Ko Lan

Ko Lan (often spelled Koh Larn or Coral Island) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located 7.5 km off the coast of South Pattaya. Covering 5.6 square kilometres of hilly, forested terrain, the island serves as the primary island getaway for visitors staying in Chon Buri province and Bangkok. It features six main sandy beaches along its western and southern shores, supported by shallow coral reefs and clear coastal waters.

The permanent population of roughly 3,000 residents lives mainly in Na Baan village on the eastern coast, which functions as the commercial centre with piers, markets, temples, and small family-run guesthouses. Wind turbines and a solar panel facility on the central hills supply a portion of the island's electricity. While thousands of day-trippers arrive each morning for jet-skiing, parasailing, and swimming, the island quiets down substantially after the last public ferry departs at 18:00.

The climate is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Sea conditions remain calmest during the dry winter months, while the southwest monsoon brings stronger swells and sporadic rainstorms from May to October.

By Plane

No airport exists on Ko Lan. Visitors fly into mainland airports and transfer by road to Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier for the ferry:

• U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP): Located 40 km southeast of Bali Hai Pier (45-minute drive). Bangkok Airways connects UTP with Phuket and Ko Samui (1 hour 15 minutes flight time), and Flydubai operates flights from Dubai. Minivans from UTP to Bali Hai Pier cost around 300–400 THB ($8.65–$11.50 USD).
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): 120 km northwest in Bangkok (1.5 hours by taxi or direct bus). Served by international carriers worldwide. Direct airport buses (Bell Travel Service and Roong Reuang Coach) run to Pattaya for 140–190 THB ($4.00–$5.50 USD).
• Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): 160 km northwest (2 to 2.5 hours by taxi/bus), serving domestic and regional low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Nok Air.

By Train

No rail service operates on Ko Lan. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates Eastern Line trains from Bangkok to Pattaya Railway Station and Pattaya Tai Station on the mainland:

• Ordinary Train #283 runs Monday to Friday, leaving Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) at 06:55 and reaching Pattaya at 10:35 (3 hours 40 minutes). Third-class unreserved seating costs 31 THB ($0.90 USD).
• Special Express Train #997 runs Saturdays and Sundays, departing Hua Lamphong at 06:45 and arriving at Pattaya at 09:13 (2 hours 30 minutes). Second-class air-conditioned seats cost 170 THB ($4.90 USD).
• From Pattaya Railway Station, local songthaews and taxis reach Bali Hai Pier in 15–20 minutes for 100–150 THB ($2.90–$4.30 USD).

By Car

No private vehicles can be shipped to Ko Lan. Visitors driving from Bangkok must leave their cars in parking facilities at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.

• From Bangkok, drive 145 km (90 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours) via Motorway 7 (Bangkok–Chon Buri–Pattaya) or Route 34 (Bang Na–Trat) connecting to Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road).
• Follow signs to South Pattaya and Bali Hai Pier.
• The automated multi-storey parking building directly at Bali Hai Pier costs 40 THB ($1.15 USD) per hour or 250–300 THB ($7.20–$8.65 USD) per 24 hours. Open-air guarded parking lots around the pier charge 100–200 THB ($2.90–$5.80 USD) per day.

By Bus

• From Bangkok: Roong Reuang Coach operates frequent air-conditioned buses from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to the Pattaya Bus Terminal on North Pattaya Road every 30 to 60 minutes between 05:00 and 21:00. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs 131–150 THB ($3.80–$4.30 USD).
• From Pattaya Bus Terminal to Pier: Shared songthaews cost 50 THB ($1.45 USD) per person, and private taxis or rides charge 80–120 THB ($2.30–$3.50 USD) to Bali Hai Pier.

By Boat

• Public Ferry: Regular wooden double-decker ferries depart daily from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya to Na Baan Pier and Tawaen Beach Pier on Ko Lan. Ferries run from 07:00 to 18:30 roughly every 45 to 60 minutes. The journey takes 35 to 45 minutes and costs 30–40 THB ($0.85–$1.15 USD) each way. Pay directly at the pier ticket booths or boarding gate.

• Speedboats: Shared speedboats leave on demand from Bali Hai Pier once full, taking 15 minutes to reach Na Baan Pier or specific beaches (Tawaen, Tien, Samae). One-way tickets cost 150–300 THB ($4.30–$8.65 USD) per person. Private speedboat charters cost 1,500–3,500 THB ($43–$100 USD) each way depending on group size.

• Songthaews: Pick-up trucks with bench seating run fixed routes between Na Baan Pier and all major beaches. Fares range from 20 to 50 THB ($0.60–$1.45 USD) per person depending on distance.

• Motorbike Taxis: Drivers wearing numbered vests wait at the piers and major beach car parks. Fixed fares are listed on boards: 40–50 THB ($1.15–$1.45 USD) to nearby beaches, and 60–100 THB ($1.75–$2.90 USD) to southern beaches like Nual or Samae.

• Motorbike Rental: Automatic scooters rent for 200–300 THB ($5.80–$8.65 USD) per 24 hours at Na Baan Pier and major beach entrances, usually including fuel and a helmet. Roads between beaches are paved but feature steep gradients and blind turns near hill summits.

• Bicycle Rental: Available near Na Baan Pier for 100–150 THB ($2.90–$4.30 USD) per day, suitable only for the flat coastal roads around the village.

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab and Bolt do not operate on Ko Lan. Carry cash in Thai Baht for all local transit.

• Tawaen Beach: The island's longest stretch of sand (750 metres), lined with restaurants, stalls, sun lounger rentals (50–100 THB), and water sports booths. Accessible directly by ferry at Tawaen Pier. Entry: Free.

• Khao Nom Viewpoint & Big Buddha: The island's highest geographical peak (around 180 metres above sea level) south of Na Baan village. Features an outdoor seated golden Buddha statue, a Chinese Guan Yin shrine, and viewpoints overlooking the island coastline and Pattaya's skyline across the water. Entry: Free.

• Windmill Viewpoint (Khao Chong Lom): Located on a high ridge on the west side of the island beside wind power generators and solar arrays. Offers sweeping 360-degree views across Samae Beach and the western sea horizon. Entry: Free.

• Tien Beach: A 500-metre white sand beach on the western coast accessed by crossing a raised wooden boardwalk along the coastal rock formation. Entry: Free.

• Samae Beach: A wide 530-metre beach on the southwestern coast backed by a distinct solar power building shaped like a stingray. Features clear swimming water and beachfront dining pavilions. Entry: Free.

• Wat Mai Samraan: The central Buddhist temple of Ko Lan, located in the middle of Na Baan village. Includes traditional Thai ordination halls, ornate multi-tiered roofs, and golden monk statues. Entry: Free.

• Nual Beach (Monkey Beach): A 250-metre beach located at the southern tip of the island where a resident troop of wild macaque monkeys inhabits the adjacent hillside. Entry: Free.

• Water Sports: Available on Tawaen, Samae, and Tien beaches. Activities include parasailing behind speedboats (500–800 THB / $14–$23 USD for a 5-minute flight), jet ski rentals (1,000–1,500 THB / $29–$43 USD for 30 minutes), and banana boat rides (250–350 THB / $7.20–$10 USD per person).

• Snorkeling and Sea Walking: Coral patches near Tien Beach, Tonglang Beach, and neighboring Ko Sak feature reef fish and sea urchins. Snorkeling gear rents for 50–100 THB ($1.45–$2.90 USD). Sea walking tours with surface-supplied air helmets cost 1,000–1,500 THB ($29–$43 USD).

• Island Scooter Loop: Ride the 12 km network of paved roads connecting Na Baan village, the hill viewpoints, and secluded coves like Had Ta Yai in the north and Sangwan Beach in the west.

• Squid Fishing Tours: Night fishing boats depart from Na Baan Pier between 18:00 and 22:00. Tours cost 400–600 THB ($11.50–$17.30 USD) per person, including fishing tackle, bait, and on-board preparation of fresh squid sashimi and grilled seafood.

• Krua Chalianglom: Mid-range waterfront Thai restaurant located south of Na Baan Pier. Specializes in fresh seafood dishes including stir-fried crab with curry powder, spicy raw blue crab salad, deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce, and tom yum seafood hot pots. Mains cost 180–450 THB ($5.20–$13.00 USD).
• Maharak Cafe: Mid-range coastal cafe and bar near Na Baan with outdoor wooden deck seating extending over the sea. Serves espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, Thai single-plate dishes like spicy basil squid, and international snacks. Mains cost 120–280 THB ($3.50–$8.00 USD).
• Sea Space Kohlarn: Mid-range indoor-outdoor restaurant and cafe located on the eastern shore. Features pizzas, pasta, grilled river prawns, and iced specialty coffees with sea views. Mains cost 150–380 THB ($4.30–$11.00 USD).
• Pookai Cafe & Restaurant: Budget-friendly eatery near Na Baan Pier offering pad Thai, green curry fried rice, som tum (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice. Mains cost 60–150 THB ($1.75–$4.30 USD).

• Klom Klom Kohlarn: Evening pub and cocktail bar along the interior road toward Tawaen Beach, decorated with vintage memorabilia and offering live acoustic music, draft beer, and mixed drinks. Open daily 17:00–00:00.
• Ratchawadee Beach Bar: Open-air sea-view bar near Na Baan Pier serving cold Chang, Singha, and Leo beers (80–120 THB / $2.30–$3.50 USD), cocktails, and spirits with sunset views over the mainland.
• Beachfront Kiosks: Casual drink shacks on Tawaen, Samae, and Tien beaches sell fresh coconuts (50–70 THB / $1.45–$2.00 USD), iced Thai milk tea (40–60 THB / $1.15–$1.75 USD), and fresh fruit shakes.

• Budget: Bee Orchid Pool Villa — Located a 5-minute walk from Na Baan Pier, offering air-conditioned private rooms and family bungalows surrounding a small central swimming pool, with free pier transfer service. Rates: 900–1,500 THB ($26–$43 USD) per night.
• Mid-range: Suntosa Resort — Waterfront hotel located next to Na Baan Pier with private sea-facing balconies looking toward the Pattaya skyline, air conditioning, and on-site breakfast. Rates: 1,800–3,200 THB ($52–$92 USD) per night.
• Upscale: Cara Cara Resort — Design-focused boutique hotel situated north of Na Baan village featuring pastel aesthetic rooms, a courtyard swimming pool, on-site coffee lounge, and villa suites with private terraces. Rates: 3,500–6,500 THB ($100–$187 USD) per night.

Shopping is limited to day-trip essentials and beachwear. Small shops and open-air market stalls along the narrow streets of Na Baan village and behind Tawaen Beach sell swimwear, flip-flops, sunglasses, dry bags, hats, and seashell handicrafts. Several 7-Eleven and mini-mart branches in Na Baan village sell snacks, toiletries, sunscreen, and beverages at mainland retail prices. There are multiple bank ATMs in Na Baan village near the ferry pier.

• Pattaya Mainland (7.5 km, 35–45 min by ferry) — The major mainland resort city with large retail complexes like Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the all-wood Sanctuary of Truth museum, and extensive nightlife along Walking Street.
• Ko Sak (1 km north, 10 min by speedboat) — A small horseshoe-shaped island featuring two white sand beaches and shallow coral reefs widely used for introductory scuba diving and snorkeling day trips.
• Ko Phai (14 km west, 45 min by chartered speedboat) — An uninhabited island under the protection of the Royal Thai Navy, famous for pristine coral formations, sea turtle habitat, and wreck diving at the HTMS Khram.
• Sattahip & Bang Saray (35 km south of Bali Hai Pier, 45 min by car from Pattaya) — Coastal fishing districts featuring uncrowded beaches, the naval port at Sattahip, and the 500-acre Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.