Ko Lan
Island Small Thai island near Pattaya known for beaches
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, 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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Ko Lan #
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.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (251 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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