ATV Riding in Phuket: Jungle Trails & Big Buddha

Control your own ATV through jungle terrain and rubber plantations south of Phuket

ATV riding in Phuket combines a guided ride through jungle trails, rubber plantations and lush hills with a visit to the Big Buddha statue. You get a safety briefing and practice time before heading out on natural tracks, then a break at the famous landmark to learn its history and take in ocean views. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and no special license is required.

The Experience

You start the afternoon with pickup from your hotel in Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai or Chalong. The guide meets you at the base, walks through the safety briefing and helmet setup, then gives you practice time to get comfortable with the ATV before the ride begins. These machines handle surprisingly well even for first-time riders, and the guide stays with you throughout to watch for hazards and keep the pace steady.

The route cuts through rubber plantations and jungle trails across the hills south of Phuket, staying on natural tracks that wind through the countryside. You're riding your own vehicle the whole time, not watching from a seat—that's what makes this different from a guided tour. The guide leads the way and sets the pace, but you're the one controlling the machine and choosing your line through the terrain.

Midway through, you stop at Phuket's Big Buddha statue. The guide shares the history of the landmark while you catch your breath and take in the panoramic views overlooking the ocean. After the break, it's back to the hotel. The whole outing runs about an hour of riding time, and you'll have water, a raincoat on wet days, a first aid kit and accident insurance for the rider included. Children from age 4 can join as passengers (not riding their own ATV), and there are no weight restrictions for riders.

What’s included

• Safety equipment and helmet.
• professional guide in English.
• practice time and briefing before the ride.
• drinking water and first aid kit.
• accident insurance for the rider.
• raincoat on rainy days.
• round-trip hotel transfer from Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai or Chalong.

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?Book this if you're staying in central Phuket without a rental car and want to ride yourself instead of watching from a passenger seat—the hotel pickup means you don't need transport, and the guide handles the route so you can focus on controlling the ATV through the terrain.

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Top questions

Do I need an ATV license or riding experience to do this?

No license is required. The guide gives you a full safety briefing and practice time before you head onto the trails, so beginners are welcome and the pace is designed for any experience level.

What's included in the pickup—which areas does the hotel transfer cover?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai or Chalong. If your hotel is in other areas like Kamala, Phuket Town, Surin Beach, Bangtao or the airport area, you can arrange an extra transfer at checkout for an additional fee per person or per car depending on the zone.

Can my child ride their own ATV, or do they sit with me?

Children aged 4 to 11, or under 130cm in height, ride as passengers—they don't operate their own ATV. Make sure to select a child ticket when you book if you're bringing a young rider along.

What happens if it rains—does the tour still run?

The tour runs in rain; you'll get a raincoat as part of your gear. The operator will cancel only in rare circumstances and will offer you a different date, an alternative tour, or a full refund if that happens.

What is the Big Buddha and why do we stop there?

Phuket's Big Buddha is the island's most famous landmark, a massive statue overlooking the ocean from the hills south of Phuket. The guide explains its history and the views from the site give you a break midway through the ride before heading back to your hotel.