When the Pattaya heat really kicks in, and the sea in the city center is cloudy from boats and urban runoff, I send my guests to Ko Lan. Locals just call it "Coral" — it's the closest island, only 7.5 km from the shore, and the only place near Pattaya where the water is truly clear and the sand is white. People come here for the day: a ferry ride in the morning, beach time and seafood during the day, and back by evening. Let's break down how to plan a trip so you return tanned, full, and without overpaying.
What is Ko Lan and why go there
Ko Lan (also known as Coral Island) is a small island of about 4.6 km² in the Gulf of Thailand, right off the coast of Pattaya. Unlike the mainland beaches, there are no high-rises or city noise here: just hills, palm trees, and a few beach villages. There is electricity, the internet works, and the island even has 7-Eleven convenience stores and scooter rental shops. But the atmosphere is strictly resort-style and quiet.
Why go:
- Beaches. The sand is noticeably whiter and the water is cleaner than in central Pattaya — thanks to the distance from the city and the water depth.
- Prices. Food and activities on the island are cheaper than in the tourist center of Pattaya.
- Accessibility. You can get there on your own in half an hour for pennies, without overpaying travel agencies.
How to get to Ko Lan: by ferry or speedboat
The starting point is Bali Hai Pier at the southern end of Walking Street. Two types of boats depart from here.
Public ferry (big boat)
The local way. A large wooden boat transports people, mopeds, and supplies. It leaves roughly every 30–60 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, takes about 40–45 minutes, and docks at Na Ban village on the island. A ticket is about 30 ฿ one way. Pros: it's cheap and runs even in mild chop. Cons: it's slow and can get crowded in the evening.
Speedboat
Fast and more expensive. It takes 15–20 minutes and drops you off right at Tawaen or Samae beaches. You can either buy a seat on a shared speedboat at the pier (150–300 ฿) or rent a whole boat. Most often, the speedboat is included in the price of a guided "Ko Lan islands" day tour.
The island's best beaches: Tawaen, Samae, Tien
There are about six beaches on Ko Lan, but three are key for a first visit.
| Beach | What it's like | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Tawaen | The largest and most developed: lounge chairs, cafes, banana boats, parasailing, and inflatable water slides. Fine sand, gentle entry into the water. | Families with kids and those who want "everything at once." |
| Samae | The west coast, quieter than Tawaen. The bay is sheltered from waves, the water is calm, and the sunsets are beautiful. | Couples and those looking for peace and quiet. |
| Tien | Close to Samae, small, and surrounded by pine trees. Clean water, with corals near the cape — great for snorkeling. | Lovers of beautiful photos and quiet swimming. |
Local songthaews (open-air pickup trucks) run between the beaches. A ride from Na Ban village to the farthest beach costs 20–30 ฿ per person. If you have a group, you can negotiate a private ride.
What to do on Ko Lan
Besides the classic "lying on the sand," there's plenty to do on the island.
- Water sports at Tawaen. Banana boats, parasailing (parachuting behind a speedboat), jet skis, and inflatable water slides. Bargaining is a must — you can knock the price down by 20–30%.
- Snorkeling at the cape between Tawaen and Samae. The corals here aren't mind-blowing, but there are colorful fish near the rocks. You can rent a mask right on the beach.
- Hilltop viewpoint. Drive up on a scooter or walk — it offers a panoramic view of the entire bay with Pattaya on the horizon.
- Fresh seafood. Along the beaches, there are cafes where shrimp, crabs, and fish are displayed on ice. You choose what you want, and they grill it for you. It’s a bit pricier than in mainland Thai restaurants, but it's fresher.
2026 Prices: ferries, lounge chairs, food, activities
Prices on the island aren't fixed — always bargain for activities, though food and transport have standard rates.
* Speedboat (per seat): 150–300 ฿.
* Scooter rental on the island (per day): 200–300 ฿.
* Lounge chair + umbrella: 50–100 ฿ for the day.
* Lunch (rice/noodles with seafood): 120–250 ฿.
* Banana boat (15 mins): 600–800 ฿ per boat (for 3–5 people).
* Parasailing: 800–1200 ฿.
Tips: when to go, what to bring
The best time to go is November–April, during the dry season. The sea is calm, and ferries run on schedule. During the rainy season (May–October), storms can happen: ferries and speedboats might get canceled. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best not to risk it during this period.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+. The sun burns much hotter on the island than in the city — there are no high-rises for shade and no smog. Reapply every hour.
- Cash. Card terminals on the beach often freeze, and the internet can drop out. Bring small bills.
- Your own towel. They provide lounge chairs, but bringing your own is more hygienic.
- Water shoes. There can be sharp coral fragments near the rocks at Tien.
A trip to Ko Lan is the perfect mini-vacation within a vacation that everyone needs when they're tired of the Pattaya hustle. You feed the fish bread, get your fill of the sea breeze, see what the water in Thailand is really supposed to look like — and by evening, you're back in civilization. It's easy, affordable, and delicious. And if you want to explore islands further afield, check out our excursion catalog for full-day itineraries.
