Koh Samui ATV Riding: Mountain Trails, Lunch & Waterfall Swim

Operate your own ATV through jungle and mountain ridge, then cool off in a waterfall pool

ATV riding on Koh Samui is a four-hour activity where you ride your own quad or buggy across mountain dirt tracks, jungle paths and the island's highest ridge, with hotel pickup and return included. The route passes a standing Buddha overlooking Lamai Bay, stops at viewpoints, includes Thai lunch and drinks, and ends with a swim at a mountain waterfall. Children over ten can ride their own ATV; younger children ride as passengers with an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour with lunch and waterfall swim

• Pickup from hotel or villa
• Briefing on safety and ATV controls
• Ride ATV along dirt tracks and coconut groves
• Stop at viewpoints for photos
• Visit highest point with standing Buddha
• Enjoy cold drink with 360-degree island view
• Have Thai lunch break
• Ride through deep forest to hidden waterfall
• Swim and shower under waterfall
• Return to base camp for debriefing and drinks
• Drop off at hotel

The Experience

Four hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, with the actual riding split into two sections. After a safety briefing at the basecamp in Maenam, you follow a live guide (English, French or Thai) on dirt tracks winding under coconut groves and through jungle to the island's highest point. The standing Buddha there overlooks Lamai Bay and the ride includes stops at viewpoints for photos. The first half is steady pace; after Thai lunch and drinks at the basecamp, the second half pushes deeper into forest terrain toward the hidden waterfall.

The waterfall is the payoff—you swim in fresh mountain water and rinse off under the fall itself. Track conditions vary with weather, so the ride can be dusty or muddy depending on the season; the operator provides raincoats if needed. Back at basecamp around 3pm for a debrief with a beer or soft drink, then your guide drops you at your hotel by 4pm.

Children over ten operate their own ATV if they can control it (there's a test drive before departure); children under ten ride as passengers with an adult for 300 THB. All physical fitness levels are welcome, though this is outdoor pursuit on uneven terrain—bring closed shoes, a swimsuit, towel, sun protection and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport.
• safety briefing and ATV controls instruction.
• live guide in English, French or Thai.
• Thai lunch and soft drinks.
• bottled water and fresh fruit.
• waterfall swim.
• GoPro mount and fixation available on request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by X-Quad Samui

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to operate the vehicle yourself rather than watch from a seat—the four-hour ride splits between steady mountain tracks and tougher jungle terrain, so it suits riders comfortable with some dust and uneven ground. Small groups keep the pace manageable and the guide focused; if you're riding with family or friends, children over ten get their own ATV while younger ones ride as passengers.

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Top questions

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

Yes. The activity is suitable for all levels of experience. You get a safety briefing and ATV controls instruction at the basecamp before the ride starts, and the guide leads you the whole way on established dirt tracks.

What's the highest point of Koh Samui like?

The island's highest point holds a large standing Buddha statue with a 360-degree view of Koh Samui, including an overlook of Lamai Bay. You stop there during the ride to take photos and have a cold drink.

Is the waterfall swim part of the ride, or do I have to choose?

The waterfall swim is built into the route. After lunch, the second half of the ride takes you through deep forest to a hidden mountain waterfall where you can swim and shower under the fall itself.

What does the four-hour timeframe include?

The four hours covers hotel pickup, the safety briefing, the full ATV ride with two sections and lunch, the waterfall swim, and return to your hotel by around 4pm.

What should I bring or wear for ATV riding?

Wear closed shoes, a t-shirt and shorts, bring a swimsuit and towel, and pack sun protection and sunglasses. The operator provides raincoats if weather turns wet. Come ready for dust or mud depending on track conditions.

Can my young child come along?

Children over ten can ride their own ATV if they can control it (tested before departure). Children under ten ride as passengers with an adult for 300 THB. Children from age three are welcome on the activity.