Geography
Ko Lan is the largest of the "Near Islands", off south Pattaya. It is located at the SE end of the Bay of Bangkok, on the eastern side of the Gulf of Siam. Administratively Ko Lan belongs to the Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chonburi Province.
Ko Lan lies 8 km away from the nearest shore and it is about 4 km in length. It is a hilly island, covered with low tropical forest; its highest point reaches 205 m and there is a Buddhist shrine on top of the mountain. The island has two small villages on it: Ban Ko Lan and Ban Krok Makhan where there are lodgings and restaurants. There are ferries connecting Ko Lan to the mainland. Some local tour operators in nearby Pattaya organize picnic and snorkelling excursions to Ko Lan because there is a relaxed atmosphere and beaches with clear water. The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes. Ferries leave south Pattaya Bali Hai pier daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, the one-way fare is 30 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 06.30 am to 6:00 pm.
Most of Ko Lan's beaches are on its western side. The most visited one is Tawaen Beach, where there is a small harbor. All the length of the beach is lined with small tourist shops behind which are dining halls of restaurants whose menu is based mainly on fish and seafood. Other beaches are Tonglang Beach, Tien Beach, Samae Beach and Naon Beach.
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Afternoon at Lan Island
"Ko Lan" is the name of the island in the Royal Thai General System of Transcription. It is also known as "Koh Larn" in the English-based Thai transcription. The "Koh Larn Classic" is a sailing and running race event held at the nearby Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya.
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