For anyone who loves action, an ATV tour (quad bike) through Koh Samui’s hilly interior is a popular way to see the island from a different side. In this guide, we cover what to expect from this excursion.
Besides this excursion, there are many more worth doing, check out our article The 10 Best Excursions from Koh Samui (2026)
View All ATV / Quad Tours on Koh SamuiAt a Glance
Price: from 1,800 to 2,800 THB p.p., depending on the duration and any extra stops like a waterfall.
Duration: from around one hour (short ride) up to half a day (longer route).
Departure: no fixed pickup point stated on this page, though the practical tips do mention that many operators offer free hotel pickup, check this when booking.
Best for: active travelers with a basic fitness level, driving yourself requires you to be 18+, as a passenger it’s possible from age 8.
What Can You Expect From an ATV Tour?
Most routes pass rubber plantations, dense jungle, viewpoints over the island, and often one of the Na Muang waterfalls too. Tours come in different lengths, from an hour to half a day, and most operators combine the ride with a short stop at a viewpoint or waterfall.
Most tours are suitable for beginners: you get a short briefing beforehand, and a guide rides at the front to lead the group. If you’d rather not drive yourself, many operators also offer an option with a driver.
Along the way you’ll often pass several viewpoints overlooking the coastline, coconut and fruit plantations, and sometimes a shallow river crossing. The shortest tours of about an hour stay closer to the coast, while longer routes head deeper into the jungle. With a bit of luck, you’ll also spot water buffalo in the fields along the trail.
Is an ATV Tour Right for Me?
An ATV tour is an active excursion: you’re sitting on a vibrating quad bike, riding over bumpy, often dusty or muddy trails, with real exposure to sun and heat. A basic fitness level is enough, you don’t need to be sporty, but if you struggle with sitting for long periods or with tropical heat, the option with a driver is a better choice than riding yourself.
It’s perfectly manageable for beginners: most operators give instruction on a practice course beforehand, and a guide rides at the front to set the pace. Experienced riders can ask some operators for a more challenging route.
Travelling with kids? Driving yourself usually isn’t allowed below a certain minimum age (see the practical tips below), but most operators do let children ride along as a passenger with an adult.
Best Time to Go
Koh Samui has a different rainy season than mainland Thailand: most of the rain here falls between October and December, while May to September is actually relatively dry. December to March is considered the most pleasant period for an ATV tour, with less rain, less humid heat, and firmer ground on the trails.
Still, the rainy season isn’t a reason to skip a tour. Showers in October and November are usually short and heavy with dry spells in between, and that’s exactly when the interior is at its greenest. Just keep in mind that trails get muddier and slippier then (hence the tip about closed shoes below), and that some operators reschedule tours as a precaution during severe weather.
Practical Tips for a Quad Excursion
- Wear closed shoes and clothes that can get dirty, the trails are often muddy, especially in the rainy season (October-November).
- Bring: sunglasses or eye protection, sunscreen, insect repellent, water
- Ask about experience requirements beforehand. Some operators require a valid driving licence to drive an ATV; others admit beginners after a short briefing.
- Minimum age: driver 18+; passenger 8+
- Check your insurance. Just as with scooters, it’s important to check whether your travel insurance covers accidents during an ATV tour.
- Ask about pickup service. Many operators offer free hotel pickup; check this when booking, it saves the hassle of arranging your own transport.
Prices and Duration
Expect to pay around 1,800 to 2,800 THB per person, depending on the length of the tour and whether other stops (such as a waterfall) are included. Shorter tours of about an hour sit at the lower end of this range, half-day tours at the higher end.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATV/Quad Excursions on Koh Samui
Do I need a driving licence for an ATV tour?
This varies by operator. Some require a valid driving licence, others offer guided tours where a short briefing is enough. Check this beforehand when booking.
Is an ATV tour safe?
Choose an operator with good reviews and working safety gear (helmet mandatory), and don’t ride faster than feels comfortable for you. As with any active excursion in Thailand, good travel insurance that covers this kind of activity is recommended.
Can I combine an ATV tour with other excursions?
Yes, many operators combine the tour with a visit to the Na Muang waterfalls or a temple, depending on the season and local conditions.
Is this suitable for children?
Most operators apply a minimum age for driving yourself, but often do offer the option for children to ride along as a passenger with an adult. Check this beforehand.
Conclusion
An ATV tour is an active, adventurous way to explore Koh Samui’s green interior, with the chance to take in waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. Choose an operator with good reviews and the right safety gear for the best experience.
Haven’t booked a hotel on Koh Samui yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels on Koh Samui.
View All ATV / Quad Tours on Koh Samui
