#Blog3 Pattaya: KOH LARN island

               

Pattaya: KOH LARN island

               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 pavers. 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.


 

               Koh Larn has six main beaches and a few smaller beaches for visitors to enjoy. All the beaches are of white sand and clear azure waters. There are many water sport activities at each of the beaches. There are also many other activities such as parasailing for you to enjoy while visiting Koh Larn. All the beaches have full facilities such as bathrooms and showers. Then there are the restaurants that serve up delicious fresh catch of the day seafood or just about any other dish you may desire. You can choose to order your meal in the restaurant or straight from your beach lounger. Yes, a day on Koh Larn can be a very relaxing experience, with the gentle sounds of the ocean and without all the noise of the city.

TAWAEN Beach

          There are many resort 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 like months and years. If you are planning a few days stay, may I suggest calling  ahead for reservations especially during peak season, holidays and weekends, you can find descriptions and contact information on my resorts page.

THE BEACHES: 

TAWAEN Beach is the biggest and busiest.  Lots of restaurants, some shops, all activities available.   It's a bit crowded for some tastes, but some people may like that.  The water is beautiful, and some boats go directly to this beach, where there is a boat dock, making it easily accessible. 

SAMAE Beach:  the best! 40THB Songthaew ride from Koh Larn. Considered the prettiest beach, somewhat more upscale/upmarket than the other places.  Nice selection of quality restaurants.  Somewhat more spacious;  big but doesn't seem that crowded.  There are two places that offer bungalows, including one of them that has AIR CONDITIONED rooms.  No name, no signs there, but don't expect to get a room on the weekends, they will be full.  They are very simple accommodations, but acceptable.  They are not directly beachfront, but maybe 3 minutes walk.  There might be camping here too.  These are on the far end of the beach, (if you arrive by bus or motorbike, all the way to your RIGHT; if you arrive by boat, as you face the beach from the water, all the way to your LEFT).  This beach has better quality shopping and better restaurants, weekends are busy.