| Koh Lan: An Island Getaway Just 'a Stone's Throw' From Pattaya | ||||
| UPDATE : 14 January 2010 | ||||
Panta W Folks looking for a destination that's not too far from the capital that has quieter feel than Pattaya City might wish to consider a trip offshore to the nearby island of Koh Lan. Located just 7 kilometers from downtown Pattaya in Chon Buri province, Koh Lan has always been a popular destination among day trippers. But more recently the island has slowly been gearing up to better accommodate folks seeking an overnight stay on the island. While the infrastructure is slowly improving, luckily the island still retains its peaceful charm. Koh Lan, which features about half a dozen beaches and coves, is roughly 5-km long and 2-km wide. The western side of the island features two beaches – Samae and Thien – while on the eastern side, facing Pattaya, you'll find Kere Beach, Na Ban Pier and a cape called Laem Yuan. Na Ban Pier is the island's transport hub since it's where boats pick up and drop off their passengers. It's easy enough to rent a motorcycle from there, or just organize a journey to your preferred destination by motorcycle taxi.
Nuan Beach is the sole beach along the island's southern stretch, while along the northern stretch lie the beaches of Khong, Sangwan, Ta Waen, Ta Yai and Thong Lang, along with a cape called Laem Hua Khod. Koh Lan actually means 'Coral Island' so scuba diving and a local sea walker service are both popular among visitors. The sea walker service operates out of Thong Lang and it costs 700 baht (US$18) per person, per trip. Some boats departing Pattaya make a stop at Ta Waen since it's reasonably commercial and features several seafood restaurants, some souvenir shops and plenty of deck chairs. During the day, this beach can be quite popular among Chinese tourists. An esplanade connects Ta Waen with Thong Lang, while the nearby Sangwan is the ideal beach location for those in search of some peace and quiet.
Before the advent of mass tourism, fishermen and coconut farmers were the main residents of Koh Lan. Meanwhile, several of the piers located around the island provide a clue as to Koh Lan's agricultural past with names like Tha Bantook ('Loading Pier'), Tha Rai ('Plantation Pier'), and Tha Taling Chan ('Steep Bank Pier'). While the government once designated the island as a tambon ('sub-district'), comprising two villages, eventually this description was dropped, the authorities suggesting that Koh Lan was too remote to be a sub-district. The island's residents were once considered to be 'well to do', although pirates were also known to regularly plunder its wealth, according to locals. While many sun seekers tend to head back to the neon lights of Pattaya City as the sun starts to set, other visitors opt to stay over night, remaining on the island to enjoy some more of its relaxing ambience.
Samae Beach – Chom Talay Resort (Tel: +66 [0]89 526 7746, Tel: +66 [0]86 151 0062.) Thien Beach – Hat Thien Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 421 375, Tel: +66 [0]81 218 2599) Tawaen Beach – Sukkee Beach Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 434 090), Ai-din Cue Thong Resort (Tel: +66 [0]81 664 0876) Nuan Beach – Koh Lan Island Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 434 153) Na Ban Pier – Baan Sukkee Resort (Tel: +66 [0]87 611 5217), Lareena Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 434 083). Transport connections: Boat: A ferry service regularly departs south Pattaya's Laem Barihai Pier. The journey to Koh Lan by boat takes about 45 minutes. source : manager.co.th | ||||
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 11 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2553
Koh Lan: An Island Getaway Just 'a Stone's Throw' From Pattaya
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