Your Guide to Pattaya (go to Koh Larn Instead)

Only 8km from Pattaya, but a world away from the city's chaos...Koh Larn is relatively small, so your primary focus will be beach crawling and local eating.

But first things first, will you be the driver or the passenger?

Getting Around

Rent a Scooter: This is the ideal option for getting around efficiently and cheaply, but only if you've had some practice! I rented a scooter for 300 baht/day, put in an Airpod for Siri directions and mapped my way around the entire island. This is an awesome way to discover new viewpoints, stop at roadside cafés and pop into restaurants not found on Google Maps. There's almost no traffic in Koh Larn, so it's relatively safe to get around and you won't be driving for very long (driving from the longest stretch of either side of the island only takes about 13 minutes).

You can also hire a guide to drive you along the backseat on a scooter for about 400 baht.

So you should have an idea of which beaches you want to check out or restaurants to eat at (keep reading on!)

Take a Songtaew (pick-up truck taxi): Songtaews are usually waiting at the ferry pier or parked alongside beaches to take tourists back to their hotel. They aren't as convenient and available as having your own scooter, but if you're planning on indulging in some happy hours, they're the safer option. Just remember you gotta bargain with these Thai's or they will take every opportunity to scam you dry of your baht (per person should only be 50 baht max for a 5-minute drive).

It's possible to walk, but with the heat, the hills and the scarcity of sidewalks, I would avoid it.

Beaches (My Personal Top 3)

Tien: Definitely the most captivating spot on the island...Tien beach is tucked into a cove so the water is calm and crystal clear down to the bottom. For us, it was the perfect beach to rent a massive Swan floaty for the day and sip out to sea with a Chang beer. You won't find too many people here, but there's still a couple restaurants and bars onsite so you won't feel alone either.

Give yourself some extra time to drive up to Tien Beach Viewpoint for an incredible spot to enjoy the breeze while watching the sunset.

Samae: About a 5-min drive down from Tien, you'll find a busier beach with many excited Thai's trying to sell you a beach chair, a floaty, various water-sports activities, and/or lure you into their restaurant. I would have spent another day at Tien, but it was nice to mix it up with some Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) and a florally-decorated coconut for sipping.

This beach is unique for supplying green energy through its solar-paneled 'ray building' and wind farm. Take some time to hike up a very steep path to the viewpoint at the wind farm for panoramic views of the beach.

Ta Yai: If you're looking for no boats and no crowds...just a peaceful atmosphere in an intimate setting, look no further than this postcard-worthy stop at Ta Yai beach at the very northern tip of the island. With only one restaurant and a few beach chairs, this beach stood out for its lesser-known status. It's a paradise that is practically untouched by commercial vendors, and the sunset saturated the sky in the most captivating blood-orange glow.

Songtaews don't go here, so be prepared for a motorbike ride or walking in on foot.

Don't you dare settle for Tawaen beach nestled to the right of the pier. It is so overcrowded with tourists that you can barely see the sand and the water is too flooded with water-sports to swim. You are better than that, and deserve so much more of this island's beauty.

Day trips

There are some aspects of Pattaya that weren't all that bad, so a day trip max will be sufficient to check out some of these spots:

The Sanctuary of Truth: This iconic monument is like taking a step back into ancient times to give tourists an immersive experience of wandering through the craftsmanship of skilled Thai artisans. It felt like a spiritual retreat, and we found ourselves glued to the inspirational guidance and quotes engraved on the walls.

Alcazar Cabaret: I honestly didn't take part in any of Pattaya's nightlife, but if you want to get out on the town without getting too involved in the strip bars and karaoke madness, then head to the show biz of theatrical ladyboy performances that are 40 years in the making.

Pattaya Night Bazaar: Before heading to the night market, walk along Pattaya Beach for sunset and take in the oncoming party scene as day turns into night. The night bazaar on this strip has over 250 stalls for food, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and more...so it's worth a stop for some cheap Pad Thai and elephant pants to wear home.

The perfect thing about this small island is that there aren't many restaurants to choose from, so take your time vrooming the perimeter until you find a spot worth pulling over for.

Here are some of my favorites:

Sea You Again Cafe & Eatery: This place is a visual delight as it's one of the only 2D restaurants on the island! From ice-cold beverages to hearty mains, to elaborate desserts...they can serve you to satisfaction in any mood or appetite. My go-to order: Mango smoothie and tropical seafood pizza

Local Cafe: With only coffee to sip on, this place stands out for its breathtaking view of the Pattaya skyline and its cool breeze from the top.

Klom Klom Kohlarn: Live music, pool tables and a lively local atmosphere to add to the authenticity of this experience. The menu is all Thai food, and so it's a spicy sit-down! Be ready to bring on the heat with these local flavors and wash it all down with an evening drink. The whole place is built with items that were washed up on the beach and transformed into art (like flip-flop trees!) to add character to the theme of this popular dine-in.

Sunset Restaurant: For a more romantic and tranquil dining experience, venture out to the east side of the island before sunset to seat yourself right on the water's edge. The menu is extensive, the flavors are exquisite and the staff are phenomenal, so you'll have the chance to unwind from the day, savoring every bite and view before heading back to your hotel.