Ko Lan (เกาะล้าน) is one of the Eastern Seaboard Islands of Thailand.
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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 Pier daily from 10:00 am to 6.30 pm, the one-way fare is 20 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm.[1]
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.
"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 that is now becoming obsolete.
The Koh Larn Classic is a sailing and running race event held at the nearby Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya.
Adjacent islands
Two smaller islands are located close to Ko Lan:
- Ko Sak (เกาะสาก), a narrow "C"-shaped island with a small bay open towards the north. It is located 0.6 km off Ko Lan's northern tip. Highest point 33m. It has a horseshoe-shaped beach in the north. Accommodation is available.
- Ko Krok (เกาะครก), a private island located less than 2 km to the east of Ko Lan's NE shore. Highest point 41 m.
Ko Phai, the main island of Mu Ko Phai (หมู่เกาะไผ่), the group of "Far Islands", off Pattaya is located about 14 km to the west of Ko Lan.[2]
See also
Notes and references
- ^ Ferry timetable
- ^ Hydrographic Service of the Royal Thai Navy, Chart 142
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