CORAL ISLAND / KOH LAN

Koh Larn or Lan, which translates to Coral Island, is a wonderful little island in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Larn is located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach.

The island is about 4km long and about 2km wide and has about a thousand residents, most of whom live in the main village called Naban.

There are about six beaches on the island that boast white sand and clear blue water. The terrain is mostly mountainous which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation and wild monkeys.

There are many activities here for visitors to enjoy, including parasailing, snorkelling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range!.

Because the island is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to take a few snapshots. Then there are the places to eat, many right on the beach, serving up fresh, catch of the day seafood.

The easiest way to get there is by speedboat. All along Beach Road you will find speed boat operators. The cost is between Baht 1,500 and 2500 for a group of people.

The other way is the Koh Larn ferry which departs from Bali-Hai Pier and goes to either to either Naban Port or Tawaen Beach. The cost is Baht 30 per person each way (you pay just as you board the boat at the kiosk next to where the boat is docked). The trip takes about 40 minutes and boats leave every hour or two between 07:00 and 18:00 daily.

Once on the island you can get to all parts from both by song tao, or motorbike taxi for as little as Baht 10 on the narrow roadways that criss-cross the island.