1 Hour ATV & Big Buddha from Phuket: the Best Beginner Off-Road Ride
From: ฿1,799
Your first off-road ride: 1 hour on an automatic ATV 200 through the jungle, plus a Big Buddha stop (by shuttle), viewpoint and Skywalk ocean views – hotel transfer, helmet, briefing, guide and insurance included. ฿1,799 per driver (15+), passengers 5+ ฿1,199.
The beginner tour: ride an ATV with no experience
Never ridden an ATV before? No problem – this tour is designed for exactly that. The automatic ATV 200 is light and easy to handle, the ride takes place on private terrain and no driving licence is needed. After the safety briefing and helmet fitting you do a short practice loop before hitting the jungle trail – the guides ride along the whole way and match the pace to the group.
The route leads through Phuket’s green hillside; a shuttle then takes you up to the Big Buddha grounds around the 45-metre statue with panoramic island views. On the way down you stop at a viewpoint with wide views over the Andaman Sea, and the finale is the Skywalk – an elevated platform high above the ocean.
Choose a morning or afternoon slot: the on-site program runs about 9:00–10:30 am or 1:00–2:30 pm, plus the hotel transfer (30–90 min depending on location). Pickup is free in Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong and Rawai. Drivers from 15 years, passengers from 5 years – not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems or limited mobility.
Good to know: ATVs and buggies are no longer permitted to drive all the way up to the Big Buddha – the ride ends at the foot of Nakkerd Hill and a shuttle takes you to the grounds. The interior is currently closed due to construction work; the outdoor area and its panorama remain open. Read more in our Big Buddha guide.
How your ATV tour runs
- Hotel pickup: Air-conditioned minivan, morning 8:00–8:45 am or afternoon 12:00–12:45 pm – free in Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong & Rawai, surcharge for outer zones.
- Safety briefing & registration: Helmet, controls and trail rules – no driving licence required.
- Practice loop: A short warm-up round until you feel confident on the ATV 200.
- ATV ride (about 1 hour): Off-road through Phuket’s jungle hillside – ATVs are no longer allowed to drive up to the Big Buddha, so the ride ends at the foot of Nakkerd Hill.
- Shuttle transfer: Short transfer up to the Big Buddha grounds.
- Big Buddha: Outdoor visit of the 45-metre landmark with panoramic views – the interior is currently inaccessible due to construction work.
- Viewpoint stop: Wide ocean views over the Andaman Sea on the descent.
- Skywalk: Finale on the elevated platform high above the ocean.
- Return transfer: Back to your hotel – transfer takes 30–90 min depending on location.
On-site program about 9:00–10:30 am (morning slot) or 1:00–2:30 pm (afternoon slot), plus hotel transfers. The exact order may vary slightly depending on group and weather.
| Tour | Highlights | Vehicle | Ride time* | Price (driver / passenger) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour ATV to Big Buddha | Beginner tour: practice loop, shortest trail, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | ATV 200 | ~1 hr | ฿1,799 / ฿1,199 |
| ATV Jungle Tour 1.5 hrs | Longer off-road sections, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | ATV 200 | ~1.5 hrs | ฿1,999 / ฿1,499 |
| 2-Hour ATV Adventure | Longest ATV 200 trail: deep jungle, ridgeline views, Big Buddha, Skywalk | ATV 200 | ~2 hrs | ฿2,199 / ฿1,799 |
| ATV 520 (1 hr) | 520cc power: stronger acceleration, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | ATV 520 | ~1 hr | ฿2,599 / ฿1,999 |
| Premium ATV 520 (1.5 hrs) | Most powerful ATV + extended trail, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | ATV 520 | ~1.5 hrs | ฿3,599 / ฿2,599 |
| Buggy Tour (1 hr) | Side-by-side two-seater, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | Buggy | ~1 hr | ฿2,599 / ฿1,599 |
| Extended Buggy Tour (1.5 hrs) | Two-seater + extended jungle trail, Big Buddha, viewpoint, Skywalk | Buggy | ~1.5 hrs | ฿3,599 / ฿2,599 |
* Ride time = guided riding incl. Big Buddha visit, viewpoint & Skywalk; hotel transfers (30–90 min) come on top. All tours: private terrain (no licence), drivers 15+, passengers 5+, helmet & safety gear, English-speaking guide, first-aid staff, insurance (24 h), rain poncho. Free transfer in Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong & Rawai; surcharge for outer zones (+฿1,600; Maikhao +฿1,800); meeting point −฿200.
Tour highlights
- Exciting ATV Adventure: Ride off-road through impressive landscapes up to the Big Buddha.
- Safety First: Start with a comprehensive safety briefing for a relaxed and secure tour.
- Training Session: Test ride and short exercises to handle the ATV safely.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning ocean views from the skywalk and other viewpoints.
- Flexible Times: Choose between convenient morning or afternoon departures.
Meals
- No meals, drinks only
- Bottled water
What to bring
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Cash
- Passport, copy permitted
- Comfortable footwear
Please note
- Pickup time varies depending on hotel location.
- The tour takes place even in heavy rain; rain is not a reason for cancellation.
Tour duration
Tour start time
Tour end time
What's included
- Hotel transfer in an air-conditioned minivan (Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong, Rawai)
- Licensed tour guide (English)
- Qualified staff (first aid, CPR)
- Insurance (valid 24h from tour start)
- Rain poncho (if it rains)
What is not included
- Tips/gratuities
- Personal expenses
Know before you go
- The schedule may change due to weather or traffic conditions.
- Insurance is valid for 24 hours from the start of the tour.
- Infants must be supervised by their parents.
Not suitable for
- Pregnant individuals
- People with back problems
- Individuals with limited mobility
Send us a message
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ATV 200 – Built for Easy, Enjoyable Off-Road Riding
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2 reviews for 1 Hour ATV & Big Buddha from Phuket: the Best Beginner Off-Road Ride
tiptour –
Our 1-hour ATV adventure to the Big Buddha was an absolute blast! The tour started with a friendly registration process and a safety briefing. After a quick test drive in the training area, we were off on our ATV ride. The journey to the Big Buddha was thrilling, with a mix of scenic views and rugged terrain. Reaching the Big Buddha itself was amazing – the views from the top were breathtaking! We also enjoyed the stop at the viewpoint and the Skywalk, which offered incredible sea views.
The tour was well-organized, and the guides made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, no matter their level of experience. The hotel transfer was convenient, and they even provided water bottles and raincoats, which was thoughtful.
Overall, this is a fantastic experience for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. It’s a fun, safe, and exhilarating way to explore one of Phuket’s iconic landmarks. Highly recommended!
Marcus aus M –
Eine Stunde ATV war für mich völlig ausreichend. Schöne Fahrt durch den Jungle. Tolle Erfahrung, Danke an das Team