Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Thailand, boasting spectacular beaches, a diversified nightlife and rich history. Every year, millions of tourists come here from all over the world. The local government expects 20 million to 35 million tourists to visit Pattaya in 2024.
However, the islands around Pattaya are the real gems of the region. Read on to learn more about them.
Top Ten Islands near Pattaya
Pattaya is always full of fun and activities. Meanwhile, the nearby islands offer privacy and the tranquillity of nature. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of a big resort town, it is worth visiting the islands.
Koh Larn
Koh Larn is one of the most popular islands in the region and is located only seven kilometres away from the city. Koh Larn is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs. Here, you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also do water sports or explore the jungle.
Koh Larn. Photo: calflier001
It is easy to get to Koh Larn as ferries run daily from Pattaya. In addition, you can always hire one of the locals to drive you to the island on a motor boat.
Tawaen is the biggest and the most famous beach in Koh Larn. As this is the destination of the ferry from Pattaya, there are always many tourists. Other popular beaches are Samae, Tien, Nual and Ta Yai.
Koh Larn has lots of amenities: cafes, restaurants and hotels. You can come here for a few days to discover more about the local nature.
Koh Samed
Koh Samed is located to the north of Pattaya. This island boasts clean beaches and clear water. Koh Samed provides various options both for a beach bum or anyone seeking an active holiday, including hiking in the jungle, diving and windsurfing. It also has a national park, popular with ecotourists, in the southern part of the island.
Koh Samed. Photo: kishjar?
In actual fact ecology is one of the core features of Koh Samed. You will not find any paved roads or transport here. You can only get around on bike or on foot.
Koh Samed also has a fishing village and a farm with exotic fish. Naturally, the island has a number of bars, restaurants and clubs for any taste and budget for anyone who enjoys nightlife.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is the third largest island in Thailand. As it is located in a conservation area, motor boats and catamarans are prohibited near the coast. It is a perfect place for anyone seeking a calm and peaceful holiday.
Koh Chang. Photo: A J Niccel
If you are looking for adventures, visit the local jungles and waterfalls. Koh Chang also has many diving spots.
As it is a relatively new resort island, most of the beaches here are wild and rocky. However, it is also home to a number of luxury hotels which are trying to develop the surrounding area, so you will find some sandy beaches as well.
Koh Pai
Koh Pai is an amazing place, just 25 kilometres north of Pattaya, if you are looking for solitude and peace. There are just a few locals, and the beaches are perfect for relaxing to the sound of waves and birds. You will not find any night clubs or noisy tourists in Koh Pai. So it is the perfect place for relaxation and meditation.
Nature enthusiasts are bound to like it here as the island boasts some gorges, jungles, sandy beaches, and bays with crystal clear water. Koh Pai is also famous for its unique and exotic flora and fauna. It is home to various species of birds, rare plants and beautiful butterflies. Koh Pai is a paradise for anyone who enjoys nature and also for photographers as you will find spectacular views and landscapes all over the island.
Despite its seclusion, Koh Pai is popular for the wide range of water sports activities available here. For example, you can go snorkelling to explore the underwater world, or rent a kayak and swim along the coast and beaches. Moreover, many tourist agencies rent out yachts and catamarans.
Koh Mak
Koh Mak is an island to the northwest of Pattaya. It is part of the Trat archipelago, which is known for its incredible nature, crystal clear water and privacy.
Koh Mak. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg
Koh Mak has the same white sandy beaches as Ao Kao and Sai Khao. These secluded spots are great for a relaxing holiday. The nearby water is full of different fish and coral reefs. Many people come here to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. Koh Mak is a great place for swimming and snorkelling.
Koh Mak is part of the My Koh Mak national park, and tourists can walk in the jungles or look at the mighty waterfalls.
Unlike other lively resort cities in the area, Koh Mak is mostly about solitude and calmness. As there are not that many tourists here, you can enjoy the beaches and nature away from the hustle and bustle.
There are various accommodation options, including guest houses, villas and luxury hotels, so you will be able to find a suitable place to live.
Koh Kood
Koh Kood stretches along the eastern coast of Thailand and is famous for its picturesque nature. One of the greenest and cleanest islands in the area, it is the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday or ecotourism.
Koh Kood. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg
Koh Kood boasts lots of sandy beaches. Long Beach is one of the most popular. It has white sand and incredibly clear water. As tourists rarely visit it, you can enjoy yourself to the full on the calm and secluded beach.
The island is also proud of its sea world. There are many diving centres, offering a variety of opportunities to explore the various coral reefs and sea life.
The island also offers other activities: kayaking, tours to the jungle, waterfalls or simply time enjoying the sunset. The locals take tourists on fishing tours where people can catch their lunch and try fresh seafood.
Koh Man
Koh Man’s nature and the range of tourist activities is impressive. First, the island's coast is spectacular: white sand, palms and azure waters of the Andaman Sea make it a perfect holiday destination. Khat Mangrong is one of the most popular beaches here. It is known for clear water and great sunsets.
Koh Man. Photo: JacksonHartland
You can try various water activities in Koh Man: snorkelling, diving or kayaking to explore the sea caves and reefs around the island. Koh Man also has many temples and caves. For example, Thain Mai Meru cave is located on a cliff, opening up an amazing view of the sea. The Tham Bura temple, popular with pilgrims and history lovers, is not far from the cave.
Koh Chanthaburi
Koh Chanthaburi is an island with astonishing natural diversity. Here you can find mountain ranges covered in tropical forests, crystal clear waterfalls and beautiful beaches. The island is literally green, which attracts many travellers who wish to enjoy wild nature.
Koh Chanthaburi is not only about nature; the island has a unique history and culture. For instance, you can visit local markets and try Thai food, learn more about traditions and customs, as well as different religious holidays.
Koh Chanthaburi. Photo: Adriaan Castermans
The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere makes Koh Chanthaburi a truly special place. As it is less popular than other resorts in Thailand, the island is ideal for anyone seeking peace and quiet.
Koh Lai
Koh Lai is just a fifteen-minute boat ride from Pattaya. This small island, surrounded by emerald-blue waters, is a real paradise for nature lovers and relaxation.
Koh Lai is famous for its beaches and diverse flora and fauna. Tourists can soak up the sun on sandy beaches with palms and swim in the clear water of the Gulf of Thailand.
This is the perfect spot for water sports. You can rent a kayak or a jet ski to explore nearby areas. Fishing and diving are also popular in Koh Lai. You can see here a wide variety of coral reefs and sea creatures.
Koh Lai boasts some interesting tourist routes. For instance, you can go hiking in the jungles to see breath-taking views. Another option is visiting local villages to learn about local culture and customs.
Koh Rung
Koh Rung is home to unbelievable nature. There are dense tropical forests, nice beaches with soft sand and blue water. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, which is a good opportunity to go scuba-diving or snorkelling. You can also rent windsurfing or kayaking equipment, ride a banana boat or try water skiing. Koh Rung is a paradise for any water sports enthusiast.
Koh Rung. Photo: Yaroslavzy
In addition, Koh Rung boasts crystal clear water and various flora and fauna. If you go snorkelling in Koh Rung, you can see lots of colourful tropical fish, coral reefs and even sea turtles. Booking a snorkelling tour should not be a problem as many local tourist agencies offer this service.
If you prefer lazy holidays, go to one of the beautiful beaches or spas where you may have a massage or some other beauty procedures. Koh Rung is also a starting point for many boat excursions. If you take a boat trip, you can meet the dolphins, visit nearby islands, or, perhaps, enjoy a romantic cruise at sunset.
In a Nutshell
The islands near Pattaya are the perfect destination for fans of sea activities, adventures and amazing beaches. All ten islands on our list offer unique opportunities to spend your holiday, doing different activities and exploring the picturesque natural landscapes of Thailand. No matter what your interests are, going to one of these islands will guarantee you an unforgettable experience. After all, they are one of the main attractions in Pattaya for tourists from all over the world.
Cover photo: Siraphol Siricharattakul (Vecteezy)
