ATV riding Koh Samui: mountain trails, waterfall swim & lunch

Dirt tracks through jungle canopy, a Buddha at the island's highest point, and a waterfall swim in one afternoon

ATV riding on Koh Samui is a 4-hour guided quad bike experience on remote mountain trails, starting with hotel pickup and ending with a swim at a hidden waterfall. The route climbs to the island's highest point where a standing Buddha overlooks Lamai Bay, passes through coconut groves and jungle, and includes Thai lunch, drinks and all equipment. Children over 10 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 through dirt tracks and jungle
• Stop at viewpoints for photos
• Visit highest point with standing Buddha
• Enjoy cold drink with 360° island view
• Have Thai lunch break
• Ride through deep forest to hidden waterfall
• Swim and shower under waterfall
• Return to base camp for debriefing
• Drop off at hotel

The Experience

Your driver picks you up from your hotel anywhere on the island and brings you to the basecamp at Maenam in the north. After a safety briefing and a quick test of the ATV controls, you follow your guide along dirt tracks that wind under coconut groves and through the jungle. The riding takes you to the highest point of Koh Samui, where a large standing Buddha overlooks Lamai Bay—a natural stop for photos and a cold drink. The first half of the day stays on the established tracks, climbing through the island's interior with views opening up as you gain elevation.

Around midday you break for Thai lunch at the basecamp, with vegetarian options available if you request them at booking. The second half steps up the intensity: you ride deeper into the forest on rougher terrain to reach a hidden waterfall where you can swim and cool off under the falls. The track conditions and water depth vary with weather, so come prepared for dust or mud—closed shoes, a t-shirt, swimming clothes and a towel are essential. The operator provides raincoats if needed. You're back at the basecamp around 3pm for a debrief over a beer or soft drink, then your guide drops you at your hotel by 4pm.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Koh Samui.
• ATV equipment and safety briefing.
• a guide leading the full route.
• Thai lunch with vegetarian options available.
• bottled water, soft drinks and fresh fruit.
• access to the hidden waterfall for swimming.
• raincoat if weather requires it.
• GoPro mount and fixations available.

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?The guide speaks English, French or Thai, so choose the language that fits your comfort level. This ride suits all fitness levels and works for families with children over 10 who can handle their own quad bike, or younger kids riding as passengers—just let the operator know your group's mix at booking.

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Top questions

Can children ride their own ATV on this trip?

Children over 10 years old can ride their own quad bike if they can control the vehicle, which is tested before departure. Children under 10 ride as passengers with an adult for 300 THB.

What's included in the 4-hour ATV riding experience?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, all ATV equipment, a guide, Thai lunch with vegetarian options, bottled water, soft drinks, fruits, and access to the waterfall swim are all included. Raincoats are provided if weather requires them.

What happens at the highest point of Koh Samui during the ride?

You reach a standing Buddha statue at the island's highest elevation with a 360-degree view of Koh Samui overlooking Lamai Bay. This is a natural photo stop where you can rest and enjoy a cold drink.

What should I wear and bring for the ATV riding?

Wear closed shoes, a t-shirt or short sleeves, and bring swimming clothes, a towel, sunglasses and sun protection. The tracks can be dusty or muddy depending on weather, so dress for outdoor action and be ready to get dirty.

Is the waterfall swim part of the main ride or a separate stop?

The waterfall is reached during the second half of the ride through deeper forest terrain. After the swim and a refresh under the falls, you return to the basecamp for a debrief before heading back to your hotel.