Ko Lan (Koh Larn) is an island inside the Gulf of Thailand, placed close to the metropolis of Pattaya in Chonburi Province. It runs parallel to Pattaya Beach and lies just 7 kilometers off the coast, making it a nearby getaway that still boasts stunning surroundings and a serene environment. Visitors can choose an afternoon ride, taking a ship in the morning and returning within the evening, or select to stay for a single day on the island.
Ko Lan is irregularly shaped like a pentagon, with its longest stretch measuring about 4.65 kilometers and a width of approximately 2.15 kilometers, making it the largest island within the region of Pattaya. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with around 90% of the vicinity being barren. The island's flora is a combination of various ecosystems, which include mixed forests and rare medicinal plant life. Among its natural world, the albino squirrel stands proud as a rare species that has in large part preserved its herbal characteristics.
Map of Ko Lan Island
| Name | Ko Lan (Thai: เกาะล้าน) |
| Country | Thailand |
| Province | Chonburi |
| Coordinates | 12°54′57″N 100°46′39″E |
| Area | 5.6 km2 (2.2 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 |
| Population | Around 8,000 permanent residents |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to Ko Lan Island
We recommend taking a minibus directly from the Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok to the Bali Hai Pier. The first minibus departs from Ekkamai at 6:00 in the morning, and the last one leaves at 8:00 in the evening, with minibusses departing every hour to the Bali Hai Pier. Therefore, there is no need to worry about missing the bus. The travel time typically averages around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
The ferry to Ko Lan Island:
Upon arrival at the Bali Hai Pier, you can proceed directly to the entrance bridge of the pier. There are two options for the boat:
Option 1: Speedboat or fast boat, with a price of 150-200 Thai Baht per person, depending on the boat owner. The journey to Koh Larn takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Option 2: Regular ferry with two decks, and a service fee of 30 Thai Baht.
Transportation in Ko Lan Island
It is usually recommended to explore the whole island on a motorbike. Ko Lan gives motorcycle leases at a fee range of 200-350 Thai Baht consistent with the day. Motorcycles can be rented at hotels on Ko Lan or alongside the pathway before attaining the hotels. Caution is recommended when driving motorcycles on the island, as some areas are pretty steep. Throughout the adventure, there are signposts indicating the manner.
Alternatively, another technique is to tour by boat to various diving spots. Some boats offer this carrier. Sliding into the sea from the boat's 2nd deck may be another exciting activity. Afterward, you could prevent and savor the clean seafood on the island's eating places or have a barbecue. Additionally, there are some smaller islands around Koh Larn worth traveling inclusive of Koh Krok and Koh Sak, regarded for their fishing grounds. Snorkeling (both deep and shallow water) is a popular hobby among tourists.
History of Ko Lan Island
In the past, the population of Ko Lan Island has lived through many generations. Their occupations protected agriculture, horticulture, and fishing. Evidence of their lengthy-status presence may be visible in a coconut tree that is over a hundred years old. Various locations on Ko Lan Island, together with Truck Pier, Rai Pier, and Taling Chan Pier, undergo names that mirror their ancient use for transporting agricultural produce to be offered on the shore. Ko Lan was a sub-district with villages, 4 village heads, a temple, and a faculty.
While there is no definitive proof as to why this island is called Ko Lan, it's far feasible that the mountainous regions of the island are regarded as barren, missing much vegetation protecting them. Hence, the villagers noted it as "Larn Island."
The villagers of Ko Lan led prosperous lives, owning considerable wealth. It is stated that pirates once raided the island, plundering many assets. The island additionally experienced a cholera outbreak.
During World War II, due to the space of Ko Lan Island from the mainland and the inconvenience of transportation, the authorities no longer offered thorough care to them. As a result, the Koh Lan sub-district changed into dissolved at the side of the Khao Mai Kaew and Takhian Tia sub-districts. Ko Lan was left with only one village, which was later merged into the Na Kluea sub-district.
Subsequently, around 1957, motorboats started changing sailboats, marking a brand new technology for greater tourists traveling Ko Lan Island. Particularly at some point during the Vietnam War, American soldiers stationed at U-Tapao Airport would take turns relaxing for per week, renting a residence on the Pattaya facet, then boarding boats to bask in the sun at Elephant Island. Consequently, the villagers of the Ko Lan network commenced transferring in the direction of organizations related to tourism, whether or not by way of refurbishing boats for ferrying vacationers or building huts to promote food and drinks to visitors.
As the Vietnam War drew to close, American soldiers persisted in spreading the beauty of Ko Lan Island via phrase of mouth. Eventually, with an increasing number of travelers from different nations coming to visit, this marked the start of the island's recognition within the tourism enterprise.
Ultimately, Koh Larn and the Na Kluea sub-district came underneath the jurisdiction of the Pattaya metropolis. On November 29, 1978, it was transferred from the executive authority of Chonburi Province.
Best Things to Do in Ko Lan Island
For people who have fun with the relaxation of the air, what can be greater pleasant than basking in the sunlight and on the seashore? Yet, if you aren't one to sit down quietly, we've curated a listing of sports you can partake in on Coral Island.
1. Feeding Geese
An amusing activity that most are ignorant of is feeding geese. Along the seashore, you may swim alongside the fluffy white ducks and feed them. You can revel in this pastime and discover Ko Lan Island on a complete-day island tour departing from Pattaya.
2. Seawalking
A recently brought and broadly acclaimed interest is Seawalking, an underwater adventure allowing us to walk on the seabed and snorkel, looking at marine lifestyles with the assistance of an oxygen helmet. The various underwater existence of Ko Lan Island will make your adventure an unforgettable revel.
3. Parasailing
Are you a person who enjoys being up high? If so, you'll relish the fun of parasailing on Ko Lan Island. This pastime ensures to show off the beautiful vistas of Ko Lan Island. The turquoise sea and limitless horizon are a sight to behold—if you aren't faint-hearted, we advocate attempting it as a minimum once in your lifetime.
4. Banana Boat Ride
Another exhilarating hobby on Ko Lan Island is the banana boat ride. A banana boat is an inflatable raft towed by a speedboat. At the give up of the adventure, the speedboat makes sharp turns causing passengers to fall into the sea below.
5. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a popular game on Ko Lan Island. As a leisurely and serene interest, it is appropriate for individuals who experience standing and floating whilst admiring the glistening sea. It additionally serves as a method to attain regions on the island that can be inaccessible with the aid of foot, by paddling our manner there.
6. Jet Skiing
Another water activity is jet skiing. Riding a jet ski will have you bouncing up and down on the water's surface—a thrilling adrenaline-pumping activity that you should try at least once.
7. Snorkeling
Another highlight of Coral Island is the opportunity to witness the colorful coral and fish underwater. Therefore, snorkeling on Coral Island is an activity worth trying at least once. Under the clear skies, immerse yourself in the cool seawater and appreciate the marine life on this island near Pattaya.
8. Paddling a Transparent Kayak
The final not-to-be-missed water activity is paddling a transparent kayak. You can explore the surrounding areas while paddling in the crystal-clear kayak and gazing down at the pristine seawater below. This activity is particularly suited for those who enjoy posting pictures on Instagram. It includes using a drone to capture photos or videos to create cool vlogs and share them on social media.
9. Windmill Viewpoint
Surrounding the direction of the remark deck are windmills. From up there, a unique panorama unfolds earlier than your eyes. This windmill point of view is renowned for its beautiful sunset vistas, making it another point of view now not to be omitted. It is crucial to recall that mountain climbing to the windmill viewpoint is one of the steepest routes on Ko Lan Island, so greater care is needed.
10. Tawaen Beach Viewpoint
The Tawaen Beach standpoint is anticipated to be the very best standpoint on Ko Lan Island. This lets traffic appreciate the emerald waters surrounding the island and the distant town of Pattaya in a 360-degree perspective. You can even catch sight of a tremendous Buddha statue on the island.
Pattaya Little Ko Lan Island Activity Tour
Koh Larn Full-Day Tour with Water Activities from Pattaya
- Pick-up service from hotels in Pattaya
- Includes beach activities (varying based on package)
- Lunch package
Koh Larn and Koh Sak Day Trip with Water Activities
- Pick-up service from hotels in Pattaya
- Round-trip speedboat transfer to Koh Larn Island
- Beach activities such as parasailing, sea walking, banana boat rides, jet skiing, ocean sliding, and snorkeling
- Lunch package
Koh Larn Half and Full Day Tour from Pattaya
- Explore the Thai paradise of Ko Lan with its white sand beaches and azure waters by speedboat!
- The hotel is easily accessible by double car from Pattaya City
- Chase the waves and ride the waves with a paraglider, undersea walk, jet ski or banana boat!
7 Beaches of Ko Lan Island are NOT to Be Missed
Tawaen Beach (หาดตาแหวน)
The first beach is Tawaen Beach. The maximum beautiful seashore on Koh Larn Island boasts sensitive white sands and emerald waters. This has made it a fave among travelers from around the sector, crowding with traffic on weekends. Sunbeds line the beach from east to west. There is also a memento keep where you should purchase extraordinary homemade items to take home.
Ta Yai Beach (หาดตายาย)
Ta Yai Beach, positioned at the northern tip of Ko Lan Island, is every other famous seaside. Ta Yai Beach is set 1.5 kilometers from the pier and is known for having the whitest sands on Ko Lan Island. Close through are lovable cafes, Matata Bay Cafe and Indigo Cafe, as well as sunbeds in front of Coral Beach Resort, in which traffic can unwind. Alternatively, you can bask in snorkeling within the cool blue waters.
Nual Beach (หาดนวล)
Nual Beach, frequently mentioned by site visitors as Monkey Beach, gives stunning perspectives with rocky hills surrounding the island, developing the arrival of a small cove. True to its call, Monkey Beach is also domestic to a set of monkeys. Huts are promoting chilled coconut water at the seaside, alongside sunbeds, permitting you to relax in this tranquil paradise.
Tien Beach (หาดเทียน)
Tien Beach is connected to Samae Beach via a protracted cement bridge. Tien Beach is just like the other beaches, providing a clean seashore and vivid blue sea. Apart from that, the seashore is likewise domestic to cute geese.
Sangwan Beach (หาดสังวาลย์)
Accessible with the aid of a unique wooden bridge passing through Tawaen Beach, Sangwan Beach offers comparable seashore centers to the opposite seashores, with many shops and eating places to quench your thirst.
Samae Beach (หาดแสม)
Another frequently visited beach on Ko Lan is Samae Beach. While this seashore may be a bit busier than others, most people come right here for the stunning environment and the clean breeze of the day. If you fancy a snack or a chilly drink, there are masses of food and beverage stalls right here.
Tong Lang Beach (หาดทองหลาง)
Compared to the opposite beaches on Ko Lan Island, Tien Beach may additionally have narrow sands, but this in no way diminishes its beauty. Here, site visitors can engage in diverse sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and sailing.
Cafés Worth Visiting on Ko Lan Island
The summer season climate in Thailand can be a chunk too warm at instances. There's nothing quite like the cool consolation of air con and a cup of tea or espresso. Visiting a café is another exciting activity. You may have the risk of discovering new places and capturing photographs worthy of posting on Instagram in a café designed to offer you a calming environment.
Sea Space
Located on the way to Monkey Beach, Sea Space is known for its precise pink fence. It is a dessert café, eating place, and seaside bar multi-function location, catering to all your desires. Those who experience a leisurely day will certainly admire indulging in delicious treats at the same time as admiring the beautiful sea views.
Fat Submarine Cafe
Another beach café is the Fat Submarine Cafe, located close to the Koh Larn Market. This -tale café offers indoor and outdoor seating. Why no longer go to this café with your loved ones? Sit on bean baggage and listen to the sound of the waves crashing in opposition to the shore.
Plursukjai Cafe and Bed
The last picturesque spot is a guesthouse with a café on the floor floor. It feels like a rustic villa, with amazing common regions. If you are staying for simply one night time, that is a perfect choice.
