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Introduction – Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn Island
Although I have been to Pattaya on so many occasions, that my experiences have now all blended into one giant haze of loud noises, flashing lights and a plethora of languages mixed together as though I have reached the summit of the Tower of Babel. When I need to experience calm and tranquility, I make my way down to Bali Hai Pier and catch the speedboat to Koh Larn.
Koh Larn is situated roughly 7.5km from mainland Pattaya. The easiest way to get there is by ferry or speedboat. I usually opt for the speedboat because at 300 baht, it is more cost efficient to share a quick, sometimes awkwardly silent ride with strangers, rather then haggle with the local Thai shark on the shores of North Pattaya beach for a private run to the island, which can reach upwards to 3000 baht.
Personally, Tawaen beach is the best beach for “beginners”. I use the term loosely, as I have been to the island on half-a-dozen times, and I still like to head to Tawaen beach to start my day on the island. Tawaen beach has the amenities that the other beaches on the island do not have.
There is a wide selection of restaurants, street vendors and bars to choose from. There is a wide selection of Western and Indian food options. I personally loved Dulay, on the main strip. It had a nice variety of Western and Thai options. The food was clean, and the restaurant had a relaxing, open-aired atmosphere that vibes really well with the island itself.
Tawaen Beach’s Cool, Crystal Clear Water
Besides the large selection of culinary options, Tawaen beach sports some of the clearest and shallowest water on the island. As someone with kids, I can’t stress how much this means to me as a parent. The shallow water, especially when the tide is low, extends the shoreline well out into the gulf.
The beach is large enough that everyone has their own space. It is arguably one of the best beaches to find that pristine, iconic, crystal-clear Thai beach water. Sometimes its hard to believe that Tawaen beach is only located roughly two hours from Bangkok. When I am there, I feel deceived, that Tawaen beach should be on some remote island, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest metropolis.
Grab a JetSki and Go!
If laying on the beach and drinking Mai Tais isn’t your jam, and you need something to get the heart pumping and the adrenaline racing, there are several options. My personal favorite is renting a jet ski for 20 minutes and flying around the shore.
In my experience, the cost is 1000 baht for ten minutes, but like my German nana used to say, and she loved to haggle like Turkish street merchant “Never Pay Full Price”. Timing is everything. I usually wait until later in the afternoon, as the tourists begin to pack up and head back to the pier to catch their ferry back to Pattaya.
The queues are smaller and most of the jet ski operators are starting to pack up. Normally, you can negotiate a price of about 1500 baht for 30 minutes. Quick tip: This works even better if you are not on Tawaen Beach.
Virtual Tour and Final Thoughts
Budget: I bring 2000 baht cash. There are not many ATMs on the beaches, with Tawaen beach being the beach, so load up on cash at the pier or in Pattaya.
Time To Visit: I would get to Tawaen beach early (10am) to avoid the crowds and secure a great location on the beach. Beach chairs will run 100 baht for the entire day.
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