If you are looking for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, Thailand, then you should definitely check out Ko Lan Island. This small island, also known as Koh Larn, Ko Lan, Koh Laan or Koh Lahn, is a hidden gem that offers a slice of heaven for nature lovers, beach lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you want to relax on the soft sand, swim in the crystal-clear water, explore the colorful coral reefs, hike to the scenic viewpoints, visit the impressive temples and museums, or experience the local culture and cuisine, Ko Lan Island has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Ko Lan Island, and why you should visit this amazing island as soon as possible.
How to Get to Ko Lan Island
Getting to Ko Lan Island from Pattaya is easy and convenient, as there are several transport options available. You can choose between ferry, speedboat and taxi, depending on your budget, preference and schedule.
Ferry: The cheapest and most common way to get to Ko Lan Island from Pattaya is by ferry, which costs only 30 baht per person. The ferry takes about 45 minutes to reach the island, and departs from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya every hour from 7 am to 6 pm. The ferry is spacious and comfortable, and offers a great view of the sea and the island. However, the ferry can be crowded and slow, especially during peak season and weekends, so you may have to wait in line or share a seat with other passengers.
Speedboat: The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Ko Lan Island from Pattaya is by speedboat, which costs around 300 baht per person or 2,000 baht per boat. The speedboat takes only 15 minutes to reach the island, and departs from various locations in Pattaya, such as Beach Road, Walking Street and Jomtien Beach. The speedboat is thrilling and fun, and allows you to choose your destination on the island, such as Tawaen Beach, Nual Beach or Samae Beach. However, the speedboat can be expensive and noisy, and may not be suitable for people who are prone to seasickness or have a fear of water.
Taxi: The most convenient and flexible way to get to Ko Lan Island from Pattaya is by taxi, which costs around 400 baht per car or 600 baht per van. The taxi takes about 30 minutes to reach the island, and can be booked from any hotel or travel agency in Pattaya. The taxi is private and safe, and allows you to choose your departure time and pick-up point. However, the taxi can be hard to find and negotiate, and may not be available during busy periods or bad weather.
Our recommendation is to take the ferry if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind the crowd and the time, take the speedboat if you are in a hurry and want to have some fun and excitement, or take the taxi if you want to have more control and comfort over your trip.
Where to Stay on Ko Lan Island
One of the best things about Ko Lan Island is that you can choose to stay on the island or stay in Pattaya and make a day trip. Both options have their pros and cons, so you should consider your budget, preference and needs before making your decision.
Staying on the island: Staying on the island gives you the opportunity to enjoy the island’s beauty and tranquility, and to experience the island’s nightlife and culture. You can wake up to the sound of the waves, watch the sunrise and sunset, and explore the island at your own pace. You can also mingle with the locals, taste the authentic food, and join the festivals and events that happen on the island. However, staying on the island can be more expensive and less comfortable than staying in Pattaya, as the accommodation options are limited and basic. You may have to book in advance or settle for a lower quality place, and you may not have access to amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, or hot water.
Staying in Pattaya: Staying in Pattaya gives you the chance to enjoy the city’s attractions and entertainment, and to have more variety and convenience in your trip. You can visit the island as a day trip, and then return to the city for more activities and options. You can also find a wider range of accommodation options in Pattaya, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and have access to facilities such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, and restaurants. However, staying in Pattaya can be more hectic and noisy than staying on the island, as the city is crowded and busy. You may have to deal with traffic, pollution, and scams, and you may not have enough time to see and do everything on the island.
Our recommendation is to stay on the island if you want to have a more relaxing and authentic experience, and to stay in Pattaya if you want to have a more diverse and convenient experience.
If you decide to stay on the island, you can choose from different types of accommodation, such as resort, hotel, guesthouse, homestay or camping. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island for each type, based on the price, location, facilities and service.
Resort: Montra Resort is a charming, family-run resort on the island, located near Tawaen Beach. The resort offers cozy and clean rooms with balconies, air-conditioning, TV, fridge, and private bathroom. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a garden, and a massage service. The staff are friendly and helpful, and can arrange tours and activities for you. The price is around 1,500 baht per night, which includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel: Suntosa Resort is a modern and stylish hotel on the island, located near Samae Beach. The hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with sea views, air-conditioning, TV, fridge, and private bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a café, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a meeting room. The staff are professional and courteous, and can provide shuttle and laundry service. The price is around 1,200 baht per night, which includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Guesthouse: Baan Rim Nam is a cozy and affordable guesthouse on the island, located near Naban Port. The guesthouse offers simple and comfortable rooms with fans, TV, fridge, and shared bathroom. The guesthouse also has a common area, a kitchen, a terrace, and a bicycle rental. The staff are friendly and hospitable, and can give you tips and advice on the island. The price is around 500 baht per night, which includes free Wi-Fi.
Homestay: Ban Krua Koh Larn is a homely and authentic homestay on the island, located near Nual Beach. The homestay offers traditional and rustic rooms with fans, mosquito nets, and shared bathroom. The homestay also has a dining area, a garden, and a barbecue. The staff are warm and welcoming, and can cook delicious meals for you. The price is around 400 baht per night, which includes breakfast and dinner.
Camping: Suan Lamai Camping is a fun and adventurous camping site on the island, located near Ta-Yai Beach. The camping site offers tents and sleeping bags with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. The camping site also has a toilet, a shower, a picnic area, and a fire pit. The staff are friendly and helpful, and can organize activities and games for you. The price is around 300 baht per night, which includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
What to Do on Ko Lan Island
One of the best things about Ko Lan Island is that you can do a lot of things on the island, and never get bored. The island has a variety of attractions and activities that suit different interests and tastes, from relaxing on the beach to snorkeling in the sea, from hiking to the viewpoint to visiting the temple, from exploring the museum to experiencing the local culture. Here are some of the best things to do on the island, and how to enjoy them.
Beaches: The island is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The island has seven main beaches, each with its own charm and character. The most popular beach is Tawaen Beach, which is the largest and liveliest beach on the island, with a waterfront promenade, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and watersports. The most serene beach is Nual Beach, which is also known as Monkey Beach, where you can see the sunrise and the monkeys. The best beach for watersports is Samae Beach, which is great for jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing, and also has a beautiful sunset and a walk to the hilltop lookout, Khaoo Na Yok. The most secluded beach is Tonglang Beach, which is ideal for snorkeling, as you can join a glass-bottom boat excursion and see the coral reefs. The most quiet beach is Ta-Yai Beach, which is on the eastern shore of the island, and has fine white sand and turquoise water. The other two beaches are Tien Beach and Nuan Beach, which are also worth a visit, as they are less crowded and more natural. You can easily get to any of these beaches by renting a motorbike, a bicycle, or a songthaew (a shared taxi) from the Naban Port, where the ferry arrives. You can also take a boat from one beach to another, if you want to explore more of the island’s coastline.
Snorkeling: One of the most amazing activities on the island is snorkeling, as you can discover a kaleidoscope of marine life under the water. The island has several snorkeling spots, where you can see a variety of colorful fish, coral, sea urchins, starfish, and even turtles. Some of the best snorkeling spots are Tonglang Beach, Nual Beach, and the nearby islands of Koh Khrok and Koh Sak, which are part of the Ko Lan Marine Park. You can either bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent it from the vendors on the beach. You can also join a guided snorkeling tour, which will take you to the best spots and provide you with safety and equipment. Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity that anyone can enjoy, as long as you can swim and breathe through a tube. However, you should always be careful and respectful of the marine environment, and avoid touching or damaging the coral or the animals.
Hiking: Another great activity on the island is hiking, as you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty and scenery from different perspectives. The island has several hiking trails, which range from easy to moderate in difficulty and length. Some of the best hiking trails are Kuan Yin Viewpoint, Big Buddha, Anek Kusala Sala, and Nezha Sathaizhu Temple, which are all located on the hills of the island. You can reach these trails by following the signs or the maps, or by asking the locals for directions. You can also hire a guide, who will show you the way and tell you more about the island’s history and culture. Hiking is a rewarding and healthy activity that will give you a sense of adventure and discovery. However, you should always be prepared and cautious, and wear comfortable shoes, clothes, sunscreen, hat, and water. You should also avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day, or during the rainy season, as the trails can be slippery and muddy.
Temples: One of the most impressive attractions on the island is the temples, which are not only places of worship, but also works of art and culture. The island has two main temples, which are both located on the hills of the island, and offer a stunning view of the island and the sea. The first temple is Kuan Yin Viewpoint & Big Buddha, which is a must-see attraction on the island. This temple has a large statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, which is made of white marble and stands at 18 meters tall. The statue is surrounded by a garden, a pond, and a pavilion, which create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The temple also has a smaller statue of Buddha, which is made of gold and sits on a lotus flower. The temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance is free. However, you should dress modestly and respectfully, and remove your shoes before entering the temple. The second temple is Nezha Sathaizhu Temple, which is a opulent and colorful temple that showcases the Chinese influence on the island. This temple has intricate paintings and sculptures of various deities and mythical creatures, and a large heaven-earth pole that symbolizes the harmony of the universe. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entrance is free. However, you should also dress modestly and respectfully, and remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Museums: One of the most interesting attractions on the island is the museums, which are not only places of education, but also places of entertainment and inspiration. The island has one main museum, which is located near the Kuan Yin Viewpoint & Big Buddha. This museum is Anek Kusala Sala, which is a museum of Chinese art and culture. This museum has more than 300 impressive pieces of Chinese artwork, mainly bronze and brass statues of various figures, such as Buddha, Kuan Yin, Confucius, and the Terracotta Army. The museum also has some paintings, calligraphy, pottery, and jade. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance is 50 baht per person. The museum is a great place to learn more about the Chinese heritage and influence on the island, and to admire the craftsmanship and beauty of the artworks. However, you should be careful and respectful, and avoid touching or damaging the artworks.
What to Eat on Ko Lan Island
One of the best things about Ko Lan Island is that you can eat a lot of delicious food on the island, and never get hungry. The island’s cuisine is a reflection of the island’s history, culture and environment, and offers a variety of dishes and ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds.
Here are some of the best places to eat on Ko Lan Island:
Soul Sweet: This is a steakhouse and pizza place near Tawaen Beach, with a cozy and modern decor. The menu includes steaks, pizzas, burgers, salads, and desserts, as well as coffee, tea, and cocktails. The food and drink are delicious, and the portions are generous. The service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxing and romantic. The price is around 300 baht per person, and the restaurant is open from 10 am to 9 pm. You can enjoy the live music every night until 11 pm, and the view of the sea from the second floor2.
Pizza and Coffee Koh Larn: This is an Italian and coffee place near Samae Beach, with a simple and bright decor. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and cakes, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies. The pizza and coffee are very good, and the ingredients are fresh and high-quality. The service is professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is cozy and quiet. The price is around 200 baht per person, and the restaurant is open from 8 am to 6 pm1.
Chalianglom: This is a seafood and Thai place near Naban Port, with an open and airy decor. The menu includes seafood, curry, soup, salad, and rice, as well as beer, juice, and soda. The seafood is fresh and tasty, and the portions are large. The service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and lively. The price is around 150 baht per person, and the restaurant is open from 10 am to 10 pm1.
Sea Space: This is an American and Italian place near Samae Beach, with a chic and elegant decor. The menu includes burgers, pizzas, steaks, and salads, as well as wine, cocktails, and coffee. The food and drink are amazing, and the presentation is beautiful. The service is attentive and polite, and the atmosphere is classy and sophisticated. The price is around 400 baht per person, and the restaurant is open from 11 am to 10 pm. You can enjoy the stunning view of the beach and the sunset from the rooftop pool1.
Pookai Cafe & Restaurant: This is a Thai and coffee place near Naban Port, with a cute and colorful decor. The menu includes noodles, rice, curry, and soup, as well as coffee, tea, and milkshakes. The food and drink are satisfying and affordable, and the portions are reasonable. The service is friendly and hospitable, and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. The price is around 100 baht per person, and the restaurant is open from 8 am to 8 pm1.
Conclusion
Ko Lan Island is a hidden gem near Pattaya that you need to visit. The island is a tropical paradise that offers a lot of attractions and activities for all kinds of visitors. You can relax on the stunning beaches, snorkel in the crystal-clear water, hike to the scenic viewpoints, visit the impressive temples and museums, or experience the local culture and cuisine. You can also choose to stay on the island or stay in Pattaya and make a day trip, and have more variety and convenience in your trip. You can also easily get to the island from Pattaya by ferry, speedboat or taxi, and have more control and comfort over your trip. Ko Lan Island is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, and a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. So, what are you waiting for? Plan and book your trip to Ko Lan Island today, and discover why this island is a hidden gem that you need to visit. For more information and assistance, you can visit our website, Tripoto, where you can find more articles, guides, reviews, and deals on Ko Lan Island and other destinations. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon on Ko Lan Island.
