Ferry Boat Pattaya - Koh Larn

Thirty baht each way is the whole argument for taking the slow boat to Koh Larn. The crossing runs about 40 to 45 minutes, there are life jackets on board, and the open water views are the entertainment. Speedboats will get you there faster, and their crews tend to be better about hauling luggage, but a choppy sea makes that ride punishing. I'd take the ferry and read a book.

The one thing worth getting right before you step on is that Koh Larn has two landing points, Na Baan and Tawaen, and different boats serve different ones. Work out which beach you're heading for first, then find the right ferry, or you'll spend your morning crossing the island by songthaew. Return boats run from both piers.

The catch is boarding. Staff give passengers a hand on and off, but there's no walking ramp, so anyone with heavy bags, a wheelchair or dodgy knees should think about the speedboat instead.