REVIEW · PHUKET
2 Hour ATV Riding and Big Buddha From Phuket
Book on Viator →Operated by Oh-Hoo · Bookable on Viator
ATVs and Big Buddha in one go. This Phuket tour mixes adrenaline with a big-sight stop at the island’s famous statue, plus ocean views on the drive. You’re not just touring the obvious stuff—you’re taking the road that feels more back-country than postcard.
I especially like the hotel pickup and the way the day is structured: transfer first, quick ATV instruction on arrival, then off you go. The Big Buddha visit is also a solid payoff because you get panoramic views even with the interior closed.
One thing to consider: the Big Buddha interior is temporarily closed, so you’ll admire it from the outside. Also, transport can be a letdown if you expected air-conditioning; one unhappy moment in the feedback mentions an open truck setup.
In This Review
- Quick Hits Before You Go
- How the Day Flows: Pickup, Safari Camp, Then Up to Big Buddha
- ATV Training That Actually Prepares You
- Jungle Trails, Hills, and the Stuff You’ll Remember Later
- Big Buddha Outside Views When the Interior Is Closed
- Value for $67.91: What’s Included vs. What Can Add Up
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
- Weather, Time, and the One Thing You Can’t Control
- Should You Book This Phuket ATV and Big Buddha Tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the 2 Hour ATV Riding and Big Buddha tour?
- How much does the Phuket ATV and Big Buddha tour cost?
- Do they pick you up from your hotel?
- Are there extra transfer costs if I’m outside the included pickup areas?
- Is the Big Buddha inside open?
- What is included in the ATV experience?
- Do I need to bring anything for the Big Buddha stop?
- What are the ATV rider requirements?
- Can children ride, and can they drive the ATV?
- Is there rain coverage if it rains?
- Is accident insurance included?
Quick Hits Before You Go
- Hotel pickup is built in for Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, and Chalong, so you can keep your morning simple
- You drive your own ATV, with a short intro first (good for first-timers who can follow directions)
- Jungle-track riding means hills, turns, and a bit of dust depending on how you ride
- Your guide handles the photos and videos, so you don’t have to stop juggling your camera
- Big Buddha is still worth it from the outside, with bird’s-eye views of the area
- Maximum group size is 30, which often keeps things easier than the huge-bus days
How the Day Flows: Pickup, Safari Camp, Then Up to Big Buddha
The experience starts with pickup from your Phuket hotel, then a transfer to the safari camp. You’ll pass the coastline and get a view over the Andaman Sea during the ride, which is a nice warm-up before you start bouncing around on a quad.
Once you arrive, the pacing shifts into action. You get a brief ATV presentation from an instructor, then you follow the guide along the track toward Big Buddha. After the statue stop, you head back to the safari camp and your driver returns you to your hotel.
Transfers are included (round trip) if you’re in Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, or Chalong. If you’re outside those zones, expect extra transfer fees based on where you’re staying. That’s the only part of the day that can quietly change the total cost.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phuket.
ATV Training That Actually Prepares You
This tour is built for real beginners who still want to feel confident fast. At the safari camp, the instructor shows you how to handle the ATV, then you get moving with your guide rather than waiting around for hours.
Safety equipment and a first aid kit are included, and you’re covered by accident insurance for the rider and passenger. One practical limit: ATV damage isn’t covered under the accident insurance, so take care with the bike and follow the track rules.
The operator also has the right to stop risky riding with no refund. That matters because this isn’t a free-for-all—your job is to listen, stay in line, and let the guide manage the pace. No alcohol is permitted, and you need good physical and mental ability for safety.
If you’re bringing kids, keep the role clear. A child ticket is for ages 4–11 or under 130cm (proof may be needed), and passengers do not drive. So for smaller kids, plan on them riding as passengers while the instructor and guide focus on safe handling.
Jungle Trails, Hills, and the Stuff You’ll Remember Later
The fun part is the ride itself. This route is rugged, with hills and lots of turns, which is why it feels more like a real adventure than a slow scenic drive. If you love variety—up, down, and around—this is the kind of ATV trip that delivers it.
You’re also riding with a guide who stays with you through the whole experience. Several moments in the feedback highlight guides who stayed patient during the learning phase and looked after safety throughout, even when conditions were less than perfect.
Road conditions can affect the feel. One person noted it can get dusty if you ride at full speed, which is common on dirt tracks. On rainy days, the ride can feel more exciting, and a raincoat is provided.
There are also surprise-style stops along the way that go beyond just riding and arriving. In the feedback, I saw mentions of a swing and photo viewpoints, plus wildlife sightings like monkeys and even elephants during the broader excursion route. You should treat those as “possible extras,” not guaranteed moments, but they’re the kind of add-ons that make the day feel less scripted.
Big Buddha Outside Views When the Interior Is Closed
Big Buddha is the headline, and the tour makes sure you still get the moment. The Big Buddha interior is temporarily closed right now, but you can still admire the statue from the outside and take in the views around it.
This is where the ATV ride pays off. The track up to the statue is rougher and more intense than a flat walk-up, so when you finally arrive, the payoff feels earned. At the top, you get a break to learn some history and enjoy panoramic views from the area around the statue.
Dress matters for comfort and access. One feedback note mentioned getting a sarong from the guide when clothing didn’t meet the coverage expectations, especially around shoulders and knees. If you want the smoothest stop, wear something that covers your shoulders and goes to at least the knees.
Also, don’t count on unlimited freedom. You can roam and take photos during your break, but you’re still on a guided schedule. Plan for a photo session plus a short history moment, not a full deep-dive museum visit.
Value for $67.91: What’s Included vs. What Can Add Up
At $67.91 per person, the value is strongest when your hotel pickup area matches what’s included. For many travelers in Phuket, you’re getting more than just the ATV—your day includes the ATV experience, a tour guide, drinking water, safety equipment, and round-trip transfers from select neighborhoods.
Your included transfer coverage matters because taxis from farther areas can get expensive fast. If you’re in Patong, Kata, Karon, Kata, Rawai, or Chalong, you likely won’t need to pay extra just to get to the safari camp and back.
What can change the total is the location of your hotel. Extra transfers are priced per person or per car depending on the area, and the fees are higher outside the included zones. If you’re staying farther out (like parts of Maikhao or Nai Thon), budget extra for the car ride.
Another value factor is the insurance layer for rider and passenger. That doesn’t remove the need to ride carefully, but it does help you feel less exposed on a day with real motion and uneven ground.
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
This is a great fit if you want an ATV ride that feels like an adventure, not a short loop. It’s also a strong match for first-time riders who can follow instructions. The learning portion is designed to get you comfortable quickly, and guides who take photos and keep you supported can make the first ride less intimidating.
Families can do well here too. Feedback mentions kids and adults enjoying it together, with guides making sure the experience stays safe while still feeling exciting. If you’re traveling with children, remember the child-passenger rule: kids can ride, but they won’t be driving.
This is not for everyone. Pregnant women shouldn’t participate, and people with disabilities shouldn’t participate. If you’re recovering from an injury or you know you’ll struggle with balance and alertness, this is the kind of activity where “good enough” isn’t enough.
Also, if you hate surprises, read this as a heads-up. One negative note in the feedback mentioned transport not matching an air-conditioned expectation and using an open truck. Most days may be fine, but if you’re very sensitive to heat, wind, or rain, plan accordingly.
Weather, Time, and the One Thing You Can’t Control
The day requires good weather. That doesn’t mean it’s ruined by a few drops, but the operator may cancel if conditions aren’t right, with the promise of an alternative date or a full refund if the trip is canceled due to poor weather.
Rain can also change how the ride feels. If it’s wet, you’ll get a raincoat, and the tracks can feel more slippery and unpredictable, which is why your guide’s pace matters. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, take that into account before you go.
Finally, there’s the Big Buddha closure reality. The interior is currently closed, possibly due to landslide risk. That means the visit is still impressive, but it’s not the same as a full inside experience. If seeing inside is your must-do, you might want to pick a different day or a different attraction to balance your itinerary.
Should You Book This Phuket ATV and Big Buddha Tour?
If you want a single, value-packed outing that mixes motion, views, and a major Phuket landmark, I’d seriously consider booking. The hotel pickup for many areas, the included safety setup, and the fact that you actually drive the ATV make it feel like more than a basic tour.
Book it if:
- you’re a first-timer who’s comfortable following instructions
- you want jungle-track riding plus a high-impact Big Buddha photo stop
- you’re staying in an included pickup zone so you don’t pay extra just to get there
Think twice if:
- Big Buddha interior access is non-negotiable for you right now
- you strongly prefer air-conditioned transport and want to avoid an open-truck possibility
- you or your group doesn’t meet the physical/mental requirements for safe ATV riding
FAQ
What is the duration of the 2 Hour ATV Riding and Big Buddha tour?
The tour runs for about 2 hours.
How much does the Phuket ATV and Big Buddha tour cost?
The price is $67.91 per person.
Do they pick you up from your hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered. Round trip transfers are included for Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, and Chalong.
Are there extra transfer costs if I’m outside the included pickup areas?
Yes. Extra transfer fees apply for areas not listed in the included transfer zone, with different pricing depending on the location.
Is the Big Buddha inside open?
No. The Big Buddha interior is temporarily closed, but you can still view it from the outside and enjoy panoramic views.
What is included in the ATV experience?
Included are the join-in ATV experience, drinking water, a first aid kit, safety equipment, and a tour guide.
Do I need to bring anything for the Big Buddha stop?
You should plan for modest coverage. If your outfit doesn’t meet coverage expectations, you may need a sarong from the guide, based on what has happened during the experience.
What are the ATV rider requirements?
Riders must be in good physical and mental ability to ensure safety, follow the guide’s instructions, and no alcohol is permitted. There are no weight restrictions listed.
Can children ride, and can they drive the ATV?
Children can book a child ticket (ages 4–11 or under 130cm). Passengers are not allowed to drive, so the child would ride as a passenger.
Is there rain coverage if it rains?
A raincoat is provided on rainy days.
Is accident insurance included?
Yes. Accident insurance is included for the rider and passenger, but ATV damages are not covered.
If you tell me your hotel area (or your nearest neighborhood in Phuket), I can sanity-check which transfer costs might apply and help you decide if the schedule and total price are likely to stay “value strong” for you.
