Boat Rental Pattaya — 2027 Guide: Koh Larn, Koh Phai, Sunset Cruises and Prices

Pattaya is the closest large beach resort to Bangkok: it lies on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, in Chonburi province, about 150 km southeast of the capital. Off its coast is a group of islands divided into the "near islands" around Koh Larn and the "far islands" around Koh Phai. The coast faces west, so the sun sets over the sea, behind the islands. This guide explains where trips depart from, where to go, what our trips cost and when the sea is calmest.

Where trips depart from

• Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Na Jomtien: a marina at the southern end of Jomtien, about 12 km south of central Pattaya. The yacht Nova Princess and all our trips in Pattaya depart from here.
• From Bangkok: Motorway 7 to Pattaya takes about two hours, and Suvarnabhumi Airport is on the way. A four-hour island trip fits into a single day even if you start from Bangkok.

Where to go

• Koh Larn (Koh Lan, Coral Island): the largest of the near islands, about 4 km long and about 7.5 km off the Pattaya shore, and about 10 nautical miles from the marina. Most beaches are on the west side: Tawaen, the busiest, with a small harbour, plus Samae, Tien, Ta Yai and Nual. Ferries from the city bring thousands of people a day, mostly to Tawaen, so a private boat makes it easier to choose a quieter beach.
• Koh Sak: a narrow C-shaped island about 600 m north of Koh Larn, with a horseshoe-shaped beach on its north side. It is usually visited together with Koh Larn.
• Koh Phai and the far islands: about 14 km west of Koh Larn and about 15 nautical miles from the marina. They are uninhabited and under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy; Koh Phai has a lighthouse on its summit, beaches on its north and east sides, and coral reefs. East of the island an old navy ship was sunk as an artificial reef for divers. There are no restaurants on the island, so a yacht with a kitchen is an advantage here.
• Koh Samet: an island in neighbouring Rayong province, about 35 nautical miles southeast of the marina. Most of the island belongs to Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park. It is too far for a short trip, so it is visited on a 24-hour cruise with a night on board.
• Sattahip and Koh Samae San: further south is the main base of the Royal Thai Navy, and the Koh Samae San archipelago is a military area with restricted access, known for diving.

Sunset and Pattaya by night

Because the coast faces west, an evening cruise is one of the reasons to take a boat trip here in particular: the sun sets over the bay, behind Koh Larn and the smaller islands. After dark the yacht cruises along the coast towards central Pattaya, and from the sea you can see the city lights from Jomtien to Pattaya Bay.

The yacht Nova Princess and prices in our listings

All our trips in Pattaya sail on the motor yacht Nova Princess, a Monte Fino 64, 19.5 m long. The whole yacht and crew are reserved for your group only: up to 20 guests on a day trip, up to 8 guests for an overnight stay in 4 cabins. On board there is an air-conditioned lounge, a kitchen with an ice maker, an upper deck with sofas, a sunbathing area on the bow and a shower on the swim platform. Half a day on the yacht costs from 25,000 THB.

Prices are in Thai baht (THB) for the whole boat:

• Koh Lan and Koh Sak, 4 hours, up to 20 guests: 38,000 THB.
• Koh Phai, 5 hours, up to 20 guests: 38,000 THB.
• Sunset at Monkey Island, 3 hours, up to 17 guests: 30,000 THB.
• Night cruise to central Pattaya, 3 hours, up to 17 guests: 35,000 THB.
• Five islands in 8 hours, with several swimming stops, up to 20 guests: 45,000 THB.
• 24 hours to Koh Samet, with a night on board, up to 8 guests: 100,000 THB.

From 1 November to 31 January all cruise prices are 25% higher. On a private trip the route and swimming stops are adapted to your group.

Sailing yachts and catamarans with nights on board in Thailand are currently offered on the other side of the gulf, which we cover in our guide to boat rental on Koh Samui.

Season and weather

• November – March: the dry season and the calmest sea. The northeast wind blows off the land, so the bay along the Pattaya coast is calm and the days are sunny.
• February and March: the sea is still calm, and the 25% price increase that applies from November to January no longer applies. For a trip to Koh Phai or the five islands these are the best-value months.
• April and May: the hottest time of the year, before the rainy season.
• June – October: the southwest monsoon brings showers and waves to the Pattaya coast, and September and October are the wettest months.

Boat rental in Pattaya with Crystalium Booker

See all trips on the Pattaya location page. Send an enquiry with your date and number of people or write to us via the contact page: we check the date with the owner, you pay us the booking fee, and you pay the rest to the owner on the day of the rental. Do you rent out a boat in Pattaya or elsewhere in the Gulf of Thailand? List it with us.