Bali Hai Pier is exactly what it claims to be, no better, no worse. Thus, there isn't too much more to say - it's a commercial pier with lots of boats covering many nearby destinations including beautiful Koh Larn.
I do have a couple of things to comment about:
Even with the audio and visual driving instructions provided by Google Maps, this place was incredibly hard to find as a first-timer in Pattaya. Following the instructions of the friendly voice from Google Maps, my driver made several wrong turns. We eventually found the place by asking locals for instructions at nearly every intersection.
When I finallygot there I was pleasantly surprised by the location, a place well-known from tourist photos and promotional tourism photos - the big Pattaya City sign. Had I known that in advance, I think I would have had an easier time finding it.
There are LOTS of boats and alternatives for getting to where you want to go. You can travel cheaply if you are patient enough and have time to wait for the larger ferrys with schedule departure times, or you can opt for the more expensive speed boats which leave constantly, almost no wait at all, and you get to your destination FAST. For just 200 baht I got to leave Pattaya and travel to Koh Larn within 5 minutes of arriving at the pier, instead of waiting til the next scheduled ferry departure 1.5 hours later, at a cheaper price of just 80 baht. I do not regret my decision, and regardless of waiting time, even if I arrive just in time for the large ferry to depart, I will still pay a little extra and travel by speed boat.
The people working at this pier greet you and try to lure you into travelling by the speed boat operation they are working for, but they are by no means overly pushy or annoying. In fact, they are very polite, courteous, and helpful. When I returned from my visit to Koh Larn I was greeted by the people who were there when I left and they even remembered my name.
Nice pier, offering boat transportation to some amazing destinations. A good option, and in many cases, this pier is the ONLY option to get where you are...
Read moreBali Hai Pier is a central hub for maritime activities in Pattaya, offering a mixed experience that earns it a 3.5-star rating. The pier serves as a gateway to popular nearby islands, including Koh Larn, making it a crucial transport point.
One notable positive aspect is the scenic view from the pier. The vast expanse of the Gulf of Thailand provides a picturesque backdrop, especially during sunset. This adds a touch of natural beauty to the overall atmosphere, creating a pleasant ambiance for travelers.
However, the infrastructure and facilities at Bali Hai Pier could use improvement. The cleanliness of the area, including the waiting areas and restrooms, falls short of expectations. Maintenance seems to be an ongoing concern, and addressing this could significantly enhance the overall visitor experience.
Navigating through the pier can be a bit confusing due to a lack of clear signage, causing some inconvenience for first-time visitors. Improved wayfinding measures could greatly enhance the overall efficiency and satisfaction of travelers using the pier.
On the positive side, the pier does offer various services, including ticket counters, shops, and eateries, catering to the needs of passengers. While the options are not overly extensive, they provide basic amenities for those waiting for their boat transfers.
In summary, Bali Hai Pier earns a 3.5-star rating for its stunning views and its role as a vital transport link to nearby islands. However, improvements in cleanliness, maintenance, and signage are crucial to elevate the overall experience for visitors. With these enhancements, Bali Hai Pier could become an even more appealing and efficient maritime...
Read moreBali Hai Pier is the central hub for getting the ferry to Coral Island (Koh Larn). In addition to the regularly scheduled ferries, the Pattaya Pier is a jumping off point for speed boats, fishing charters and Scuba excursions. The port is busy with boats picking up and dropping off passengers throughout the day.
The ferry to Coral Island costs 30 baht and takes approximately 45 minutes to get there. Tickets are purchased on the pier before you are about to board the boat. You will sometimes find some unscrupulous touts looking to sell unsuspecting tourists ferry tickets as they walk out to the boats. They should be ignored as the official place to purchase is directly at the ferry you wish to board.
Boat at Bali Hai Pier Pattaya Ferries depart for Coral Island starting at 7:00 am and run on a regular schedule to either Naban Pier or Twaen Beach. From those destinations you can get to other areas and beaches of Koh Larn. Naban Pier is a dropping off point and you will need to take a motorbike taxi (40-60 baht), Songthaew (30-40 baht), or rent a motorbike for the day (200-300 baht) to get to the nice beaches.
The last boat back to Bali Hai Pier is from Naban pier at 6:30pm (18:00). One should be there early so they don’t miss their ride home. The last boat from Twaen Beach is much earlier at 4:00pm (16:00).
A visit to Koh Larn is quite popular for people on holiday in Pattaya. You’ll find the Pattaya Pier a buzz with activity all day as people are coming and going from the Island. Boats are usually quite full, but are not...
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