Bangkok, as I often say, is a coastal city – not a beach city. And actually, it's not directly on the sea, even though it's so disturbingly close to the Gulf of Thailand that parts of the city are sinking into it.

But that's a topic for another post. Today I'd like to introduce you to the two closest islands to Bangkok: Koh Larn off the coast of Pattaya in Chonburi province and Koh Samet in Rayong. Both are equally popular with locals and expats, but relatively unknown to foreigners.

Let me warn you right away: My conclusion in comparing Koh Larn and Koh Samet might not appeal to you. But it will put you on the path to your dream trip – I promise you that.

Getting to the beach in Bangkok can be arduous.

Let me let you in on a little secret: Whether you choose Koh Larn or Koh Samet, the journey from Bangkok to the beach will likely take at least three hours. While there are beaches closer to the city, such as in Pattaya, and even closer than Bang Saen (which, frankly, is truly awful), these two islands are the only really beautiful beaches near Bangkok.

This raises a bigger question for me, which I will answer in more detail later in this post. Beforehand, however, I want to clarify that while the journey to one of the two islands is somewhat closer and more convenient, it is by no means short, let alone direct. If you leave Bangkok in the morning, you should expect to arrive on your chosen island no earlier than midday.

Ways to compare Koh Larn with Koh Samet

Easy access

Koh Larn is easy to reach: Take a bus or minivan from Ekkamai Station in Bangkok to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, and from there a speedboat or ferry. Getting to Koh Samet takes longer – Ban Phe Pier in Rayong is 90 minutes past Pattaya – and also requires a longer ferry, which runs less frequently.

beaches

Here, Koh Larn and Koh Samet differ significantly once again. Beaches on Samet, such as Ao Wai and Sai Kaew, are nice, but nothing special. In contrast, Tawaen Beach on the west coast of Koh Samet is beautiful, even if it isn't quite as magnificent as the beaches on Thailand's Andaman Sea.

Accommodation

Koh Larn is so close to Pattaya that an overnight stay there is hardly worthwhile, even though accommodations like the Xanadu Beach Resort are affordable and comfortable. On Koh Samet, however, an overnight stay is practically unavoidable (I recommend the Samed Villa Resort); the island is so far away that a day trip is not practical.

Activities

Comparing Koh Samet and Koh Larn in this respect, I'd say it's a neck-and-neck race. Once on Koh Larn, I enjoy walking across the island – for example, past the viewpoint at Tawaen Beach with its large Buddha – down to the beach. Koh Samet isn't as hilly; here, it's more about hopping from beach to beach.

Cost

Koh Larn is generally cheaper, as you don't have to book a hotel there (unless you really want to). Furthermore, I find many hotels on Koh Samui overpriced, mainly due to high demand from Bangkok residents looking to escape the city.

Is it better to simply go to Krabi or to Samui?

As I mentioned before, getting to the two islands near Bangkok can be quite difficult. This is especially true for Koh Samet, where the ferries run less frequently, even considering that the journey takes almost two hours longer. On many trips there, I've wondered if the trip is even worth it, even if I ultimately liked the island.

To put it simply: I think it's actually easier to fly to Koh Samui or Krabi and reach the beaches of Chaweng or Railay from there. Even including travel time, it's quite possible to get there in just 4-5 hours door-to-door. And let's be honest: all the beaches in Krabi, Samui, and similar places are far more beautiful than any beach on Koh Samet or Koh Larn.

More frequently asked questions about Koh Samet and Koh Larn

Is Koh Samet beautiful?

Koh Samet is beautiful at first glance, but rather unremarkable compared to Thailand's more famous islands. The beaches are fairly average, and there isn't much else to see. I've long believed that Koh Samet's fame stems primarily from its relatively easy accessibility from Bangkok.

Is Koh Samet accessible on foot?

Once on Koh Samet, all destinations are easily reachable on foot. Nevertheless, some travelers rent a bicycle or motorbike; some even drive from Bangkok and take the car ferry to Koh Samet to use their vehicles there.

Is Koh Larn worth a visit?

I definitely think Koh Larn is worth a visit, especially if you're already in Pattaya – the island is only 15-20 minutes away by speedboat. In my opinion, it's more beautiful than the better-known Koh Samet, which is also significantly further away from Bangkok.

Conclusion

When faced with the question of Koh Larn vs. Koh Samet, the answer might be: "Neither." Although I love both islands—Koh Larn especially if I'm planning a trip to Pattaya anyway—the reality is that for idyllic beaches in Thailand, you're better off taking a plane than a bus. Paradoxically, getting to Railay Beach in Krabi or any spot on Koh Samui can sometimes be faster than getting to Larn or Koh Samet. If you'd like such honest insights for your Thailand trip, let me handle the planning.