Koh Lan Day Trip Guide: How to Get There, What to Do, and Where to Eat
Koh Lan, also known as Coral Island, allures travelers from all over the world with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Just a short boat ride away from the bustling mainland, it’s a place that feels worlds away from civilization despite being only 7-kilometers away. Whether you’re seeking a new adventure, relaxation with incredible, or delicious culinary delights, this captivating island delivers an unforgettable experience that boasts some of the best of Thailand’s coastal beauty.
How to Get to Koh Lan
Morning departures are highly recommended for the best experience in Koh Lan, allowing you to secure prime beach spots and enjoy the island before afternoon crowds arrive.
Ferry Services
The most popular way to reach Koh Lan from Pattaya is through a ferry from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. This pier is only a 7-minute drive from our luxury Pattaya hotel. The ferries operate daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Departures leave every 30-45 minutes. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around 30 baht per person. These large ferries accommodate hundreds of passengers and provide a scenic route with stunning ocean views. It’s important to note that the last ferry back to Pattaya typically departs around 6:30 PM, so plan your return accordingly to avoid being stranded.
Speedboat Options
For those who seek a faster journey to Coral Island, private speedboats and shared speedboat services are available from various piers along Pattaya Beach. The speedboat trip takes just 15-20 minutes but comes at a premium price, depending on group size and operator. However, many hotels can arrange speedboat transfers directly from their beachfronts, including our very own 5-star Pattaya hotel. If you’re interested in direct speedboat travel to Koh Lan, kindly get in touch with our Guest Relations team via email at [email protected] or call us at 038 250 421.
What to Do in Koh Lan
Koh Lan is most known for having seven stunning beaches to choose from, each offering unique characteristics. Visitors of the island can choose between Tawaen Beach, Samae Beach, Tien Beach, Tonglang Beach, Nual Beach, Sangwan Beach, and Ta Yai Beach. Tawaen Beach serves as the island’s main hub where there are abundant water sports, beach chairs, and restaurants. However, for a quieter experience, head to Samae Beach on the island’s western shore, where soft sand and gentle waves create an idyllic setting for relaxation.
Enjoying the Sea
With crystal clear waters, Coral Island is the perfect place to enjoy snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life just offshore. Other popular activities that can be enjoyed there include parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides (perfect for families), or glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers who want to observe beautiful marine life without getting wet.
Exploring the Land
Koh Lan is 5.6KM in length. It’s popular to rent a motorbike to explore the length of the island, where temples, viewpoints, and local villages offer glimpses into authentic island life. The most prominent cultural sites to visit are Guanyin Temple and the Big Buddha statue, both offering incredible moments surrounded by nature and unique cultural insights. You can even journey to the island’s highest point and be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the island and surrounding seascape.
Where to Eat in Koh Lan
Tawaen Beach features an array of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with your toes in the sand. These establishments specialize in grilled squid, prawns, fried or steamed fish, and traditional Thai dishes like som tam (papaya salad) and pad thai (stir-fried noodles). Most eateries will offer both Thai and international cuisine to cater to the varied tastes of Coral Island’s diverse visitors.
A highly-recommended beachfront restaurant on the island is the Sunset Restaurant. The restaurant features a modern industrial aesthetic, with an expansive rooftop terrace adorned with elegant string lighting. Expansive ocean views that stretch endlessly toward the horizon can be enjoyed from virtually every seat whether dining indoors or outdoors. Here, you can enjoy the best of the island’s freshly seafood, served hot off grills with spicy dipping sauces.
Prices on the island are slightly higher than mainland restaurants due to transportation costs, but the fresh quality and beachfront ambiance justify the premium. It’s important to note that most restaurants accept cash only, so ensure you bring adequate Thai baht when you visit. Meal costs typically range from 150-400 baht per dish at beachfront establishments.
Enjoy a Day Trip to Paradise
Ready for powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters? When you stay at our all-suite luxury hotel in Pattaya, you’re only a short car ride from the Bali Hai Pier, where ferries await to take you to Koh Lan. Our dedicated Guest Relations team stands ready to arrange your seamless transfer from bustling mainland to this island paradise off the coast. Simply reach us with an email at [email protected] or call us at 038 250 421, and we’ll ensure your journey to paradise is effortlessly arranged.