Koh Lan
เกาะล้าน · Chonburi Province
Population
3K
Budget / Month
$500
Internet
25 Mbps
Best Season
November to February (good weather, manageable crowds)
About Koh Lan
Koh Lan lies just 7.5 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya, making it the easiest island day trip in eastern Thailand. Known as Coral Island, it draws thousands of visitors daily who come for beaches dramatically better than anything Pattaya offers on the mainland. The island has six main beaches, each with distinct character and varying levels of development.
Tawaen Beach is the largest and busiest with sun loungers, jet ski rentals, and parasailing operators. For something quieter, Tien Beach and Samae Beach on the western coast offer more space and a more relaxed atmosphere. Nual Beach (Monkey Beach) at the southern tip is the most secluded, reachable by a steep path or boat.
Water sports are the main draw beyond beaches: jet skis, banana boats, parasailing, snorkeling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat tours. The island is best experienced as a day trip, though overnight stays offer pleasant empty beaches after day-trippers leave. The island faces environmental stress from overtourism.
Historical Note
Koh Lan was traditionally a small fishing community serving the Pattaya coast. Tourism development accelerated in the 1980s alongside Pattaya's growth and the island is now entirely dependent on the tourism economy.
Best time to visit: November to February (good weather, manageable crowds)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะล้าน
Province
Chonburi
Region
Eastern
Population
3,000
Area
4.7 km²
Elevation
120 m
Postal Code
20150
Airport
UTP
Local Language
Central Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month18,000 THB
~$500 USD
comfortable
/month37,500 THB
~$1,042 USD
luxury
/month62,000 THB
~$1,722 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 50 | 100 |
| Beach restaurant meal | 100 | 300 |
| Fresh seafood platter | 300 | 800 |
| Coffee | 40 | 60 |
| Beer (bottle) | 60 | 100 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 15 | 20 |
| Coconut | 30 | 50 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | 500 | 1,000 |
| Mid-range hotel | 1,000 | 2,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (round trip) | 60 | 60 |
| Speedboat (one way) | 150 | 300 |
| Scooter rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
| Songthaew (beach to beach) | 30 | 50 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Jet ski (30 min) | 800 | 1,500 |
| Parasailing | 600 | 1,000 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
13% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for good weather and manageable crowds. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Arrive on the first ferry (7:00 AM) to enjoy beaches before the crowds.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 23 | 10 | 68% |
| Feb | 32 | 24 | 20 | 68% |
| Mar | 33 | 25 | 40 | 70% |
| Apr | 34 | 26 | 70 | 72% |
| May | 33 | 26 | 160 | 78% |
| Jun | 32 | 26 | 140 | 78% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 150 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 170 | 80% |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 220 | 82% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 200 | 80% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 60 | 72% |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 15 | 68% |
Things to Do
Tawaen Beach
หาดตาแหวน
The largest and busiest beach with sun loungers, water sports operators, and rows of seafood restaurants. Arrive early for the best spots.
Tien Beach
หาดเทียน
Best balance of beauty and quiet. Nicer sand and fewer vendors than Tawaen with decent snorkeling opportunities.
Parasailing
Fly above the turquoise waters of Koh Lan for panoramic views of the island and Pattaya coastline.
Sea Walking
Walk on the seabed wearing a diving helmet and see coral and fish up close without any diving experience.
Snorkeling Boat Trip
Boat trip to coral areas on the south side of the island where visibility is better and marine life more abundant.
Nual (Monkey) Beach
หาดนวล
The most secluded beach at the southern tip, reachable by a steep path or boat taxi. Nearly wild and quiet.
Food & Dining
ปลากะพงทอด
Pla Kapong Tod
Deep-fried sea bass served whole with sweet chili or fish sauce. A staple at every beach restaurant on the island.
200-400
Beach restaurants on any beach
กุ้งเผา
Kung Phao
Grilled river prawns served with spicy seafood dipping sauce. Best enjoyed beachside while watching the sunset.
200-500
Tawaen Beach seafood row
หอยแมลงภู่อบ
Hoy Manang Phu Ob
Baked mussels with Thai herbs and spices in a clay pot. A popular shared seafood dish.
100-200
Seafood restaurants near the pier
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Spicy papaya salad pounded fresh to order. Ask for no dried shrimp for a vegetarian version.
50-80
Beach food stalls
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
400 - 700
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 2,500
THB / night
Luxury
2,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
8,000 - 15,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
12,000 - 20,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Overnight stays are uncommon but rewarding for empty beaches at sunrise and sunset. Na Ban village has the most options near the main pier.
Getting There from Bangkok
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport
Airport Code: UTP
Bus/minivan to Pattaya + ferry
2.5 hours + 30 min ferry
150-250 THB
Bus/minivan to Pattaya + speedboat
2.5 hours + 15 min
270-500 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
WidespreadConverted pickup trucks running between beaches.
30-50
Scooter rental
WidespreadAvailable but steep hills require experience.
200-300/day
Boat taxi
Tourist areas onlyBetween beaches by sea. Useful for reaching secluded beaches.
100-300
Neighborhoods
Na Ban Village (Pier Area)
Small fishing village with tourism overlayThe main settlement where ferries dock. Small shops, restaurants, guesthouses, and mini-marts. The most local area.
Best for: Overnight visitors wanting convenience
Samae Beach
Relaxed beach atmosphereMore spread out than Tawaen with a longer beach and fewer vendors. Some mid-range hotels nearby with a better balance of facilities and space.
Best for: Those wanting beaches without extreme crowds
Festivals & Events
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water fights at the beach with huge celebrations fueled by Pattaya overflow crowds.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating lanterns and krathongs launched from the beaches into the Gulf of Thailand.
Practical Info
Hospital
Basic clinic on island; Pattaya hospitals 30 min by speedboat
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai with basic English at tourist spots. Some Russian signage due to tourist demographics.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only. Available at all beaches.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Pattaya
Shopping, nightlife, and dining options on the mainland. Easy to combine with a Koh Lan beach day.
Koh Sak & Koh Krok
Small islands nearby with snorkeling and coral reefs. Quieter alternative to crowded Koh Lan beaches.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Koh Lan from Pattaya?
Regular ferry from Bali Hai Pier (30 min, 30 THB one way) or speedboat (15 min, 150-300 THB). Ferries run roughly every hour from 7:00 AM.
Which beach is best?
Tien Beach for the best balance of beauty and quiet. Tawaen for facilities and water sports. Samae for a middle ground. Nual for seclusion.
Is it very crowded?
Weekends and holidays: extremely. Weekday mornings: manageable. The peak is 10:00 AM-3:00 PM when tour groups fill the beaches.
Are jet skis safe?
Use caution. Photograph the jet ski before use to document its condition. Some operators claim pre-existing damage and demand payment.
Should I stay overnight?
If you want empty beaches, an overnight stay lets you enjoy them in the morning and evening. Accommodation is basic but adequate.
Is snorkeling good?
Moderate. Coral has suffered from tourism impact but visibility is decent. Better snorkeling is found by boat off the southern coast.