Phuket: ATV Ride to Big Buddha Viewpoint & Sea Vistas

Summary

ATV adventure to Phuket’s Big Buddha with sweeping sea views

You’ll ride an ATV from Phuket up winding trails toward the Big Buddha viewpoint, feeling both adrenaline and peace as you take in sweeping sea views. A local guide leads the way, sharing stories and making sure beginners feel safe. Expect laughter, fresh air, photo stops, hotel pickup, bottled water—and maybe a little rain on your face.

What’s the experience like?

I still feel a bit of red dust in my shoes from that morning — we’d barely left the edge of Phuket town when the engines started rumbling. Our guide, Lek, grinned and handed me a helmet that smelled faintly of coconut oil (or maybe just my imagination). I’d never driven an ATV before, so I was kind of nervous, but Lek made sure we all knew what every lever did before letting us loose. The first few minutes were bumpy — I probably looked ridiculous — but soon we were weaving through rubber plantations and tiny villages where kids waved at us like we were celebrities.

The climb up Big Buddha Hill is louder than you’d think; the engines echo against the trees and there’s this constant hum of cicadas underneath it all. Sometimes you catch a whiff of grilled chicken from someone’s backyard. We stopped at a viewpoint just below the Big Buddha itself — can’t go inside right now, which Lek apologized for — but honestly, standing there with wind on my face and Phuket spread out below felt enough. The sea looked almost fake, all blue layers fading into haze. Lek told us about how locals come here to pray for good luck; he even showed us how to fold our hands for respect (I messed it up and he laughed).

I took way too many photos trying to get the statue and the coastline in one shot. It’s quieter than you expect up there except for distant scooter horns drifting up from town. There was bottled water waiting for us (needed it), and Lek pointed out some islands by name — I’ve already forgotten half of them. On the way back down it started raining out of nowhere; they handed out these thin raincoats that made us look like crinkly ghosts but kept us dry enough to keep laughing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and Big Buddha viewpoint

• Receive safety briefing from staff
• Ride ATV through villages and plantations
• Arrive at Big Buddha viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic sea views
• Learn history of Big Buddha
• Take photos at viewpoint

Top questions

Can beginners join the ATV tour to Big Buddha Phuket?

Yes, beginners are welcome—there’s a safety briefing before you start riding.

Is entry into the Big Buddha temple included?

No, currently you cannot enter the temple itself but visit a nearby viewpoint instead.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Phuket?

Yes, round trip transfer is included from specific areas in Phuket.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

You’ll be given a raincoat if it rains during your ride.

Are children allowed on this ATV tour?

Yes, there is a child price category available for passengers.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all participants.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for those with spinal or heart issues.

Are service animals allowed on this ATV adventure?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip transfer from select Phuket areas, bottled water whenever you need it, raincoats if showers hit (which they did for us), full instruction from your local guide so even first-timers feel confident—and insurance coverage throughout your ATV ride up to Big Buddha viewpoint.