What you will see
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle, a four-wheel quad bike) in Phuket is mostly a guided tour on a private track, not a rental. Programmes differ, but the shape is the same: a short briefing, riding on dirt, a stop at a viewpoint.
Rubber plantations in the south. Oh-Hoo leads a route along dirt roads through rubber plantations in the south of the island. Chalong, Kata and Karon are in this operator’s free transfer zone.
The Big Buddha. Oh-Hoo’s route ends at the Big Buddha: a break, a view over the coast and a short talk from the guide. Karon Municipality gives the statue’s height as 45 m, and the drive from Kata is 12.5 km and about 18 minutes by OSRM.
Other routes. Phuket Tour describes three types: viewpoints (Kamala, the Big Buddha), coastline with swimming stops and jungle trails with waterfalls. Your programme description shows which one you get.
Combinations. Phuket Tour sells programmes AZ1-AZ4: 30 or 60 minutes of ATVs plus a zipline of 10 or 18 platforms, and AZ4 adds 100 paintball shots. Flying Hanuman sells package SD3, an FH3 zipline plus 30 minutes of ATVs. For the zipline parks themselves, see the Phuket zipline page.
How long it takes and when to go
Riding takes 30 minutes or an hour; with the transfer, plan 2-3 hours. ATV tours run year-round, and the route is not in a national park. In the rainy season, May-October, the ground is wet, but the operator issues raincoats. The dry months, November-April, have far less rain.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December-March | dry season, firmer ground |
| April | hot, first thunderstorms possible |
| May-October | rain, muddy track, raincoat included |
| November | less rain, the track dries out |
Getting there and how long it takes
Hotel transfer is part of the tour. Oh-Hoo collects free from Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai and Chalong. From Phuket Town, Ao Yon and Panwa there is a surcharge, farther for Kamala, Kathu, Siray and Laem Hin, and farther still for Bang Tao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, the airport area and Mai Khao, at the operator’s rates. The operator chooses the start point; if you drive yourself, ask for the map pin before paying.
National park fee and what is included
There is no DNP fee: the track is private and the route has no national park. Oh-Hoo’s tour includes water, accident insurance, a first aid kit, gear, a guide, transport and a raincoat on wet days. It does not include ATV damage cover, transfers from outlying areas or alcohol.
Options: an hour, 30 minutes, combos
| Option | Time | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 30 minutes of riding | first time, short on time | short ride |
| 1 hour with the Big Buddha | an hour of riding | a stop with a view | groups up to 30 |
| Combo with ziplining | 30-60 minutes of ATVs plus ziplining | two activities in one trip | takes half a day |
| Tour with rafting and elephant spa | full day | variety | read the elephant terms |
What to do in rain
Tours run in the rain: Oh-Hoo issues a raincoat on wet days. The track is muddy and slippery, so wear closed clothes and shoes you do not mind ruining, and glasses or a mask protect your eyes. In a thunderstorm the operator may reschedule, which is the operator’s call. A fallback for a wet day: Phuket Old Town.
Safety
- Helmet and gear. Issued and required for every rider
- Alcohol. Banned before and during the ride; the operator can stop unsafe riding without a refund
- Health. Oh-Hoo advises against the tour for pregnant guests, people with spinal injuries and poor cardiovascular health
- Children. Children may not drive; passengers use a child ticket, 4-11 years or under 130 cm
- Insurance. Covers accidents, not damage to the ATV itself. Ask for the policy in writing and photograph the ATV from every side before you ride. For damage-claim tricks, see the scams section
- Law. Phuket’s tourist police said in 2018 that no law covers ATV safety (per The Phuket News), and we found no newer rules. So the operator sets the rules; read the terms
Who it suits and who it does not
- Suits. Adults and teenagers with a guide, families with children as passengers from age 4, anyone wanting an hour of active riding with a viewpoint stop
- Does not suit. Pregnant guests, people with spinal or heart problems, anyone who has been drinking, and anyone who wants a child under the operator’s age limit to drive
FAQ
Do I need a licence to ride an ATV in Phuket?
For tours on private tracks, operator Oh-Hoo says no special licence is needed: the guide gives a briefing and the helmet and gear are included. Phuket Tour advises bringing your driving licence, so check with your operator. We found no official rules for riding on public roads or renting without a guide, so book a guided tour.
What is the minimum age for riding an ATV?
We found no single age for drivers in primary sources, and operators differ, so ask when you book. Oh-Hoo seats children as passengers on a child ticket (4-11 years or under 130 cm), and children may not drive. A 4-year-old can ride only as a passenger with an adult.
Is a helmet required and what does the insurance cover?
A helmet and protective gear are required and included, per Oh-Hoo's description. Insurance covers accidents for rider and passenger but not damage to the ATV itself, so a repair bill would be yours if you damage it. Ask the operator for the policy terms in writing.
Can I ride an ATV in the rain?
Tours run in the rain, and in the wet season the operator issues a raincoat. The track gets muddy and slippery, so wear closed clothes and shoes you do not mind ruining. In a thunderstorm the operator may postpone or cancel; ask in advance.
Can pregnant women or people with back problems ride?
No. Oh-Hoo advises against the tour for pregnant guests, people with spinal injuries and those with poor cardiovascular health. Alcohol is banned before and during the ride, and the operator may stop risky riding without a refund.
Where do ATV tours go in Phuket?
Oh-Hoo's route follows dirt roads through plantations in the south of the island and ends with a stop at the Big Buddha. Phuket Tour describes three types of route: viewpoints, coastline with swimming stops and jungle trails with waterfalls. Which one you get depends on the operator's programme.
Are there laws on ATVs in Thailand?
In 2018 Phuket's tourist police said no law covers ATV safety (as reported by The Phuket News). We found no newer rules, so the operator sets the rules: read the terms and the insurance. We do not quote operator prices because they change.
Sources
- Thai Holiday Guide. 1 Hour Phuket ATV on Tour + Big Buddha (operator Oh-Hoo): programme, rules, FAQ
- Phuket Tour (TAT licence 34/03743). ATV excursion: programmes
- Flying Hanuman. Packages: SD3 (FH3 + ATV 30 minutes)
- The Phuket News. No laws covering ATV safety, say Phuket Tourist Police (2018)
- Karon Municipality. Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
- OpenStreetMap, OSRM route: Kata to Big Buddha
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