Private 4x4 Off-Road Tour Koh Samui: Secret Buddha Garden

Climb Koh Samui's interior on backroads instead of highways

A private 4x4 off-road tour of Koh Samui lasting 6 hours, with hotel pickup included, that drives to Secret Buddha Garden, Namuang Waterfall 2, the highest temple point at Teepankorn, and a rope-bridge café in Maenam Hills. The itinerary is built around the operator's own hiking routes and can be customized for an additional fee. Food and the Secret Buddha Garden entrance fee (80 baht per person) are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Off-road 4x4 island tour highlights

• Swim at Namuang Waterfall 2
• Drive off-road to Secret Buddha Garden
• Visit sculptures in Secret Buddha Garden
• Drive to standing Buddha at Teepankorn Temple
• Lunch stop with scenic views
• Drive to Maenam Hills viewpoint
• Visit Bridge Cafe and walk rope bridge
• Short hike to waterfall
• Optional zip-line across valley
• Take photos of views over Lamai, Maenam, Thong Krut
• Return to hotel or villa

The Experience

How do you see Koh Samui without spending the day in traffic on the main strip? This tour trades the coastal roads for a 4x4 that climbs into the island's interior, stopping at places most visitors never reach. The route starts at Namuang Waterfall 2 for a swim, then heads off-road to Secret Buddha Garden, where a Dorian farmer carved sculptures as a hobby over decades until his death—the garden sits hidden in the hills with no crowds. From there the drive continues upward to Teepankorn Temple, the highest temple point on Samui, and then to a series of viewpoints across Maenam Hills where you can photograph the valleys below and the islands offshore.

The Bridge Café sits midway up the hills, built around a massive tree in a valley, and you cross a rope bridge to reach the seating area—a short, easy walk leads to a waterfall nearby. Along the way there are multiple stops for photos of the views down toward Lamai, Maenam and Thong Krut, with Koh Tan and Koh Madsum visible across the water. The driver has worked with travelers from many countries and speaks English; the tour is not extreme or rushed, and safety is built into every stop. The itinerary can shift depending on your pickup point and start time, and if weather makes the ground unsafe, the full tour is cancelled and refunded.

Hotel pickup is free from Cheong Mon, Bang Rak, Plai Leam, Chaweng and Chaweng Noi; other areas including Nathon Pier carry a 500 baht fee. For those interested in a zip-line across the valley, that costs extra and is arranged on the day. Lunch is not included, but the viewpoint stops give you time to rest and take in the landscape.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 transportation.
• hotel pickup from central Koh Samui areas (Cheong Mon, Bang Rak, Plai Leam, Chaweng, Chaweng Noi).
• access to Secret Buddha Garden entrance (80 baht per person paid separately).
• stops at Namuang Waterfall 2, Teepankorn Temple, Bridge Café and multiple viewpoints.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendly

Operated by Samui Explorer

Is this one for you?At 6 hours, this tour leaves room for a morning or afternoon activity elsewhere on the island, or a relaxed start or finish to your day. The private format means the pace and stops adjust to your interests, and the off-road route itself is the point—if you want to see Koh Samui's interior without the main roads, this is the only way to do it.

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Top questions

What is Secret Buddha Garden and why is it worth the drive?

Secret Buddha Garden is a collection of carved stone sculptures built over decades by a Dorian farmer as a personal hobby in the hills of Koh Samui. It sits off the main roads and sees few visitors, making it a quiet stop where you can walk among the sculptures and take photos without crowds.

Can I swim on this tour?

Yes, Namuang Waterfall 2 is the first stop, where you can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. There is also a short, easy walk to another waterfall near the Bridge Café later in the day.

Is this tour suitable for people who aren't very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walks are short and easy, and the stops are built around viewing and photography rather than strenuous hiking. You spend most of the day in the 4x4, with brief stops to get out and explore.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If heavy rain or wet ground makes the off-road driving unsafe, the tour is cancelled and you receive a full refund. The operator can arrange an alternate date if one is available.

Does the price include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. The itinerary includes a lunch stop at a viewpoint location where you can rest and take in the views, but you bring your own food or purchase it separately.

Can I customize the route?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized for an additional fee of 250 baht, paid to the driver on the day of the tour. Let the operator know before booking if you have specific requests.