KOH LARN IDYLLIC ISLAND
Koh Larn is a small Thai island off the coast of Pattaya, in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s known for its beaches, set against a backdrop of green hills. In the north, Ta Waen Beach is dotted with restaurants and shops. The beach is famed for its clear water and sunset views. Small monkeys inhabit the hills around coral-ringed Nual Beach, in the south. Some people think that all beaches are the same – that if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Those people have never been to Thailand.
Whether you’re seeking the perfect selfie, or if you just love the white sand, crystal clear water, ‘salt in the air, sand in your bare feet’ experience, as soon as you arrive on Koh Larn, you’ll know you’re in the right place
If you still have the travel bug imbedded in your DNA simply show up at the BALI HAI PIER IN PATTAYA and hop on an open aired ferry boat. The closer you get to the island the brighter blue the sea becomes. The ferry trip costs 30 baht per person and takes approximately 40 minutes. The Beaches of Koh Larn are beautiful and the water is beautifully clear. Koh Larn has eight main beaches and a few smaller ones. All of the beaches are of white sand and clear azure waters. You will find food services restrooms and showers at all beaches as well. There are plenty of fun activities to do for a day or a few days of sun, sea and beach.
My first impression is a busy small port town laced with excellent seaside restaurants and tourist shops. After eating a great seafood lunch with fresh baked mussels appetizer we walked approximately five minutes to the bat bus terminal where we hired a private bat bus to take us over the small scenic mountain and arrive in one of the purest white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters in Thailand. A nice pleasant way to spend the day, almost like stepping into another world.
Koh Larn is a wonderful little island in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Larn is located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach of which is about a two hour drive south of Bangkok. The Island is about 4km long and 2km wide and at it is about 180 meters high at the highest point. The terrain is mostly mountainous which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation. Infrastructure is mainly narrow roadways covered with brick paver's. Some of the roadways are very steep and only wide enough for two motorbikes to pass by each other, but most roads are suitable for regular traffic.
There are many resorts on the island of Koh Larn, they range from budget rooms to luxury accommodations. While room rates are a little higher on the island than in Pattaya or Jomtien it is well worth the experience of spending the night on the island of Koh Larn. Some people end up liking Koh Larn so much they end up staying there for extended periods. If you are planning a few days stay, it is a good idea to call ahead and book a hotel reservation especially during peak season, holidays and weekends.
If you are a nature freak and just want to hangout with nothing on your agenda other than lazing on a sun lounge and drink fresh coconut water or a cool pineapple smoothie health drink.... this could be your nirvana. Many folks daytrip here and return on the afternoon ferry, if you are really in a hurry and like a speed burst across the ocean you can buy a ticket for one of the Thai speed boats. However too really enjoy this foreign like destination is to spend a few nights and choose a hotel steps from the beach.
Adrenalin junkies can rent a bicycle or motor scooter and explore the entire island, want a burst of speed with waves crashing... rent a jet ski and hang on for your life, or want more of a family outing ---hop on the banana boat and get thrown off into the blue sea like a bucking bronco. What a great place to take long leisurely walks enjoy water sports, have a leisurely cup of coffee at one of the many coffee houses and eat a great meal at one of the fresh seafood restaurants.
This island is my kind of place using the Japanese term HYGGE IS THE ART OF DOING NOTHING? ONLY IN LA LA LAND DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. After a leisurely walk along the beach and a sit-down breakfast its time to grab your swimming suits and walk on the softest sand edging your way into the clear blue water. Knowing with all the pollution and plastic floating around in the world this beach is still pristine and one of the best beaches to wade chest deep into azure clear water with small fishes five inches long darting just in front of you.
Want more adventure you can hire a tour guide to show you around the island... including visiting all of the beaches, seeing the Golden Buddha on the hill with breathtaking sea views and small mountain treks. No trip would be complete without purchasing some of the local souvenirs and large choice of island clothing.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Most of Ko Lan's eight beaches are on its west side. Most visited is Tawaen Beach, where there is a small harbor. The beach is lined with hotels, tourist shops and restaurants. Other beaches are Tonglang Beach, Tien Beach, Samae Beach, and Naon Beach.
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: ISLANDS...they are not making many islands anymore...instead they are being swallowed up with climate change with rising temperatures and rising sea levels.
ZENTRAVELER SAYS: Its a tough assignment to be a "ISLAND TO YOURSELF" however with great planning and fortitude it is possible.
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