After an early breakfast at the hotel, we prepared for a change of pace as we were scheduled to do an island tour, with lunch, of Koh Larn (translated as “Coral Island”).  Located about 7-8 kms. off the coast of Pattaya Beach, Koh Larn is about 4 kms. long and 2 kms. wide.  It has 2 villages (Ban Ko Lan and Ban Krok Makhan)  and a number of white sand beaches (Tonglang Beach, Tien Beach, Samae Beach, Naon Beach, Na Ban Beach, Ta Waen Beach, etc.) with clear, blue waters, mostly on the western side.  Koh Larn is part of a cluster of 3 islands called the Near Islands (the other 2 are Koh Sak and Koh Krok).

On Our Way to Koh Larn

From the Bali Hai Pier, we all boarded a cruiser for the 45-50 min. trip, across the Gulf of Thailand, to the hilly island.  Within sight of the crescent-shaped Ta Waen Beach (the most frequented beach), we all transferred to a glass-bottom boat so that we could view the marine life and offshore coral garden.

Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

Upon landing, we were assigned to a long picnic shed with other guests. As the beach was very inviting, the sun was out and the skies were clear, we all changed into our swimming attire.  The sand here was definitely much cleaner (and whiter) than in Pattaya Beach.

Koh Larn (Coral Island) – Ta Waen Beach

Salve and Tellie tried jetskiing while I donned  mask and snorkel and explored the island’s coral garden.  Come noontime, we returned to our picnic hut were a seafood lunch was arrayed before us. This we feasted on with gusto.  After lunch, we all went back to our boat for the return trip back to the mainland. Once on shore, we returned to the hotel, checked out and, by 4:30 PM, boarded our bus for the return trip to Bangkok.  Back in the city, we had supper at a MacDonald’s outlet along Sukhumvit Rd., then returned to our hotel.