Koh Samui: 4WD Buggy Tour with Waterfall & Mountain Buddha

Four hours on your own buggy, ending at a waterfall in the forest

You pick up a Z8 buggy at the Maenam basecamp and ride your own vehicle through mountain dirt tracks and jungle for four hours, stopping at the island's highest point to see the Buddha statue and Lamai Bay, then swimming at a hidden waterfall. Hotel pickup and Thai lunch are included, and you're back at your accommodation by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Samui Buggy Tour with Lunch and Swim

• Pickup from hotel or villa
• Transfer to Maenam basecamp
• Safety briefing and ATV controls
• Ride along dirt tracks and coconut groves
• Stop at viewpoints for photos
• Reach highest point with standing Buddha
• Enjoy cold drink and 360° island view
• Have Thai lunch break
• Ride through deep forest to hidden waterfall
• Swim and shower under waterfall
• Return transfer to hotel or villa

The experience

"You drive yourself. That's the whole point," our guide said as he handed over the keys at the Maenam basecamp. And he was right. This isn't a tour where you sit in the back and watch. You're steering your own Z8 buggy up dirt tracks that wind under coconut groves and through the kind of jungle you don't see from the main roads. The whole thing runs four hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, and it starts the moment your driver collects you from wherever you're staying on the island: no waiting around, no shuffling between vans.

The route climbs to the highest point on Koh Samui, where a big standing Buddha overlooks Lamai Bay. You stop there, take the photos, drink something cold, and actually feel the 360-degree view instead of rushing past it. Then the track gets rougher. You're riding through deeper forest now, and the guide leads you down to a hidden waterfall where the water is cold enough to shock you awake. You can swim there, rinse off the dust, stand under the fall itself. It's the kind of break that actually feels like a break, not a photo op squeezed between two stops.

The buggy options matter if you're traveling with kids or just want more room. The Z10 is a bit bigger for 1,000 baht extra, and the Z950 fits four people comfortably for 3,000 baht more. Lunch is included, and so are drinks and fruit, so you're not hunting for a restaurant in the middle of nowhere. One thing: you need a valid driving license to take the wheel. The track conditions change with the weather, so bring closed shoes, a T-shirt, your swimming stuff, and sun protection. Mud happens. Rain happens. That's part of why you're doing this instead of sitting on a beach chair.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and return transfer anywhere on Koh Samui, Z8 buggy rental with safety briefing, guided ride through mountain tracks and jungle, stop at the island's highest point with the Buddha statue, waterfall swim, Thai lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit. GoPro mount and fixation available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, French and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by X-Quad Samui

Is this one for you?Right for drivers who want control over their own pace and route instead of following a tour bus schedule, and for anyone curious about the island's interior rather than its beaches: the four-hour window and included lunch mean you're not scrambling to arrange food or transport yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Thai.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need a driving license to ride the buggy?

Yes, a valid driving license is required to drive the buggy yourself.

What's included in the 4-hour tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, buggy rental, safety briefing, guide, Thai lunch, drinks, fruit, and waterfall swim.

Can I upgrade to a bigger buggy?

Yes. The Z10 (2-seater, more comfortable) costs 1,000 baht extra. The Z950 (4-seater, best for families) costs 3,000 baht extra.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is from your hotel at a time arranged with the operator. The tour itself runs 4 hours from the Maenam basecamp.

Can children ride in the buggy?

Yes. Small children can sit on an adult's lap. The Z950 4-seater is recommended for families with children.

What should I bring?

Closed shoes, T-shirt, swimming suit, towel, and sun protection. Track conditions vary with weather, so come prepared for dust or mud.

Is the waterfall swim included?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at a hidden waterfall where you can swim and rinse off.

What if I'm not an experienced driver?

The tour is suitable for all levels of driving experience. You'll receive a safety briefing and ride with a guide leading the way.