Koh Larn.
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Things To Do · On the water

Banana Boat

Updated 16 June 2026 · We visit. We don't sell placement.

7.0/10
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Cheap, daft, group fun — the easy yes for families and friends.

The banana boat is Koh Larn's most reliable good time: a long inflatable towed behind a speedboat while you cling on and try not to be the one who falls off first (you will all fall off). It's cheap, it's daft, it needs no skill, and it's brilliant with kids or a group of friends. There's no scam risk and nothing to learn — just hold on, lean into the turns, and laugh. It runs at Tawaen, Samae and Ta Yai.

How it works

Several riders straddle the inflatable in life jackets; a speedboat tows it in loops and turns until everyone tips into the warm, shallow water. The boat circles back to pick you up.

Who it's for

Families, groups and anyone who likes a daft splash. Tell the driver if you have young kids or want it gentle — they'll ease off.

What to expect

Ten to fifteen minutes of bouncing, gripping and inevitable, hilarious capsizing into warm water. Low stakes, high fun.

Safety

Life jackets on, hold tight, and tell the driver if you want it gentle or have young children aboard. Keep valuables on the beach.

Good to know

  • Great for kids and groups
  • Leave valuables on the beach
  • Ask for a calmer ride with young children
  • Wear a rash guard if you burn easily
For it
  • Cheap and inclusive
  • No skill needed
  • No scam risk
Against it
  • You will get wet (the point)
  • Short
  • Not for those who dislike sudden dunkings

Alternatives: Want more of a thrill? Parasailing for the air, jet ski for the speed (with the usual deposit caution). Want calmer? Just swim.

Where to do it

Tawaen Beach
No.3 · North-east coast Samae Beach
No.1 · West coast Ta Yai Beach
No.6 · North coast (near village)
Banana Boat FAQ

Quick answers

Is the banana boat safe for kids?

Generally yes, with a life jacket and a driver who'll keep it gentle on request. Tell them you have young children aboard and they'll ease the turns.

How much is a banana boat ride on Koh Larn?

Roughly 150–250฿ per person for 10–15 minutes. It's the cheapest watersport on the island and has no deposit-scam risk.

More like this
Snorkeling
In the water Parasailing
Above the water Jet Ski
On the water Sea Walking
Under the water Swimming
In the water
From the journal

More reading

Koh Larn on a budget: a great day for under 500 baht
Budget · 6 min read Koh Larn for non-swimmers: how to enjoy the island without swimming
Tips · 5 min read Koh Larn for older or less mobile travellers
Accessibility · 5 min read
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We visit. We don't sell placement.

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