Koh Larn – The Coral Island of Thailand
Koh Larn is a half-explored attractive island in eastern Gulf of Siam in Thailand. It is one small island yet the largest among the Near Islands of Pattaya. Koh Larn is just southeast of Bangkok Bay and you can bathe in its wonder after two hours’ drive. The beaches in this island are packed with tourist attractions.
In Thai language, koh means island. This island is about four kilometers long and two kilometers wide. It is covered with lush tropical forest making it a great destination for mountain climbers and environmentalists. There are species of monkeys, birds, flowers and other wildlife. It’s a hilly island with a high 205 meters peak. Coming here can make you feel refreshed and humbled at the same time. On top, you can find a Buddhist shrine where you can renew connections with the good spirits.
Koh Larn is home to a thousand people living among two small villages – Ban Ko Lan and Ban Krok Makhan. There are restaurants, varied tourist shops and lodgings. The community has all its needs here. Parents work and children go to school. You can find the active police and the capable medical facility. This island lives in peace and in harmony even with the coming in and out of tourists.
Sports attractions include biking, hiking, parasailing, jet ski, banana boat, snorkeling and swimming. Don’t you know that there were movies shoot in Koh Larn? The place has attracted film enthusiasts because of the clean, healthy and breathtaking setting. The water is clear and the sand fine. Also known as the Coral Island, there are unexplored coral reefs in the vicinity.
There are several beaches in Koh Larn, most are on the west side. The most visited is the popular Tawaen Beach where a small harbor is situated. The place is usually crowded because of the sports activities offered. There are tourist-souvenir shops with restaurants behind that serve tasty fish delicacies and other seafood dishes. Most of the time fishes are served fresh from the sea. Samae Beach is claimed best as it is not that crowded. It is spacious and it has classy restaurants and better shopping items. Nual Beach on the other hand has few visitors making it quiet and relaxing. Sometimes tourists here walk nude. Other beaches are Tonglang Beach, Tien Beach and Naon Beach.
Koh Larn is home to welcoming Thai people making many tourists come back every vacation. It is like a coral family, hidden but flourishing, silent but thriving.