Many travelers overlook Koh Larn Island in Thailand because they find it hard to believe that such a beautiful beach exists so close to the country’s capital. While it does have some crowded areas, it’s an ideal spot for a quick escape from the main city if you want to enjoy crystal-clear waters and white sand. That’s why today we’re sharing how to get from Bangkok to Koh Larn for a getaway that’s truly worth it.
There are 150 kilometers of road between Bangkok and the pier that connects to Koh Larn, and from there you’ll need to continue by sea to the island. Currently, the journey must be made by road, although a high-speed train line is planned for the future.
The trip from Bangkok to Koh Larn inevitably goes through the tourist city of Pattaya. Although its beaches are not particularly noteworthy, Pattaya serves as a convenient stop since it is a well-known destination. The cheapest way to get there is by bus, and in three hours or less, you can reach the island.
First, head to the Ekkamai bus terminal (map), which is centrally located right next to the skytrain station of the same name.
From Ekkamai station, buses depart every hour between 6 a.m. and midnight for Pattaya, costing around €3. The bus ride to the coastal city takes about two hours. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of taxis available to take you to Bali Hai Pier, just a few minutes away.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from the northern station at Mo Chit if that is more convenient for your location.
When you reach Bali Hai Pier, you’ll see several large ferries heading to Koh Larn, with tickets available for purchase at the ferry entrance. The price is about 30 baht (roughly one dollar), and you’ll reach Koh Larn in just 40 minutes.
A tip for taking the ferry to Koh Larn: It’s best to avoid the hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. as this is when most organized tours depart. It’s more convenient to leave Bangkok early and catch a ferry at 10 a.m., or later in the afternoon around 3 p.m. if you plan to stay overnight on the island.
The time savings if you choose our suggested method for traveling from Bangkok to Koh Larn may be minor, but it allows you to travel at your own pace without being dependent on bus or ferry schedules. This efficient option involves taking a taxi and then a speedboat.
From anywhere in Bangkok, you can hail a taxi and ask to be taken to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. The driver might try to negotiate the price, but don’t agree to pay more than 1,400 baht, including tolls, as the fare on the meter would be around 1,200 to 1,300 baht, plus about 100 baht for tolls. This rate of around 35 euros can be quite reasonable, especially if you’re sharing the taxi with up to three other people.
For just a few euros more, you can book the taxi online to lock in the price and avoid haggling with the driver.
Once you arrive at the pier, instead of heading to the ferry terminal, you can ask the agents for a speedboat to the island. These boats leave frequently and can drop you off at any location on Koh Larn. The price is about 200 baht, and the journey takes roughly ten minutes.
If you choose this fast route Koh Larn Thai island, you could reach the island in as little as two hours from anywhere in the capital, assuming traffic conditions are reasonable. However, the slower option using public transport is still quite convenient.
