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Stefan Fussan CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ko Lan

Island

Ko Lan (Koh Larn) sits off Pattaya in Chon Buri, popular for day trips to sandy beaches, snorkeling over coral, boat transfers from the mainland and simple seaside restaurants.

Ko Lan Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsPattayaSanctuary of TruthKo Lan

Ko Lan essentials

Address: Ko Larn (Koh Larn), island off Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand (ferries operate from Pattaya/Bali Hai Pier)

Ko Lan, often written Koh Larn, is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Pattaya in Chon Buri province. It is a popular short-trip destination known for sandy beaches and snorkeling.

Beaches range from the busy, developed Tawaen Beach to quieter coves such as Samae Beach and Nual (Monkey) Beach, with vendors, boat services and shallow reefs close to shore. Snorkeling, sunbathing and short coastal hikes are the principal activities for day visitors.

The island has a history as a local fishing and agricultural community and has developed progressively for tourism since the late 20th century. Infrastructure is oriented toward day tourism, with ferries and small boats servicing regular routes.

Ko Lan lies in the Gulf of Thailand about 7 kilometers west of Pattaya on the eastern Thai seaboard, making it one of the nearest island escapes for visitors based in the Pattaya-Bangkok region.

  • Distance and access: The island lies about 7 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya and is commonly reached by 30 to 45 minute ferry rides from the mainland.
  • Visitor tip: Most visitors come on day trips; the island has limited overnight accommodation compared with nearby Pattaya, so plan logistics in advance during high season.

What to See#

  • Tawaen Beach: Tawaen Beach is the longest and most developed beach on the island, lined with restaurants, sunbeds and boat landings used by day-trippers from the mainland.
  • Samae and Nual (Monkey) Beaches: Samae Beach is a quieter, sandy bay popular for swimming and shallow snorkeling, with fewer vendors and more local atmosphere. Nual Beach is smaller and rockier, known locally as Monkey Beach.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ko Lan#

The best time to visit Ko Lan is the cool, dry season from November to February for the most comfortable beach weather and reliable boat service.

Cool, dry season (best time)
November-February · 22-30°C
Clearer skies, lower humidity and comfortable sea conditions-best for beach time, swimming and day trips from Pattaya.
Hot season
March-May · 28-35°C
Very hot and humid; good for beachgoers who tolerate heat but can be uncomfortable for extended outdoor activity.
Monsoon season
June-October · 24-31°C
Frequent heavy showers and choppy seas-boat services can be disrupted and water activities limited.

Weather & Climate near Ko Lan#

Climate

Ko Lan's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1187 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 21° - 30° 26° 10 mm some cloud 72% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 23° - 31° 27° 20 mm mostly sunny 75% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.6h
March Very Good 25° - 32° 32° 51 mm some cloud 77% 2.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 26° - 33° 35° 79 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 26° - 33° 35° 153 mm overcast 78% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.6h
June Good 26° - 32° 34° 95 mm overcast 79% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.7h
July Good 26° - 32° 34° 90 mm overcast 79% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.7h
August Good 25° - 32° 33° 109 mm overcast 79% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
September Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 236 mm overcast 81% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Good 24° - 31° 30° 251 mm overcast 80% 1.5 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
November Very Good 23° - 30° 27° 81 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
December Ideal 21° - 30° 26° 12 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ko Lan#

Ko Lan (Coral Island) is reached by boat from Pattaya. Regular car ferries and faster speedboats depart from Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier (and from Jomtien/Na Jomtien piers) to several landing points on Ko Lan, the main pier being near Tawaen Beach; ferries and speedboats run frequently, and the island is a short walk from the piers to beaches and facilities. From Bangkok you can drive to Pattaya via Motorway 7 (about a 1.5-2 hour drive under normal traffic) and then take the ferry.

Tips for Visiting Ko Lan#

  • Catch the earliest public ferry from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier to Ko Lan to arrive before most day-trippers and get first pick of the beaches and viewpoints.
  • Most day visitors stick to Tawaen Beach; to avoid the crowds head west or south on the island to smaller beaches such as Samae or Ta Yai, or stay overnight on Ko Lan when the day-trip crowds leave.
  • If you want quieter exploration, skip the main beachfront promenades and walk up to the island's viewpoints and inland trails late afternoon - the island's viewpoints give sunset panoramas over Pattaya and the Gulf.