An ATV tour is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Phuket, combining off-road driving with some of the island’s best-known landmarks. The routes follow jungle tracks, unpaved trails and hillside roads around Nakkerd Hill. Depending on the programme, the tour may also include stops at the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and the Skywalk viewpoint, offering a mix of adventure and scenic landscapes.
Tours are available with a duration of one, one and a half or two hours. Visitors can choose between a fully automatic ATV (quad bike) or a two-seat buggy. After a short safety briefing, both vehicles are easy to operate, even for first-time riders. Every tour is accompanied by experienced guides who lead the group along the entire route.
Most ATV tours in Phuket allow visitors to choose between a quad bike (ATV) and a buggy. Both vehicles are designed for off-road driving and follow the same jungle routes. The decision is therefore less about the itinerary and more about your preferred driving style and whether you are travelling alone or with someone else.
An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is a four-wheel off-road vehicle with a motorcycle-style seat and handlebars. Its compact design makes it well suited to narrow jungle trails, muddy tracks and tight corners. The vehicles used on Phuket are typically equipped with a fully automatic 200 cc engine, making them easy to operate after a short safety briefing.
A buggy features a steering wheel and two side-by-side seats, making it a practical choice for couples, families and friends. Its wider wheelbase provides stable handling on uneven terrain and offers additional comfort on rocky or muddy sections of the route.
As both vehicles follow the same trails, the main difference is the driving experience. An ATV provides a more direct connection to the terrain, while a buggy offers additional space and comfort for two passengers.
ATV tours in Phuket are available in three different programmes. Depending on the duration, the routes explore the tropical jungle around Nakkerd Hill and may include additional landmarks along the way. While the one-hour tour focuses mainly on off-road driving, the longer programs also include stops at the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong or the Skywalk viewpoint.
Every tour begins with a safety briefing and a short introduction to the vehicle. Afterwards, participants follow an experienced guide along the selected route. The main differences between the programmes are the driving time and the sightseeing stops included.
The shortest program follows jungle trails, natural dirt tracks and hilly forest roads. It is well suited to visitors with limited time or anyone who would like to experience ATV or buggy riding for the first time.
The 1.5-hour program extends the one-hour route with a visit to the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill. The tour begins on jungle trails and unpaved tracks before continuing to one of Phuket’s most recognised landmarks.
Standing 45 metres high, the Big Buddha is one of the island’s most prominent monuments. From the viewpoint, visitors enjoy wide views across Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and, on clear days, the small islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. The combination of off-road driving and panoramic scenery makes this the most frequently selected programme.
Depending on weather conditions, route availability or local regulations, the final section to the Big Buddha may occasionally be completed by support vehicle instead of ATV or buggy. Current route information is available at the time of booking.
The two-hour program combines off-road driving around Nakkerd Hill with visits to two of Phuket’s best-known landmarks. In addition to the Big Buddha, the route also includes Wat Chalong and, depending on the current itinerary, a stop at the Skywalk overlooking the Andaman Sea.
After exploring the jungle trails, the tour continues to the viewpoints on Nakkerd Hill before heading to Wat Chalong. As Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple, it is well known for its ornate buildings and golden chedis. By combining nature, panoramic viewpoints and cultural attractions, this programme offers a varied introduction to southern Phuket.
The exact route may change depending on weather conditions or local regulations. Your guide will provide the latest route information before the tour begins.
Depending on the program you choose, the ATV tour combines jungle riding with several of the best-known attractions in southern Phuket. In addition to off-road trails, many routes include scenic viewpoints, cultural landmarks and panoramic views across the Andaman Sea. The exact stops depend on the duration of your selected programs.
Most of the tour follows natural forest trails, dirt roads and unpaved tracks around Nakkerd Hill. Depending on the season, the terrain ranges from dry, dusty paths to muddy sections and rocky climbs. During the rainy season, the changing ground conditions make the off-road experience even more varied.
Depending on the selected program and the current route, the tour may also include a stop at the Skywalk. Located on a hillside south of the Big Buddha, the viewing platform offers wide views across Phuket’s coastline, forested hills and the Andaman Sea.
On clear days, visitors can see Chalong Bay and several offshore islands from the viewpoint. Visibility is often best in the morning, while the afternoon light provides excellent conditions for panoramic photographs. Compared with many other viewpoints on Phuket, the Skywalk is generally quieter and is most commonly visited as part of guided tours.
The Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most recognisable landmarks and is included in most 1.5-hour and 2-hour ATV programs. The 45-metre white marble statue stands on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, offering one of the island’s best panoramic viewpoints.
From the viewing area, visitors can enjoy wide views across Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and the forested hills of southern Phuket. On clear days, several small islands in the Andaman Sea can also be seen. Most tours include a short stop for photographs before continuing along the route.
As the Big Buddha is part of an active Buddhist temple, visitors are asked to dress respectfully and behave appropriately while visiting the site.
Some two-hour ATV programs also include a visit to Wat Chalong, the island’s most important Buddhist temple. It is one of Phuket’s best-known cultural landmarks and is visited daily by both local worshippers and travellers from around the world.
The temple complex is known for its beautifully decorated buildings, detailed murals and golden chedis. Its most prominent structure is the 61-metre-high Phra Mahathat Chedi, which, according to Buddhist tradition, houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. Visitors usually have time to explore the grounds and take photographs before continuing the tour.
As Wat Chalong is an active place of worship, visitors should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and behave respectfully while exploring the temple grounds.
Before every ATV tour, participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing. The guides explain how to operate the vehicles, review the route and provide practical advice for driving on Phuket’s off-road trails. A short practice session allows everyone to become familiar with the vehicle before the tour begins.
Both ATVs and buggies are equipped with automatic transmissions, making them easy to operate without changing gears or using a clutch. This makes the tours suitable for beginners as well as visitors with previous off-road experience. Throughout the tour, experienced guides accompany the group and adjust the pace to the participants.
Safety equipment includes a helmet and, depending on trail conditions, protective goggles. Closed shoes are recommended and are required by most tour operators. For safety reasons, flip-flops and open sandals are generally not permitted during the tour.
Minimum age requirements and participation rules may vary between operators. Many tours allow children to join as passengers in a buggy or with an accompanying adult on an ATV. The current requirements should always be confirmed before booking.
As the route follows natural trails, gravel roads and, depending on the season, muddy sections, comfortable clothing that can get dirty is recommended. During the rainy season in particular, splashes of mud and water are common on many parts of the route.
Helmets are provided by the tour operator. Depending on weather and trail conditions, protective goggles or gloves may also be available.
Some tour operators offer an optional elephant experience after the ATV tour. Visitors can accompany a young elephant during its bath and help feed it with prepared fruit. This activity takes place at a separate location and is not included in the standard ATV programme.
As clothes and shoes are likely to get wet, bringing a towel and a change of clothing is recommended. Visitors interested in this activity should also check the operator’s animal welfare policy before booking.
ATV tours in Phuket are suitable for both beginners and visitors with previous off-road experience. Thanks to the fully automatic vehicles and the safety briefing before departure, first-time riders can quickly become familiar with driving on the jungle trails.
The tours are particularly popular with couples, families with older children and small groups looking to experience a different side of Phuket away from the beaches. Combining off-road driving with scenic viewpoints and cultural landmarks creates a varied excursion without requiring a high level of physical fitness.
Visitors looking for an extreme off-road challenge should note that these routes are primarily designed for recreational riders. The focus is on enjoying Phuket’s natural landscape while exploring the area around Nakkerd Hill in a safe and relaxed environment.
ATV tours and zipline adventures are among Phuket’s most popular outdoor activities. While both take visitors into the island’s tropical landscape, the experience is quite different. An ATV tour lets you drive through jungle trails and scenic viewpoints, whereas ziplining offers a bird’s-eye view above the rainforest canopy.
| Comparison | ATV Tour | Zipline |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Drive an ATV or buggy | Glide through the rainforest on zip lines |
| Landscape | Jungle trails, viewpoints and temples | Rainforest canopy and forest views |
| Best suited for | Couples, families and beginners | Adventure seekers and visitors comfortable with heights |
| Physical effort | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Typical duration | 1 to 2 hours | Around 2 to 3 hours |
Visitors who enjoy driving and exploring Phuket’s natural landscape often choose an ATV tour. Those looking for a different perspective and the sensation of flying through the rainforest usually prefer a zipline adventure. Many travellers include both activities during their stay on Phuket.
Off-road riding through Phuket’s jungle on muddy tracks and hill roads. Depending on programme: stop at the Big Buddha (360° panorama), Wat Chalong temple, and Skywalk viewpoint with sea views. Programmes run 1, 1.5 or 2 hours.
ATV (quad) – saddle, one seat, more agile and intense, ideal for solo riders. Buggy – steering wheel, two side-by-side seats, more stable and intuitive, ideal for couples or parent with child. Both fully automatic, both suitable for beginners.
No. Every tour begins with a detailed safety briefing and introduction to the vehicle. As both ATVs and buggies are fully automatic, they are easy to operate even for first-time riders.
Yes. Most tour operators allow you to choose between a single-rider ATV and a two-seat buggy during the booking process. Both vehicles usually follow the same route.
Yes. From age 5 – as passenger in the buggy or on a parent’s lap. From approx. age 12 – children can drive independently. Helmets mandatory and provided for all ages.
No – it is an optional add-on, bookable separately alongside the ATV tour. Not included in the standard ATV or buggy price. Contact TIP when booking to combine both activities on the same day.
The one-hour tour is ideal for visitors with limited time. The 1.5-hour program usually includes the Big Buddha, while the two-hour option may also visit Wat Chalong and the Skywalk, depending on the operator.
Yes. Light rain is common in Phuket and many tours continue as planned. During heavy rain or severe weather, the operator may adjust the route or reschedule the tour for safety reasons.
Closed shoes, comfortable clothing, sun protection, insect repellent and a camera or smartphone are recommended. If you have booked the optional elephant programme, bringing a towel and a change of clothes is also advisable.
For those who love height and speed: Phuket's best zipline courses with platforms high above the jungle canopy. Combinable with the ATV tour on the same day.
Many rafting programmes also include ATV sections – the perfect combination for a complete adventure day on land and water.
After the quad on land: the water equivalent. Jet ski from Patong Beach – fast, wet and unforgettable. The natural follow-up to an ATV morning.
The optional add-on to the ATV tour: baby elephant feeding and companionship at an ethically run rescue centre. Bookable independently or combined with the ATV programme.
For exploring Phuket independently outside of guided tours: scooter and motorbike rental with hotel delivery, giving you access to the island's viewpoints, temples and beaches at your own pace.
ATV tours are available throughout the year and can be booked in different programmes lasting one, one and a half or two hours. Depending on the operator, visitors can choose between a single-rider ATV or a two-seat buggy.
As the number of participants per tour is usually limited, advance booking is recommended, especially during the high season. Before confirming your reservation, it is worth checking which route will be followed and which attractions are included in your chosen programme.
If you have any questions about the tour, the vehicles or hotel transfers, our team will be happy to help you choose the programme that best suits your plans while visiting Phuket.