90 Minutes ATV Riding and Big Buddha From Phuket

If you’re looking to add a dash of adventure to your Phuket visit, this 90-minute ATV tour combined with a visit to the Big Buddha is worth considering. It’s a balanced mix of thrill, cultural insight, and scenic beauty that appeals to many travelers, especially those eager to explore beyond the typical beach scene. With over 24 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating, this tour is designed for anyone craving a fun, guided outdoor experience without needing prior riding skills.

We love the guided nature of the tour, the breathtaking panoramic views from the Big Buddha, and the value for money at just over $50 per person. However, you might want to consider the pace of the ride and whether you’re comfortable with tight spaces or repetitive routes—some reviewers found certain aspects a bit dull or challenging. This tour suits adventurous families, solo travelers, or couples eager for a quick yet memorable taste of Phuket’s scenic and cultural highlights.

Key Points:

• All skill levels welcome — no license or prior experience needed
• Guided tour with professional instructors ensuring safety
• Spectacular views from the Big Buddha and along the coastline
• Comfortable transfers from key Phuket locations included
• Short duration (about 2 hours) perfect for a half-day outing
• Great value considering the scenic stops and safety measures

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour packs a lot into a short window. Starting with hotel transfers, it’s designed to be convenient—no need to worry about navigating or worrying about heavy transport planning. The entire experience runs around two hours, including the scenic drive, the ATV ride, and a visit to the Big Buddha. For many travelers, this is a practical choice that balances adventure with cultural sightseeing.

The guided ATV ride is particularly appealing because no previous experience is necessary. Guides provide full safety instructions, and safety gear—including helmets and raincoats on rainy days—is supplied. We loved the clarity of the briefing, which helps even first-timers feel confident to steer through the dirt tracks with a guide right beside you.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup & Transfer

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup, often from Patong, Kata, Karon, or Chalong, with a comfortable transfer passing along Phuket’s coastline. The ride itself offers scenic views of the Andaman Sea, setting a relaxed yet anticipation-filled tone for the day ahead.

The Safari Camp & Safety Briefing

Upon arrival at the safari camp, you’ll meet your instructor and fellow riders. Expect a short safety presentation, which is especially reassuring for first-time ATV riders. The camp is well-equipped, providing water, first aid kits, and raincoats if needed, showing a commitment to safety and comfort.

Guided ATV Ride to Big Buddha

Following the guide, you’ll start the ride along tracks that wind through the landscape, leading toward the famous Big Buddha. The route is designed to balance fun with manageable difficulty, so even absolute novices can enjoy the experience. The guides are praised for their patience and support, with reviews highlighting how they filmed guests and made the ride enjoyable.

Visiting the Big Buddha

The highlight for many is reaching the Big Buddha, a massive statue visible from many parts of Phuket. You’ll pause here for photo opportunities and a quick history lesson (as provided by the guides). The views from the hilltop are truly impressive, offering sweeping vistas over the island and sea. Some reviewers noted that access to the temple area might sometimes be closed, but the views from the surrounding spots are still stunning.

Return & Drop-off

After soaking in the scenery, it’s back to the safari camp for a smooth return transfer to your hotel. Many guests appreciate that the entire experience is well-organized and paced, leaving plenty of time to relax afterwards.

What We Love About This Tour

Safety and guidance are clearly prioritized. Many reviews commend the guides—like Oo—who are described as friendly, supportive, and attentive to safety instructions, which makes even nervous first-timers feel assured. The inclusion of free transfers from popular locations like Patong and Karon is a big plus, simplifying logistics.

The scenic stops at the Big Buddha are genuinely memorable. Travelers frequently mention the beautiful panoramic views and the opportunity to learn about its significance. Many reviews highlight that rain or shine, the experience remains enjoyable—raincoats are provided, and the lush scenery gets even more dramatic when wet.

The value for money is notable because the tour combines adventure, cultural insights, and scenic beauty at a reasonable price. The inclusion of drinking water, safety gear, and accident insurance adds peace of mind, especially for an activity involving vehicles.

The reviews also reveal the tour’s flexibility—with different departure times to fit varied schedules—and the fact that it’s accessible to most travelers, except pregnant women or those with disabilities.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While many guests rave about the experience, some reviewers find the route repetitive or a bit boring after repeated laps. A reviewer mentioned being taken through the same areas multiple times, which could lessen the thrill for some. Plus, the pace can be fast, with limited time at the Big Buddha, so photo opportunities or a relaxed visit might be a bit squeezed.

The tight tracks and passing groups could be intimidating for some, especially if visibility is poor. It’s important to follow the guide’s instructions strictly and be comfortable with riding in potentially crowded or narrow spaces.

Lastly, the extra transfer costs outside of the included pickup zones can add up, especially for those staying in more distant parts of Phuket. It’s worth factoring in these additional costs if you’re not within the main pickup areas.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an active outdoor experience that combines a scenic drive with a fun ATV ride. It suits families with children aged 4-11, as long as they can safely sit in the vehicle and follow instructions. The short duration makes it perfect for those with limited time on the island or as part of a broader sightseeing day.

It’s especially good for adventure seekers who appreciate guided safety, enjoy panoramic views, and want to learn a little about Phuket’s cultural landmarks. The tour’s affordability and inclusions make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers wanting genuine, memorable experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The “90 Minutes ATV Riding and Big Buddha” tour offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, culture, and scenery at a fair price. The guides seem to be a highlight—friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious—making the ride accessible to beginners and experienced riders alike. The views from the Big Buddha are a major plus, providing a rewarding end to the ride that’s both photo-worthy and inspiring.

The main value lies in the convenience, the scenic stops, and the sense of accomplishment many guests report. While some find the route repetitive or the pace a bit fast, these don’t overshadow the overall enjoyment. It’s a tour best suited for those craving a quick, fun, and safe adventure that combines a bit of sightseeing with an adrenaline rush.

If you’re after a memorable way to see a different side of Phuket—beyond beaches and shopping—this tour delivers a taste of the island’s natural beauty and cultural highlights, all wrapped in a supportive, well-organized package.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior experience or license is needed. The guides provide full safety instructions and support throughout the ride.

Are transfers included?
Yes, round-trip transfers are included from Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, or Chalong, making it a hassle-free experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours, including transfers, safety briefing, riding, and sightseeing stops.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 4-11 or less than 130cm in height can join with a child ticket, but they cannot drive. Make sure to specify if children are participating.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity and expect some dusty conditions—masks are provided. It’s also wise to carry sunscreen and a hat.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If it rains or the weather is poor, raincoats are provided, and the tour can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Pregnant women and people with disabilities should not participate. Riders must be in good physical and mental condition, and alcohol is strictly prohibited during the ride.

This guided ATV tour with a visit to the Big Buddha offers a fantastic way to explore Phuket’s scenic and cultural highlights in a safe, fun, and affordable manner. Whether you’re craving a family adventure or a quick adrenaline boost, it’s a memorable addition to your Phuket itinerary.