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Koh Larn
7.5 kilometers away, Koh Larn can be reached by ferry from Pattaya in 45 minutes. The white sandy beaches like Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Lang attract many a visitors to Koh Larn with its land area of 10 SQ KM. The coral ranges facing Hat Thong Lang can be viewed by glass-bottomed boats. Many visitors also go surface diving for a closer look. There are also the beaches of Hat Samae located to the southwest and Hat Ta Phan located on the west of the island.
The island can be reached by ferry, leaving South Pattaya pier daily from 10 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. One-way fare is 20 baht. On return, the ferry leaves Koh Larn’s Na Ban Beach at 12.00 noon and 2.00 p.m. Speed boats are also available along Pattaya Beach.
Koh Krok
Innermost of three islands, located about 8 kilometers off Pattaya Beach, Koh Krok is almost totally surrounded by rock formations. There are dense soft coral and anemone gardens here feeding off the current. Anemonefish are also common here. This island can be reached by chartered boat from South Pattaya.
Koh Sak
Located 10 KM west of Pattaya, Koh Sak is less than 1 KM from Koh Larn. Shaped like a horse shoe, Koh Sak has two beaches. THere is one on the northern side of the island which is about 250 meters in length. This is the area where boats usually anchor for tourists to swim. The other beach is barely 80 meters in length and is located at the southern side of the island. Coral is found off this beach and skin diving is possible here.
Kho Phai
The Koh Phai is the largest of the Koh Phai group of islands consisting of Koh Phai, Koh Manwichai, Koh Luam, Koh Klung Badan and other smaller islands. The islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. These can be reached by boat from Pattaya in about 2 hours. There is a light house on top of a hill at Ko Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral.
Getting There
Boats to all the above islands can be hired from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Whereas large boats can carry between 20-80 passengers, speed boats for 10-15 passengers are also available. Rentals cost 1,000 to 5,000 Baht, depending on size and type of boat as also the distance to be covered.
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