Pattaya
- Cash (THB)
- Sunscreen the tropical sun is strong on the water
- Water bottle prices at island stalls are higher than on the mainland
- Reef shoes useful for rocky areas, especially at Nual Beach
- Towel and dry bag
Our Final Thoughts
From our experience, the islands near Pattaya are one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in all of Thailand. You spend very little money, and you arrive at beautiful beaches in under an hour. Koh Larn is perfect for families and first-timers. Koh Sak is perfect if you want peace and clear water for snorkeling.
The single most useful thing to remember: arrive at Bali Hai Pier early, buy your 30 THB ferry ticket at the booth, and check the schedule before anyone tries to sell you a speedboat.
Update 2026: The Koh Larn ferry price has increased from 30 THB to 40 THB per person starting April 10, 2025.
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