Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its incredible natural beauty, fascinating cultural heritage and wide variety of outdoor activities on offer.

One of the best ways to discover the northern jungles and mountainous areas surrounding the city is to join an ATV tour in Chiang Mai. Explore the off-road terrain, waterfalls and rivers that the region is best known for, with an expert guide leading the way.

Here's all you need to know about ATV and Quad tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Chiang Mai.

What are the best ATV and quad biking tours in Chiang Mai?

ATV countryside adventure tour in Chiang Mai

Embark on a fun-filled ATV adventure and see the Chiang Mai countryside from a different perspective. You’ll cover roughly 40 kilometers of both on road and off-road terrain, and experience incredible views of the jungle.

You’ll get picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel by your tour guide and be driven to the base camp, where your ATV adventure will begin. The base camp has everything you need for a comfortable experience, including showers and locker rooms.

Before you start riding your ATV, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be given a helmet to wear. Follow your experienced guide as you ride your ATV through the jungle for roughly 3 hours, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way.

The tour will end back at the base camp, where you’ll be given lunch before heading back to your Chiang Mai hotel.

Half-day ATV adventure in Chiang Mai

Prepare yourself for the unparalleled adrenaline rush that comes with riding a powerful ATV through Chiang Mai’s breathtaking mountains. This half-day adventure is the perfect way to spend a day in Chiang Mai’s more rural areas.

Once you have been picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel, you’ll be driven to the beginning of the ATV trail. Before embarking on your adventure, you’ll be given protection gear to wear and you’ll also get to practice using the ATV.

Your experienced guide leads the way as you drive up the mountain and through the jungle. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountain ranges, farms and plantation fields. There will be plenty of time to stop and take photos of Chiang Mai’s rural life.

Experience the power and thrill of driving an ATV, with your expert guide looking out for your safety at all times. Head back to base camp where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before being driven back to your Chiang Mai hotel.

How much do ATV and quad biking tours in Chiang Mai cost?

A basic ATV tour in Chiang Mai costs around US$50 per person for a guided, half-day tour. These tours include all safety equipment needed, a professional guide and a light lunch.

For a more comprehensive guided quad biking experience, you can expect to pay around US$100 per person. These tours are usually slightly longer and cater toward both beginner and intermediate drivers.

There are also a variety of combination tours available, where you participate in quad biking alongside another outdoor activity. These combo tours usually cost upwards of US$150 per person, depending on what other activity is included.

What is included?

ATV tours in Chiang Mai usually include hotel transfers, all necessary equipment (including helmets), fuel, travel accident insurance and a professional guide. Some, but not all, tours also offer a delicious local lunch with tea and coffee after your ATV adventure.

Where does it start?

ATV tours in Chiang Mai typically begin at base camps around 1.5 hours from the city center. Most tour operators offer a complimentary hotel pickup from your Chiang Mai accommodation so you don’t need to worry about getting to the starting point on your own.

How long does it last?

Most ATV tours in Chiang Mai last between 3 and 4 hours, excluding the time it takes to get from your Chiang Mai hotel to the tour’s starting point. From the time you’re picked up from your hotel to the time you’re dropped back off is usually around 7 hours.

When is the best time for an ATV tour in Chiang Mai?

There are a few different time slots available when it comes to ATV tours in Chiang Mai, but most people prefer to participate in an ATV tour in the morning, before temperatures get too hot. An ATV tour is also a great way to kick-start your day.

ATV tours take place throughout the year as tours operate in any weather conditions, including rain.

Are there any combos available with quad biking tours in Chiang Mai?

White water rafting and ATV adventure tour in Chiang Mai

Embark on a 3-hour ATV adventure through Thailand’s beautiful northern jungles as you ride your personal quad bike for over 40 kilometers. Next, it’s time to head down the Mae Taeng River on an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience.

Inflatable kayaking and ATV adventure tour in Chiang Mai

Explore Chiang Mai’s local countryside when you join this ATV adventure, where you’ll ride on both on road and off-road terrain. After your ATV experience, you’ll enjoy a peaceful inflatable kayaking tour down Mae Taeng River.

Elephant sanctuary, white water rafting and ATV tour in Chiang Mai

Make the most of your time in Chiang Mai when you participate in three different activities in one full-day tour. Get up close and personal with the adorable elephants at a local elephant sanctuary before participating in a white water rafting and ATV tour nearby.

ATV safari and jungle trekking tour in Chiang Mai

After an exciting 40-kilometer ATV ride through the jungle, you’ll trek toward one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Thailand. Enjoy incredible views of the jungle and cool off by having a swim in the pools of the waterfall.

Is it safe?

ATV and quad tours are safe, but should be avoided by pregnant travelers, as well as those suffering from back and heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children are generally allowed on ATV and quad tours as passengers, provided they are accompanied by an adult. There may, however, be age and height restrictions in place, so contact the tour provider before booking.

Do I need a driving license?

No driving license is required for an ATV and training is provided before the tour. Participants must be at least 16 years old to drive the ATV, otherwise they can only ride as passengers.

What happens in case of bad weather?

ATV and quad tours generally operate under most weather conditions, so cancellations are rare. Should the conditions be adverse, the tour will be rescheduled or you can request a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Chiang Mai?

Travel tips

Book your quad biking tour in Chiang Mai ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Wear closed, comfortable shoes for your quad biking tour. You should also wear long pants so that your legs don’t get scraped by low-hanging branches.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from the elements.
Pack a rain jacket and a change of dry clothes in case it rains during the tour.

Quad Tours in Chiang Mai