Phuket Big Buddha Buggy/UTV 60 Mins Hotel Transfer: An Honest Review

So, you are possibly eyeing that Phuket Big Buddha Buggy or UTV tour, huh? That one that also includes that hotel pickup and drop-off for, say, convenience? Very, very sensible. That’s just super useful when you wanna hit up some wild landscapes without the hassle of figuring out how to actually get there. This review? Well, this review is set to, like, give you the lowdown on whether or not it’s worth that hard-earned cash. You see, I went on the tour recently, so too I’m dishing the dirt – the ups, the downs, and basically whether or not you should click ‘book’.

First Impressions: Hotel Pickup & The Crew

That whole thing starts with the hotel pickup. It’s almost always a, perhaps, slight gamble, that, isn’t it? Are they gonna be on time? Will the driver know where I am even staying? Well, actually, in this instance, they were spot on time, so it’s fair to say the service felt professional from the jump. The vehicle? Clean, air-conditioned – basically a welcome escape from that Phuket heat, like your skin is melting otherwise. That driver? Super courteous, so in a way, the journey to that buggy base was stress-free, you know?

Arriving at that base camp, too it’s easy to see that they run a slick operation. That staff, basically? Greeted us with smiles, that pre-ride briefing felt thorough without, perhaps, being boring. They explained the safety stuff very, very clearly, showed us how to actually handle those machines. They answered all those questions we had. I’d say that was great to help settle those pre-adventure jitters, as they called them. So you felt in safe hands.

The Buggy/UTV Experience: Kicking Up Dust

Right, the main event. That drive to that Big Buddha? The UTV itself was like your standard off-roader. I mean it wasn’t, perhaps, fancy, but basically robust, you know? That’s really what you kinda want, anyway, very? Pretty simple controls, which is certainly, for example, good for first-timers. If you’ve driven something like this before, so too it won’t take you any time at all to adjust.

That tour runs for an hour, give or take. Honestly, that time flies, so it’s lucky it was as long as it was. That terrain, though? That’s actually where it gets interesting. You get some fairly bumpy dirt tracks that take you through that Phuket countryside. Then there were hills, muddy puddles…Basically, you will get a bit dirty, and so you want to make sure you’re prepared for this! That view along the way can be a bit samey at times. Then again, you do see some rubber tree plantations and little glimpses of local life which give it character.

Now, very quickly, this ISN’T a crazy adrenaline pumping joy ride. Actually, I found it rather sedate, you see? Think of it, you know, like a scenic tour more than an extreme sport. Some people on that tour clearly wanted to go much faster than what they were being allowed. If that is you, then in some respects, this will potentially prove slightly frustrating. On the flipside though? Because they cap that speed, that safety level seems reasonably high. That’s almost one you want, I’d say.

Reaching The Big Buddha: Worth It?

Okay, reaching that Big Buddha – that is the point, literally, right? This is obviously the reason why many will choose the excursion in the first place, is that right? You do park up and then there is, seemingly, a bit of a walk. It isn’t far. Just slightly uphill, is all. As I was saying, even in that heat it didn’t feel strenuous. Arriving up there, though, seeing that colossal Buddha figure, like glistening in that sun…well, worth it really. Even if you’ve, in some respects, seen it in pictures, to be fair, being there is, you know, different.

That views, well, they do span across basically that island. Basically from up there? You properly grasp just how stunning that Phuket coastline is. We probably had around half an hour up there to take pictures and actually have a wander around. Honestly, in that moment it did not feel rushed. Of course it isn’t some, you know, super in-depth guided visit. Still, more or less, having that unique mode of transport just to reach it? I found that just as appealing, you know? A nice alternative.

Back to the Hotel: Final Thoughts on Transfer

That return transfer back to that hotel mirrored that pickup, really. Easy. Comfortable. Actually, by this stage, you’re basically just wanting to get back to your hotel, that, and to have a refreshing shower to, in some respects, get all of that dust off. Being punctual, actually friendly and reliable, to be honest? That transfer really does seal that whole positive experience. That’s more important, to be fair, than I perhaps even realised.

So, is that Phuket Big Buddha Buggy/UTV tour worth your money? This is what you came here to find out, after all. Actually, in my view? Yes, quite a bit, provided you’re kinda clear what to expect. It’s basically not an extreme off-road adventure, that is. Rather, consider it a fairly relaxed and enjoyable way to see a famous landmark, like the Big Buddha. You see a different part of that island than maybe you would if you were going by car or something too. In many ways you want that peace of mind that the pickup and return offers. Plus you will get some great pictures along the way, that is true. I enjoyed it!

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Convenient hotel transfer, Unique way to see Big Buddha, suitable for beginners, great views.
• Cons: Not a very thrilling off-road experience, can get dusty.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Tour

Is the tour safe for beginners?

Yes, almost. So too that safety briefing is really comprehensive, basically. And those speeds are quite controlled. But basically pay close attention. Use that common sense and you should be perfectly fine.

What should I wear?

Wear old clothes. You want those you won’t mind getting dirty in, alright? Comfortable shoes are really essential too. You see, they cover your head and everything so you’re going to want to prepare for dust.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?

Check with that tour operator direct on this, because, really, this can change. Kids usually have to, perhaps, ride as passengers with an adult. Again though, it really does depend.

Can I drive if I don’t have a driver’s license?

Rules change on this depending where you book the tour. You’ll want to, just a little, make absolutely certain that you check before booking!