ATV riding Koh Samui: jungle, mountain, waterfall

Jungle trails, a mountain peak, a hidden waterfall, and the ride back down

ATV riding in Koh Samui is a 2-hour guided activity where you operate the quad bike yourself through jungle tracks, mountain terrain and off-road trails, with hotel pickup, safety equipment and instruction included. The guide speaks English and leads small groups; children from age 8 can ride with parental supervision. Departures run every morning and afternoon.

The Experience

You get picked up from your hotel and driven to the base camp, where the guide walks you through safety, helmet fit and basic ATV handling before you swing a leg over the bike. No special license is required, and the instruction covers what you need to know to ride safely. From there, the trail climbs into the jungle on dirt tracks that wind through local farms and plantations, heading toward the highest point on the island. The ride is rough and uneven — you're navigating actual terrain, not a groomed path — and that's the point.

At the peak, you stop and take in views across to Koh Phangan and the neighboring islands. The guide points out the landscape, and there's time to catch your breath and grab water. Then the descent begins, dropping down the mountain on more off-road trails until you reach a hidden waterfall tucked into thick jungle. You can swim if you want, or just sit by the water and let the adrenaline settle. A free drink waits at the Tree Bridge Coffee before the final push back through the jungle to base camp.

The whole thing runs 2 hours, and the guide stays with the group throughout. Small groups mean you're not stuck in a line of twenty bikes; the operator caps numbers so the trails don't feel crowded. Safety equipment — helmet, water, first aid kit — travels with you, and accident insurance covers the rider and any passenger on the bike. The operator reserves the right to stop anyone riding recklessly, so the pace is firm but not punishing.

What’s included

• ATV bike and helmet.
• safety briefing and hands-on training.
• professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Plai Laem, Bo Phut, Maenam, Bang Por, Lamai or Nathon.
• drinking water.
• accident insurance for rider and passenger.
• first aid kit.

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?The guide speaks English and keeps the group small, so you can follow the instruction and the route without getting lost in a crowd. If you've never ridden an ATV before, the training gets you ready; if you have, the terrain and the pace will test what you know.

Traveler reviews

4.16★★★★★★★★★★

32 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★3

3 ★1

2 ★2

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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

Yes. The guide gives you a full briefing and hands-on training before the ride starts, and no special license is required. The instruction covers everything you need to operate the ATV safely through the terrain.

What's the waterfall like — is it a big drop or just a small pool?

The waterfall is hidden in the jungle and fed by natural water flow, so it's a genuine swimming spot rather than a tourist attraction with crowds. You have time to swim or rest by the water during the ride.

Can children ride ATVs on this tour?

Children from age 8 can ride, but they must be supervised by a parent or guardian and the tour guide throughout. If a child is riding as a passenger on an adult's bike, you'll need to specify a child ticket when booking.

What time of day do the departures run?

The tour departs every morning and every afternoon, so you can choose a time that fits your schedule. Hotel pickup is included from Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Plai Laem, Bo Phut, Maenam, Bang Por, Lamai or Nathon.

What happens if the terrain is too rough or I'm not comfortable riding?

The guide assesses your ability during the training and can adjust your pace or route if needed. The operator does reserve the right to stop anyone riding unsafely, and riders need to be in good physical and mental condition to participate.

Is the ATV ride included in the price, or do I pay extra for the bike?

The ATV, guide, safety gear, helmet, water, insurance and hotel pickup are all included. You pay one price for the full experience.