Bali Hai Pier (ท่าเรือบาลีฮาย)

At a Glance

Bali Hai Pier is Pattaya’s main hub for travelers heading to Koh Larn or setting out on sea adventures.

Place Description

The lively Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya is more than just a dock; it’s a bustling hive of activity, where the scents of salty sea air, boat exhaust, and street food intermingle. From dawn to dusk, tourists with inflatable rings hurry to catch ferries, while lean speedboat captains compete for attention. As the main departure point to Koh Larn’s beaches, it’s always a bit hectic here, especially during peak season. Positioned at the very end of the famous Walking Street, be prepared for heavy traffic on approach.

You’ll find a diverse crowd here, from budget travelers opting for the slow ferry at 30 baht to groups chartering entire yachts. In the evening, when the daytime rush subsides, this transport hub turns into a great lookout over the city lights and the illuminated ‘PATTAYA’ sign. Despite the chaos, navigation is straightforward: ticket counters and ferry signs are visible from afar. Just avoid overly pushy touts.

Basic Information

• Address: At the end of Walking Street, South Pattaya. Plus Code: VQV4+2M.
• Operating Hours: Ferries to Koh Larn run approximately from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Speedboats operate longer but depart when full. The pier is accessible 24/7.
• Best Time to Visit: To avoid ferry crowds, arrive before 9:00 AM or after 2:00 PM. Morning trips are the busiest.
• Budget: Ferry to Na Ban Pier or Tawaen Beach ≈ 30 ฿ one way. Speedboat ≈ 150-250 ฿ per person or ≈ 2000-3000 ฿ for boat hire.

Why Go

• The most budget-friendly way to reach Koh Larn: 30 baht gets you there in 40-50 minutes.
• A wide range of transport options: from leisurely public ferries to private speedboats and yachts for every budget.
• Picturesque views of Pattaya Bay and the city skyline, especially at sunset.
• Convenient location: combine a trip to the island with an evening stroll along Walking Street.

Insider Tips

• Ticket booths for the public ferry are in the pier building. Don’t buy tickets from ‘helpers’ along the way to avoid overpaying.
• The pier restroom costs 5-10 ฿. Cleanliness varies.
• When buying a ferry ticket, check which pier you’ll arrive at on Koh Larn: Na Ban is the main village, while Tawaen is right on the beach.
• If taking a speedboat, be ready to wade through water at some beach drop-offs. Protect your electronics.

Logistics

• Tuk-tuk (Songthaew): Most songthaew routes heading south on Second Road will take you here for 10 ฿. The final stop is right at the pier entrance.
• Taxi (Bolt/Grab): Search for ‘Bali Hai Pier.’ Expect morning and evening traffic jams near Walking Street, so plan extra time.
• Own Transport: There’s a large multi-story parking lot, but it’s paid (≈ 40 ฿ per hour for cars). Motorcycle spots are easier to find, but peak times can fill up quickly.

The Unique Factor

The pier’s name ‘Bali Hai’ comes from a fictional exotic island in the 1958 American musical ‘South Pacific,’ parts of which were filmed in this region.

Features

• Beautiful at Night
• Cash Only
• Luggage Storage
• Paid Restroom
• QR Payment
• Sunset Spot
• Wheelchair Accessible

Location