Why visit Thailand?
Thailand caters to so many. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try delicious Thai and non-Thai cuisines or want to try surfing or go rock climbing, there’s so much to do and see.
The country has stunning landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and world-class beaches. The tropical climate, warm hospitality and diverse cuisine also draw tourists. It is, in fact, one of the most popular countries for tourists to visit.
For beach lovers, the islands around Thailand are paradise. Many choose to spend a day or two island hopping. Others might want to rent a yacht or a catamaran.
Koh Lan can be ideal for those seeking a laid-back, picturesque escape. It’s accessible from Pattaya via a pretty affordable ferry ride that takes around 30-45 minutes each way. You may see it written down as ‘Koh Larn’ or ‘Coral Island’.
Should you visit Koh Lan during your first visit to Thailand?
Where is Koh Lan?
Koh Lan is a small island just off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand. It’s a quick boat ride away from the mainland, so many choose to visit as part of a day trip. There are often package tours from Bangkok to Pattaya that include a day trip to Koh Lan.
It takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to get from Bangkok to Koh Lan via Pattaya, sometimes a little longer.
Why visit Koh Lan?
Koh Lan is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches While it’s less crowded than Thailand’s larger and more popular islands like Phuket or Koh Samui, there are still things to do and places to eat.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach Koh Lan is by ferry from Pattaya, which takes about 30-45 minutes. For a quicker option, speedboat rides are available, taking only 15-20 minutes and costing around 200 THB per person. Ferries appear to run until early evening, so it can be a convenient destination even for a day trip. Check out this page for the ferry schedule – but note there may be circumstances when ferries run at a less or even a more frequent schedule. Your hotel concierge may be able to advise on this or coordinate with the ferry operators regarding the schedule once you’re in Pattaya.
The ferry boats may also be packed during the high season, which is roughly November – February, coinciding with the dry season when the weather is also less hot.
Planning your trip to Koh Lan
Before heading to Koh Lan, consider the best time to visit and how to make the most of your time on the island.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Koh Lan is naturally during the dry season but when it’s also not too hot, so this is November to February. Keep in mind that, because this is considered by many to be the ‘best time’ to visit, it is also the high season for tourism. The weather is pleasantly warm, and rainfall is minimal. March to May can be hotter, while the rainy season (June to October) brings rain but fewer tourists.
Although March to May is often hotter, the Thai new year – or Songkran – is in April, so you may want to visit during this time. In fact, tourist numbers seemed to have surged for Koh Lan (and Jomtien beach on the mainland) during Songkran in 2024.
How to get around
Once on the island, Koh Lan is small enough to explore by renting a motorbike or hopping on local songthaews (shared taxis). The roads are straightforward, and it’s easy to get from one beach to another in no time. Please consider local laws, licenses, health and safety, and insurance coverage should you decide to rent a motorbike.
Another option is to opt for a Coral Island tour, where most of your itinerary is sorted for you. There are often bundles for Pattaya and Coral Island packages as well, including hotels, transportation, food, etc. Consider checking with Thailand travel agencies.
2bedtel is a hotel in Bangkok, conveniently located on Rama IX road and not far from locations such as The Nine Center Rama 9 or Rajamangala National Stadium, where lots of football games and concerts are held.
Phuket suit tailor – Mister Singh’s Fashion Gallery is a custom tailor in Patong, Phuket that has been around since the ’90s, serving satisfied clients from all over the world. Also offered are dressmaking services in Phuket.
Bangkok wedding dress tailor – Women’s Tailor Bangkok’s professional dress tailor team can tailor marvellous wedding dresses for reasonable prices.
Things to do in Koh Lan
While Koh Lan is a smaller island, there’s still plenty to see and do.
1. Beach hopping
Koh Lan is home to several pristine beaches, each with its unique charm.
Tawaen Beach is considered the most popular and busy beach, followed closely by Samae beach.
As you would expect, the busier beaches tend to have more restaurants and more things to do. If you prefer a quieter beach, you may wish to travel to/from one of the busier beaches for meals.
2. Water activities
Jet skiing and banana boat rides are just two of the exciting water sports available on the island.
3. Visit the viewpoints
For breathtaking views, head to the island’s viewpoints. You can see them on Google Maps – e.g. The Windmill Viewpoint or Tien Beach Viewpoint.
4. Day Trips
Many visiting Koh Lan opt to come for day trips, where they can enjoy a full day of beach activities and relaxation before returning to Pattaya in the evening. Hotels may be able to organize these packages tours – so check with your hotel in case they can do so. You may also wish to consider the services of a travel agency.
Best in Bangkok – check out Bangkok Services, which is a website ranking different service providers in Bangkok and perhaps elsewhere in Thailand too.
Upstairs BKK is a Bangkok marketing firm that can assist with branding, content creation, etc.
Karon hotel near beach – if you are visiting Phuket, you could consider staying at a hotel just across the road from the beach.
Planning ahead of your trip
Before packing your bags for Koh Lan, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
1. Currency
Thai Baht (THB) is the currency used in Thailand, and so you may want to have some in hand as you cross to Koh Lan. Though there are a few ATMs on the island, it’s a good idea to bring cash from Pattaya, especially for small purchases.
ATM fees for foreign cards are usually around 200-250 THB per transaction. The limit per transaction is usually between 20,000 and 30,000 THB. In some cases, your bank may also impose fees and/or limits, either per day or per transaction.
2. Language
While English is spoken in many tourist areas in Thailand, learning a few basic Thai phrases can go a long way in communicating with locals.
3. Food and dining
Koh Lan has a variety of restaurants, primarily concentrated on most of the beaches. Food served includes seafood, Thai dishes, pizza, etc. There are even places you can get desserts like chocolate lava cakes. You can check out the restaurant options on Google Maps, including to see the experiences that others have had at each restaurant or cafe.
4. Sustainability, respect for the environment and more
As tourism increases, it’s important to practice sustainable travel by respecting the environment. Avoid littering, minimize plastic use, etc. Likewise, it’s important to respect the local environment and culture. Check out this Medium article that discusses sustainable tourism including with regards to the impact on local communities, travel tips and more.
There are likely other things you may wish to consider as well, such as to stay hydrated or to use sunscreen. At the same time, we encourage you to read this NOAA webpage on sunscreens and marine life. Be mindful of sustainable tourism practices, and also any safety measures.
(Note: This is an unofficial website providing some general information for Koh Lan in Thailand. Information may not be up to date. Information is not guaranteed to be correct and may be incorrect, as it is based on our understanding, although we have tried to source our information from many places. If you have any suggestions, you are welcome to contact us and let us know. We do not provide you with any booking services but we can refer you to a travel agency.)