2 Hour ATV Riding and Big Buddha From Phuket

Exploring Phuket’s Best: A 2-Hour ATV Ride to Big Buddha

If you’re craving a taste of adventure with a side of breathtaking scenery, this 2-hour ATV tour to Big Buddha in Phuket is worth considering. For just over $65, you’ll get round-trip transfers from several key locations, drive your own ATV along jungle trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the island and Andaman Sea. It’s a compact but fun way to see a different side of Phuket—away from crowded beaches and busy streets.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances adventure and comfort. The tour includes safety equipment, water, and a friendly guide who knows the best routes for both fun and safety. Plus, the visit to the Big Buddha offers spectacular photo ops and a chance to learn about one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks. Another highlight: the easy booking process with flexible pickup options, making it accessible and hassle-free.

That said, it’s worth noting that the interior of the Big Buddha is temporarily closed. While you can’t go inside, the outside views and the towering statue itself still make this stop worthwhile. Also, riders should be in good physical condition—no heavy drinking or risky maneuvers allowed. This tour suits adventure lovers, families with older children, and travelers looking for a memorable outdoor activity that doesn’t break the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-reviewed: Booking as part of a group keeps costs down while still offering a personal ATV experience.
• Flexible pick-up points: Transfers from key areas like Patong, Kata, Karon, and others make it easy to join.
• Self-driven ATVs: You’ll drive your own machine, adding to the thrill—beginners are welcome, guides ensure safety.
• Spectacular views and photo ops: Stops at the Big Buddha, a swing, and scenic viewpoints provide plenty of photo opportunities.
• Inclusive amenities: Water, safety gear, raincoat options, and first aid kits are all provided.
• Good for most travelers: Most people aged 4-11 or under 130cm can join the ride, with some restrictions for pregnant women and those with disabilities.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

The pickup and scenic drive: The tour kicks off with a hotel pick-up, where you’ll be transported to the safari camp. The drive itself offers a lovely preview of Phuket’s coastline and lush landscapes, setting the tone for what’s to come. As you pass the island’s coastline and sea views, it’s a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds you.

ATV briefing and safety gear: Upon arrival, an experienced instructor provides a quick briefing on ATV operation, safety gear, and riding tips. This is especially useful for first-timers. The inclusion of safety equipment and a first aid kit reassures you that safety is a priority.

Riding through jungle trails: The main part of the tour involves driving your own ATV along varied terrain, including jungle tracks, hills, and scenic paths. Several reviews mention the adventurous nature of the trail, with some describing it as “really fun,” “thrilling,” and full of hills and turns. Guides pace the ride to suit the group, ensuring everyone has a good time, regardless of experience level.

Visit to the Big Buddha: The highlight is the stop at Phuket’s famous Big Buddha, perched atop Nakkerd Hill. While the interior is temporarily closed, you’ll still get an up-close view of the towering statue and marvel at the bird’s-eye vistas of the island and sea. Tourists rave about the spectacular panoramic views and the chance to learn about the statue’s significance. Many mention that it’s a must-see stop, with some describing it as “truly an adventure not to miss.”

Additional photo stops and attractions: There’s often a scenic swing or lookout point where you can snap memorable photos, and some reviews highlight the chance to see monkeys and elephants, adding a wild element to the ride.

Return to the camp and hotel transfer: After roughly two hours, the guide leads the group back to the safari camp, then transports you back to your hotel. The entire experience is smoothly managed, with many reviewers praising the timely pickups and friendly guides.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The self-drive aspect makes this tour particularly engaging—you’re in control of your ATV, which adds a sense of freedom and adventure. The spectacular views at the Big Buddha and along the trail are a big draw, giving you a chance to see Phuket from a high vantage point, away from the crowded beaches.

The value for money is another key selling point. When you compare the cost to other activities on the island, this experience offers a memorable, active morning or afternoon without breaking the bank. Reviews frequently mention that “money well spent” and that the guides are “professional and attentive,” ensuring safety without sacrificing fun.

What to Expect on the Day

The tour lasts around two hours, which is perfect for those who want a quick but fulfilling adventure. Expect pickup from your hotel (from several locations) and a scenic drive to the safari camp, where the fun begins. The briefing ensures you’re comfortable operating the ATV, and guides personalize the route based on your experience level.

During the ride, you’ll traverse jungle trails, hills, and scenic viewpoints. The trail can be muddy or dusty, so wearing suitable clothing and expecting some dirt is wise. Raincoats are provided if weather turns rainy. The visit to Big Buddha is an opportunity to step back from the adrenaline and soak in the spectacular scenery. Many reviews note how these views make the ride worth every bump.

After the tour, you’re returned to your hotel, with the rest of your day free to explore or relax. The tour is designed for most travelers—most ages, shapes, and sizes can participate—though pregnant women and those with certain disabilities should reconsider.

The Real Experience—Authentic and Fun

Several guests comment on the friendly, attentive guides who go out of their way to ensure safety and fun. One reviewer mentioned they even took photos and videos to capture the moments, which adds a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.

The thrill of riding an ATV through rough terrain and jungle is clearly a highlight, with reviews describing it as “exhilarating” and “scary at first but really amazing.” If you’re a thrill-seeker or love outdoor activities, this is likely to be a memorable highlight of your Phuket trip.

The Value and Practicalities

At $65.58 per person, including round-trip transfers, safety gear, water, and insurance, this tour delivers solid value. It’s especially attractive because it’s all-inclusive, so you won’t be hit with hidden costs or surprises—except perhaps for optional extra transfers to more remote areas, which are available at additional costs.

The small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, and the flexibility of pick-up points makes it practical for most travelers staying in popular areas.

Considerations Before Booking

While the experience is generally highly praised, a few reviews point out that the tour might not be suitable for everyone—especially pregnant women, those with disabilities, or anyone not in good physical condition. The rough terrain and the requirement to follow guides strictly mean safety is paramount.

Also, as the interior of Big Buddha is temporarily closed, visitors won’t be able to go inside, but the outside views and photo opportunities still make it a worthwhile stop.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ATV adventure suits families with older children, adventure lovers, and those wanting a quick outdoor activity that combines scenic beauty with a bit of adrenaline. If you’re keen to explore Phuket’s landscape beyond the beaches and prefer guided experiences that focus on safety and fun, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also a great option for first-time ATV riders or those worried about navigating on their own, thanks to the thorough briefing and attentive guides. For travelers looking to capture memorable photos, the scenic viewpoints and stops at swings or lookout points add to the appeal.

Final Thoughts

The 2-hour ATV ride to Big Buddha in Phuket offers a lively mix of adventure, scenic views, and cultural highlights. It’s a well-organized, reasonably priced activity that gets you out of the typical tourist spots and into the island’s lush landscape. Travelers will enjoy the personalized attention of guides, the thrill of the ride, and the stunning vistas that make Phuket so special.

If you’re after a fun, active day trip that combines nature, culture, and adventure, this tour makes for a memorable experience—especially if you’re comfortable on a bike and ready for some dirt and hills. Just remember to wear suitable clothing, listen to your guide, and enjoy every moment of this exhilarating ride.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from several Phuket locations like Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, and Chalong are included, making it convenient to join.

Can children participate?
Most travelers aged 4-11 or less than 130cm can join, but children are not allowed to drive. Make sure to specify if you’re bringing a child, and check if a proof of age is required.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing that can get muddy or dusty is best. They provide raincoats on rainy days, and helmets and safety gear are included.

Are there any health restrictions?
Participants should be in good physical and mental condition. Pregnant women and individuals with disabilities should not participate. Safety instructions must be followed at all times.

What happens if it rains?
Raincoats are provided, and the ride continues unless weather conditions are unsafe. The tour can be canceled for poor weather, in which case a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Is the Big Buddha accessible during this tour?
The interior is temporarily closed, but you can still view the statue from the outside and enjoy spectacular scenic views from Nakkerd Hill.

In all, this tour offers a genuinely fun, scenic, and safe way to experience some of Phuket’s most iconic sights while satisfying your desire for adventure. Great for those who want a quick yet meaningful outdoor experience, it’s a solid choice that brings a sense of thrill and discovery to your trip.