Things to Do in Ko Laan, Thailand
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Koh Larn, alternatively spelled Ko Lan, and Ko Laan, is a place where I made as much memories as much as it has several alternative spellings.
It was our second day in resort city Pattaya, and it was incredibly hectic but fun. We had an early call time that morning, and I, still half-asleep, reluctantly left my bed in Ibis Pattaya Hotel in time for our 8 AM Island Hopping and Water Adventure tour in Koh Larn.
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Pattaya in itself is a major tourist Thai destination. And beyond its shores, 7.5 kilometers away from the mainland, is another tourist magnet: Koh Larn island.
When we reached Pattaya Beach, the closest jumping-off point to Koh Larn, I just knew by the smell of the early morning sea wind that this was going to be my best day in Pattaya yet. So to sum up my fantastic experience in Ko Larn, I have listed them down in seven separate activities that you can try for yourself, too:
Parasailing
Parasailing is the closest you can get to skydiving. Towed away by a boat from the front and supported by a parachute from behind, I already tried it in Boracay and I know the adrenaline rush it can give while flying above the waters for a significant number of minutes. It was like being the star of an action movie.
Sea walking
Snorkeling is one thing; Scuba diving is another, but Sea Walking is a whole new adventure altogether! I have problems with my eardrums thats why I skippied it but I watched the rest as they wear a specialized underwater gear. They literally “walked” the sea bed alongside dozens of colorful schools of fish and corals and their photos are also amazing. Oh, and did I mention that Ko Larn is also known as the “Coral Island”?
Enjoy seafood lunch at Samae Beach
Samae Beach is known for at least three things: cream sand, beautiful sunsets, and delicious food! There are a handful of seaside restaurants here, and nothing goes best with a seafood meal with a view of the sea and the sound of the waves. The downside is that it can get pretty crowded here during peak hours.
Ride a banana boat
I have tried riding motor boats and had dinner in a cruise ship before, but this banana boat I guess is a whole new adventure. The sea vehicle is elongated, much like a banana, and everyone on it had to straddle it and hold on as hard as they could while a separate high-speed jet boat pulls the fruit shaped boat and slice the sea!
Frolic in Tawaen Beach
Known for its white sand and crystal clear shallow waters, Tawaen Beach is arguably the most popular beach destination in Ko Larn. Like Samae Beach, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars on the beach itself, which makes staying longer here so easy and tempting.
Gaze up the Giant Monk Statue
From Tawaen beach, we took a songthaew ride to one the islands highest peak. Apart from the panoramic view of Tawaen beach and nearby islands, the main highlight of our visit was seeing the huge Buddhist Monk statue surrounded by trees. The area is also a perfect spot for selfies and a great place to take your OOTD’s.
Rest at Tien Beach
Because this beach is shorter in length compared to Samae and Tawaen, Tien Beach is the most peaceful beach on the island. This makes it the perfect place to conclude your day. There are less commercial establishments compared to the other two beaches, but its turquoise water, palm trees, and fine sand are more than enough to keep you company.
How to get to Koh Larn, Thailand
Thanks to AirAsia, Pattaya was made more accessible to Filipino travelers. The opening of Manila-Bangkok AirAsia flights dramatically cut down travel time from about 10 hours to just 3 hours, at most!
From Bangkok Airport, proceed to ride a bus bound to Pattaya, which is just 2.5 hours away from the capital city. The scenic Koh Larn is a 30-minute boat ride away from Pattaya Beach, the nearest and most recommended jump off point to Coral Island.
You can get around the island via the songthaews, Thailand’s version of Philippine jeepneys, for as low as 10 baht per ride.
Pattaya Sea Adventure Tour (website) is available via KKDay.com for only Php 1,890 per head. The fee includes speedboat transfer, hotel transfer, insurance, lunch, and an English-speaking tour guide.
Ko Laan, Thailand Tour Packages
Koh Larn (Carol Island) 1 Day Tour Package
Koh larn is the biggest island away from the Pattaya, also be known as Coral island. Take only 45 minutes from Pattaya to Koh larn, it’s time for you to embrace this glamours beach!
Pattaya Coral Island Parasailing and Snorkeling Tour Package
Head to Coral Island (Ko Lan), Thailand for a day of parasailing, snorkeling and jet skiing. Take a ride on a banana boat and soak up the sun on an idyllic beach.
Also Read:
- Siquijor Travel Guide
- Jomalig Travel Guide
- Koh Samui Travel Guide
- Beach Resorts in Zambales, Philippines
- Masasa Beach Travel Guide
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