In a word, YES, Koh Larn is absolutely worth visiting especially if you’re in or around the Pattaya area and are looking for an escape from the madness of Central Pattaya.
What Is Koh Larn
Koh Larn is a small island about two hours south of Bangkok and on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand just a short distance from the bustling nightlife city of Pattaya. It’s known for its beautiful white sand beaches, tropical climate and serene Buddhist living and although the island is not as popular as the big cities and islands in Thailand, it’s a great place if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
That’s because there are so many nearby attractions that are worth visiting no matter what your interests are. If you plan to travel to Thailand, you should definitely add this town on your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Where Is Koh Larn
Koh Larn is on the eastern coast of Thailand, about two hours south of Bangkok. It’s on the Gulf of Thailand, just south of Pattaya. Koh Larn is a small island town with a population of just over 10,000 people with several lovely beaches around the island.
How Do I Get From Pattaya To Koh Larn
Most tourists come to Koh Larn by ferry from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The ferries run multiple times a day in both directions all year round with many more trips during the high season of November to March.
Things To Do In Koh Larn
The resorts: The beaches in Koh Larn are beautiful, but they’re not what make this town so special. The best thing to do in Koh Larn is explore the nearby resorts and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
The Buddhist temples: The stunning architecture of the Buddhist temples in Koh Larn is one of the most iconic aspects of the town but the most famous ones are Chuan Mok and Wat Suan Dok and are a short walk from the beach and worth exploring.
You’ll find temples in many different designs, making this a great place to explore architecture.
Wandering the streets: The small town is charming and you can explore the streets to find little souvenir shops and cafes. You can also take a walk along the beach to see the beautiful sunset.
Sunset cruise: If you want to explore more than just the town, a sunset cruise down the Gulf of Thailand is a must.
Check out the markets: Many people visit this town just to shop at the local markets, which are a great place to find beautiful souvenirs.
Walk along one of the many beaches: The best way to explore the beaches in Koh Larn are to walk along them. There are plenty of trails that lead to secluded beaches, so you can take a break from exploring the town.
Where To Stay In Koh Larn
If you stay in Koh Larn, you don’t need to travel far to explore some of the best attractions in south eastern Thailand. The nearest cities are Pattaya and Rayong so you can easily visit these cities while you’re in Koh Larn by taking a short ferry ride to Bali Hai Pier.
The best thing to do is book a stay in a beach resort, as these provide the best views of the ocean and the most secluded beaches. You can also stay in the small Koh Larn town centre that’s away from the hustle of Pattaya as there are many accommodation options to cater for all budgets.
Food In Koh Larn
As Koh Larn is a small island town, you can’t expect to find many upscale restaurants in the town centre. It’s a great place to enjoy some ethnic food though, as there are plenty of restaurants serving Thai cuisine in the town. You can also enjoy seafood, as many of the best restaurants serve fresh fish caught from the surrounding ocean.
If you want to try some authentic western food, you can make a reservation at most of the islands restaurants who cater for a variety of diets from around the world.
Why Should You Visit Koh Larn
Koh Larn has a lot of charm with the white sandy beaches, stunning temple architecture and small town feel make this a great place to visit. It’s also a great place to explore Thai culture and island life as well as the many Buddhist temples.
If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time away from the city, this is the place to visit. It won’t be too busy in low season but high season is a different story.
Final Thoughts
Koh Larn is a small coastal town filled with charm and great architecture and a great place to visit in southern Thailand, as it’s peaceful, beautiful beaches and gorgeous surroundings make for some great exploring.
If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time away from the city, this is definitely the place to visit if you’re in the Pattaya area.