Chiang Mai ATV ride: through Doi Inthanon National Park

Ride off the main routes, then stand at Thailand's highest point

This eight to nine hour activity in Chiang Mai pairs ATV riding through forest trails, muddy roads and local villages with afternoon sightseeing at Doi Inthanon National Park. You spend the morning on off-road terrain far from tourist routes, return for a traditional local lunch, then switch to a van for the park's highest viewpoint, scenic trails, twin pagodas, hill tribe market and waterfalls. Hotel pickup from Chiang Mai town, safety helmet, guide and park entry are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV adventure and Doi Inthanon sightseeing

• Start ATV ride on forest trails
• Return to base camp for local lunch
• Visit highest point in Thailand by van
• Walk scenic trail with local guide
• Explore iconic twin pagodas and gardens
• Browse local hill tribe market
• Admire powerful waterfall in park

The Experience

You start on an ATV through forest trails, muddy roads and seasonal rice fields—real off-road riding with fresh mountain air and highland views that most travelers never see. The route stays far from main tourist paths, passing through local villages and raw mountain terrain. After a few hours of riding, you return to base camp for a traditional local lunch and time to rest before the afternoon shifts into a different pace.

The second half moves by van to the highest point in Thailand, where you walk short trails through the ecosystem with a local guide, taking in sweeping mountain and valley views. You'll see the iconic twin pagodas set in landscaped gardens with northern Thai flowers, browse a hill tribe market selling fresh produce and local goods, and stand in front of one of Doi Inthanon's most impressive waterfalls, known for its powerful flow and misty spray. The cool mountain air and panoramic highlands stay with you through the whole afternoon.

The day runs eight to nine hours total. You need to be at least 14 years old to ride an ATV, and there's a maximum weight limit of 120 kg per participant. A professional guide leads in English, and the tour includes your safety helmet, the national park entry fee, a soft drink, and hotel transfer from Chiang Mai town. All riders must follow the guide's instructions—unsafe driving ends the tour without refund.

What’s included

• ATV riding through forest trails and muddy roads.
• traditional local lunch at base camp.
• Doi Inthanon National Park entry fee.
• professional guide in English.
• safety helmet.
• hotel transfer from Chiang Mai town.
• soft drink.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?Choose the one-hour ATV option if you want a taste of off-road riding without committing your whole morning to it, or the two-hour option if you came to Chiang Mai specifically for the adrenaline and want to push deeper into the terrain. Either way, the afternoon sightseeing at Doi Inthanon means you see both the action and the park's real highlights in a single day.

Top questions

Can I ride an ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and no prior ATV experience is required. You must be at least 14 years old and in good physical and mental condition; the guide will brief you on safety and handling before you start.

What happens if the weather is bad or I'm not comfortable riding?

The tour runs in most conditions, but if you're uncomfortable on the ATV at any point, you can ride as a passenger with another participant instead. The afternoon sightseeing portion happens by van regardless of weather.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The price covers your ATV or passenger seat, the safety helmet, Doi Inthanon National Park entry, a traditional local lunch, a soft drink, the professional guide, and hotel transfer from Chiang Mai town. Bring sunscreen, a camera, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and closed-toe shoes.

How muddy does it actually get?

The morning ride goes through muddy roads and forest trails, so you will get dirty. The description notes that the mud washes off—wear clothes and shoes you're comfortable soiling, and plan to clean up before dinner or back at your hotel.

Do I choose between riding for one hour or two hours?

Yes. At checkout you pick your option: either one hour of ATV riding with a passenger seat available, or two hours of riding. Both options include the same afternoon sightseeing at Doi Inthanon, lunch, and all other inclusions. You also choose whether you want hotel pickup from Chiang Mai town or a meeting point nearby.

What makes Doi Inthanon National Park worth the afternoon portion?

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest point and holds some of the country's most scenic waterfalls, twin pagodas in landscaped gardens, and highland trails with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The afternoon gives you time to walk and absorb the landscape after the morning's adrenaline, and the cool mountain air is a real shift from Chiang Mai town.