At a Glance
Tawaen Beach. The main and busiest beach on Koh Larn, where ferries and speedboats from Pattaya arrive all day long.
Place Description
If you’re dreaming of postcard-perfect turquoise waters and pristine white sand, Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn is your spot. The water here is stunningly clear, especially compared to Pattaya’s coastline. However, this beauty comes at a price: from 11 AM to 5 PM, it’s packed. The beach becomes a buzzing hub of tourists, vendors, and water sports promoters. The constant hum of jet skis and boats is part of the soundtrack here.
The atmosphere is far from secluded. It’s more like a beach version of Walking Street: noisy, bustling, and everyone has something to sell. The main crowd consists of tour groups on day trips. If you’re seeking peace, consider nearby beaches like Samae or Nual. But if you want every convenience at your fingertips, from massages to banana boat rides, and don’t mind the crowd, this beach on Koh Larn might be your perfect fit, serving as a kind of transport hub.
Basic Information
- Address: Koh Larn, Tawaen Beach. Direct ferry access from Bali Hai Pier to Tawaen Pier.
- Hours: Open all day, but facilities (cafes, sunbeds, activities) are available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best time to visit: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) or after 5:00 PM, when the main flow of day-trippers subsides.
- Budget: Sunbed rental ≈ 100 ฿, restroom ≈ 10-20 ฿, pad thai at a beach cafe ≈ 120-150 ฿, beer ≈ 100 ฿.
Why Go
- Truly clear and transparent turquoise water, perfect for swimming.
- Maximum service concentration: water sports (jet skis, parasailing), cafes, shops, and massages—all in one place.
- Direct access from the pier—no need for tuk-tuks; the ferry from Pattaya lands right here.
- White, fine sand that’s pleasant to walk on.
Insider Tips
- Sunbeds cost ≈ 100 ฿, but their condition often leaves much to be desired. Don’t hesitate to ask for a wipe down before paying.
- Restrooms and showers are paid (10-20 ฿). Have small cash ready.
- For water activities like Sea Walking or jet skis, bargaining is a must. Initial prices are often doubled.
- Be cautious: some visitors report pushy individuals filming tourists without permission.
Logistics
- Ferry from Bali Hai: The cheapest option. Ferries go directly to Tawaen Pier. Price ≈ 30 ฿, journey time about 40 minutes.
- Speedboat: Takes you to the beach in 15-20 minutes. Price ≈ 150-300 ฿ per person or several thousand for renting the whole boat.
- Getting around the island: From the pier, grab a motorbike taxi (≈ 40-60 ฿ to other beaches) or rent your scooter (≈ 200-300 ฿ per day).
The Unique Factor
Tawaen is a beach phoenix: by day, it feels like an overcrowded Asian market, but by sunset, when the last boats leave, it transforms into a nearly serene spot.
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