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Pattaya, a vibrant coastal city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, offers more than just its famous beaches and nightlife. Just off its shores lie several enchanting islands, each with its unique charm. These nearby tropical gems provide a perfect escape from the bustling mainland, offering visitors pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a taste of island life. From the popular Koh Larn to the serene Koh Sak, islands in Pattaya cater to various interests, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or natural beauty.
10 Best Islands In Pattaya
So what are you waiting for? We’ve gathered a list of the best islands in Pattaya for your next Thailand trip.
1. Koh Larn
Photo: Pongwit / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is the largest and one of the most popular islands in Pattaya. Located about 7.5 kilometres off the coast, it’s easily accessible by speedboat or ferry. The island is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Koh Larn boasts six main beaches, each with its unique charm. Tawaen Beach, the largest and most popular, offers various activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. A trip to the Koh Larn viewpoint is a must for panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 1-2 days
Suggested Read: Top Best Islands In Thailand For An Amazing Experience
2. Koh Sak
Photo: Pescov / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Sak is a small, crescent-shaped island located just north of Koh Larn. Known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, Koh Sak offers a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to its larger neighbour. The island’s unique horseshoe shape creates two distinct beach areas, each with its own character. The main beach on the eastern side of the island features soft white sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The western beach, while smaller, offers excellent snorkelling opportunities with its coral reefs lying just offshore.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: Half a day to a full day
3. Koh Phai
Photo: Bjørn Erik Pedersen / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Phai, also known as Bamboo Island, is the largest out of a group of islands called the “Near Islands” or “Koh Phai Islands.” Located about 23 kilometres off the coast of Pattaya, Koh Phai offers visitors a glimpse of untouched natural beauty. The island is part of a Thai Navy-protected area, which has helped preserve its pristine condition. Koh Phai is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. The island’s coastline features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, providing diverse landscapes for exploration.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: A half-day to full-day
Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand
4. Koh Rin
Photo: Pescov / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Rin, also known as Gnat Island, is a small, picturesque island located about 20 kilometres southwest of Pattaya. Despite its proximity to the bustling city, Koh Rin offers a tranquil escape with its unspoiled beaches and clear waters. The island is particularly popular among diving and snorkelling enthusiasts due to its rich marine ecosystem. The island features several dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, the snorkelling around Koh Rin is equally impressive.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 1-2 days
5. Koh Khram
Photo: Pattaya Boat Charter / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Khram is a large island located about 30 kilometres south of Pattaya. Unlike many of the smaller islands in the area, it is among the protected islands in Pattaya. Koh Khram is under the protection of the Royal Thai Navy and serves as a sea turtle conservation area. This status has helped preserve the island’s natural beauty and ecological importance. The island is renowned for its role in sea turtle conservation. Several species of sea turtles, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles, nest on Koh Khram’s beaches.
The Ideal Time To Visit: October to February
Time To Explore: 1 day
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Pattaya With Family On Your Next Vacation
6. Koh Klet Kaeo
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Klet Kaeo, commonly known as Monkey Island, is a small island located close to Koh Larn. As its nickname suggests, the island is home to a large population of macaque monkeys, making it a unique and interesting destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The island features a rocky coastline with small patches of beach and offers a fascinating opportunity to observe monkeys in their natural habitat. Visitors can watch as the monkeys swim, play, and interact with each other. It’s important to note that while the monkeys are accustomed to human presence, they are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 3-4 hours
7. Koh Man Wichai
Photo: Deror Avi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Man Wichai is one of the smaller islands in the Koh Phai group, located about 20 kilometres off the coast of Pattaya. This picturesque island offers visitors a taste of unspoiled natural beauty, with its clear waters and diverse marine life making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The island features a beautiful sandy beach on its eastern side, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. The beach is relatively small but rarely crowded, offering a peaceful escape from the busier islands.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 3-4 hours
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Pattaya On Your Next Trip
8. Koh Luam
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Luam is another small island in the Koh Phai archipelago, situated near Koh Phai and Koh Man Wichai. This tiny island offers a slice of tropical paradise, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters making it a favourite stop on many island-hopping tours from Pattaya. The island boasts a beautiful white sandy beach that curves around its northern shore, providing an ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxation. The shallow waters near the beach are perfect for swimming and offer good snorkelling opportunities, with colourful fish and coral reefs visible just off the shore.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 2-3 hours
9. Koh Ped
Photo: nakhon100 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Ped, also known as Turtle Island, is a small island located near Koh Larn. The island gets its name from its shape, which resembles a turtle when viewed from above. While smaller and less developed than Koh Larn, Koh Ped offers visitors a more secluded and natural island experience. The island features a small, crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is relatively quiet, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded beaches of nearby islands. The waters around Koh Ped are known for their clarity, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 1-2 hours
Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand
10. Koh Krok
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Krok is a tiny island located close to Koh Larn, often overlooked by tourists in favour of its larger neighbour. However, this small island offers a unique and tranquil experience. Koh Krok is known for its rocky coastline, clear waters, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. While Koh Krok doesn’t have large sandy beaches like some of the other islands, it does offer a small, secluded beach area where visitors can relax and sunbathe. The real draw of Koh Krok, however, is its underwater world. The waters surrounding the island carry marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasionally sea turtles.
The Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Time To Explore: 1-2 hours
Pattaya’s islands offer diverse experiences, from bustling beaches to serene escapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or natural beauty, these nearby gems complement Pattaya’s vibrant mainland perfectly. With each island offering its unique charm, a visit to Pattaya’s archipelago promises unforgettable memories of Thailand’s coastal paradise. As you plan your next trip here, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and the best deals.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
