Koh Lan in Chon Buri will reopen to visitors on June 14.
The tiny island can be reached by a 30-minute ferry ride from the Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. Once a fishing village, the island is one of the popular tourist attractions of the province. Thanks to its white sandy beach and crystal clear water, the island attracts tourists all year round.
Before the pandemic started last year, Chinese, Korean and Russian tourists enjoyed a one-day trip on the island. The island welcomed about 1.8 million visitors a year or an average of 5,000 people daily. Tourists were always crowded on the beaches, especially Ta Waen, the longest beach on the island. Bungalows were often fully booked while beachfront restaurants and beach chairs were usually quite crowded.
During the latest outbreak, the island was closed in early May to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. At present, about 60% of locals have been vaccinated. The community then agreed that it is time to restart tourism on the island.
Local leaders expect that reopening of Koh Lan will help local business on the island as well as other attractions in the province.
Starting next Monday, the ferry will resume its daily service to Koh Lan while speedboats will also be available.
Tourists can stay overnight on the island. There is no rule requiring visitors to be vaccinated before visiting the island. A Covid-19 test for tourists also is not required.
Visit the Facebook Page of Koh Lan Community at bit.ly/3fZGhP6 for more details.
Meanwhile, Pattaya Beach recently began welcoming tourists. Beach chairs and umbrellas returned to the beach but the ban on selling and drinking of alcoholic beverages on the beach remains in place. Swimming and water sports are allowed.
Those who travel to Chon Buri must be aware that new cases of Covid-19 are reported daily in the province as well as in other provinces in the country. Wearing masks in public areas is mandatory.
For more information, visit facebook.com/Prpattayacity or call Pattaya Call Centre at 1337.
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