Ko Lan Island (also known as Koh Larn) is a hidden paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. This small island is very easily accessible from Pattaya port, taking only 40 minutes boat trip will transfer you to a Coral island for incredible water adventures.
Ko Lan Island (Koh Larn).
The island is very well organised with plenty of restaurants, sunbeds, snorkeling and water sports facilities. However, it may be a little crowded. Take a short walk along the beach to find a more relaxing spot. The main beaches are stunning, with white sand and lagoon water. Two of the are Tawaen Beach and Tonglang Beach.
For adventurous travelers, Ko Lan offers far more than just relaxing on the beach.
Most tourists visit Ko Lan as a quick day trip, arriving for a few hours before rushing back to Pattaya. But staying longer reveals something entirely different. Beyond the popular beaches and speedboats is a tropical island with quiet hidden corners, dramatic coastal scenery, jungle roads, local fishing villages, and some of the most beautiful ocean viewpoints in the Gulf of Thailand.
But the real attraction is Nual Beach – more known as ‘Monkey Beach’. It’s quiet and the animals are adorable! Pay attention to your belongings ;))) The monkeys are always hungry for sweets and bottled water!! (Don’t feed them with too much of sugar). They are not aggressive at all, behave normally, the only thing they are looking is food.
How to get to Ko Lan island?
You absolutely can’t miss Ko Lan Island. It takes half an hour to get from Pattaya harbour to the island by speedboat and a little longer by ferry. There are many boat operators in Pattaya harbour, I wouldn’t worry to purchase ticket in advance. Just remember to ask what time the last return boat is.
It’s gonna take you 15 minutes to leave all the tourists behind for adventurous Sandy Monkey Beach.
Ko Lan Island is located 7 km from the mainland. Boat ticket costs as small as 40 Baht.
The best beaches in Ko Lan.
Most visitors head directly to Tawaen Beach, the island’s busiest and most developed area. But Ko Lan becomes far more interesting once you leave the main tourist spots behind.
Samae Beach offers spectacular sunsets and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tien Beach feels quieter and more tropical, surrounded by hills and clear water perfect for swimming.
Nual Beach, also known as Monkey Beach, combines soft sand with dramatic rocky landscapes and occasional monkey sightings near the hills.
Monkey beach in Ko Lan.
We spent all day in Ko Lan at the Monkey Beach. Nual Beach has a tribe of monkeys that live on the hill overlooking the beach. If it happens they pick up some of your stuff, it’s for the curiocity, not because they want to steel it. However I wouldn;t give away my phone 😉
250 steps will take you up to the highest point of the island with small pagoda. The view from the top is magnificent.
The Best Time to explore.
The island is beautiful year-round, but mornings and late afternoons are especially magical.
During sunrise, the beaches are quiet, the ocean often becomes perfectly calm, and soft golden light transforms the landscape into something cinematic.
Sunset is equally spectacular.
As the sun disappears over the Gulf of Thailand, the sky explodes into orange, pink, and purple colours reflected across the water. Watching the sunset from one of the island’s viewpoints or quieter beaches becomes one of the most unforgettable experiences on Ko Lan.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ko Lan Island.
- Stay overnight if possible to experience the island without crowds.
- Visit beaches early in the morning for the best atmosphere.
- Bring snorkeling gear for exploring shallow reefs.
- Carry cash, as smaller businesses may not accept cards.
- Watch sunsets from elevated viewpoints for spectacular scenery.
- Explore beyond the main beaches to discover quieter hidden spots.
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