Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting and ATV Quad Biking Experience

Immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of nature and adventure with a Bamboo Rafting and ATV Riding experience. Explore untamed landscapes, drift along serene rivers on a bamboo raft and conquer the rainforest with a thrilling ATV Adventure. Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and adrenaline - Find out more here!

THAILAND: KHAO LAK

By Nom

9/15/2023

Khao Lak already has everything you need for a wonderful holiday but you can take it to the next level with a unique adventurous experience blending activities for those who love peaceful bamboo rafting and/or exciting ATV Quad Bike Experiences.

We enjoyed a unique bamboo rafting experience that combined adventure and nature - perfect for entertaining teenagers.

After a warm welcome from the staff we got to our first activity, bamboo rafting on the river Lam Ru Yai. We relaxed as our guides gently steered the bamboo rafts downstream while we admired the dramatic limestone mountains and serene sounds of the jungle. Our guides pointed out colourful birds and snakes.

thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting

We felt like we had stepped off the beaten track and into a world of tranquillity as we connected with nature. This unique experience provided not only a thrilling ride but also a close encounter with the raw beauty of nature amidst lush landscapes and pristine waters.

thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting

The bamboo rafting took 50 minutes and when we disembarked we were driven by songthaew back to the camp where we enjoyed seasonal fruits – mangosteen and rambutan. We were also provided with ancient coffee served in bamboo cups which we got to keep as wonderful souvenirs.

thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting

We moved on to our next activity, ATV Quad Biking Adventure.  Following a short safety briefing about ATV-riding, we mounted our easy-to-drive ATVs and set off for an amazing experience. In no time at all we were travelling through rubber and palm plantations as well as sections of rainforest. We started on the beginner's route navigating on small tracks featuring bumps and tight corners with some big puddles to splash through. Once we were all comfortable, we then moved on to the intermediate tracks which included some more demanding paths as well!

This ATV camp had a purpose built ATV Quad Bike track which was very bumpy with exciting sharp twists and turns. It had rained heavily before we arrived so there were some quite deep puddles to navigate through and we got very muddy! We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty and wear carrier bags over your shoes, we wore water shoes. During dry months a face covering for the dust would be a good idea.

thailand khao lak atv adventure
thailand khao lak atv adventure
thailand khao lak atv adventure
thailand khao lak atv adventure
thailand khao lak atv adventure muddy
thailand khao lak atv adventure muddy

We have experienced both the one hour and two hour ATV Adventures.

The one hour ATV Adventure included an on-road drive up to a waterfall where we enjoyed a refreshing dip before continuing on more thrilling off-road tracks.

What we loved about this activity is that no prior experience is needed to participate and our sons could drive their own ATVs. We definitely felt the wind in our hair as we sped through the beautiful Khao Lak countryside, exploring the area in an immersive and exhilarating way.

As we zoomed along the trails the thrill of the ride was only rivalled by the breathtaking scenery we encountered along the way. The ATVs effortlessly maneuvered on the tracks, splashing through muddy puddles and ascending steep, rocky sections.

thailand khao lak atv adventure
thailand khao lak atv adventure

The two hour Adventure included more riding on-road and off-road riding through palm and rubber plantations, rainforest and various tracks taking in the breathtaking countryside.  We also visited more stunning locations; dams, waterfalls and picturesque spots along the Lam Ru River as well as Wat Lak Kaen.  

khao lak atv adventure lam ru river dam
khao lak atv adventure lam ru river dam
atv adventure khao lak tree frog at waterfall
atv adventure khao lak tree frog at waterfall

Tree Frog at the waterfall.

As we sped along we passed through villages and saw plenty of wildlife including a large Monitor Lizard crossing the road!

atv adventure khao lak wat lak kaen
atv adventure khao lak wat lak kaen

It had rained heavily the night before our ATV Adventure and the tracks were very muddy, adding to the fun! When we reurned to the ATV Camp we enjoyed a refreshing swim in the Bamboo Rafting river to wash the mud off before enjoying more fresh fruits.

ATV Adventure Khao Lak Lam Ru Dam
ATV Adventure Khao Lak Lam Ru Dam
atv adventure khao lak lam ru river swim
atv adventure khao lak lam ru river swim

Perfect for teenagers and thrill-seeking adventurers. See the lush natural landscape of Khao Lak in an adventurous way as you drive an ATV off-road through a tropical rainforest and plantations.

Recommended to take:

Waterproof bag

Camera

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

Swimwear

Towel

Hat and sunglasses

Face covering for dust

Wet shoes (shoes you don't mind getting muddy/dusty

Water

thailand khao lak bamboo rafting atv
thailand khao lak bamboo rafting atv

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Travel Blog Family Holiday Sunny Travel Explorers
Travel Blog Family Holiday Sunny Travel Explorers

Bamboo Rafting Experience and ATV Adventure in Khao Lak 

The best way to experience Bamboo Rafting and ATV Adventure in the countryside at Khao Lak is to book a guided tour.  There are several options available with options to add additional experiences such as the Turtle Conservation Centre, Waterfalls or the Elephant Sanctuary all of which we highly recommend.

For more information and to book your Bamboo Rafting and ATV adventure click here

thailand khao lak atv and bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak atv and bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak atv and bamboo rafting
thailand khao lak atv and bamboo rafting

Where To Stay In

Khao Lak

With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.

Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.

Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.

Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.

Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.

On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.

For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.

Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.

Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.

The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches.  THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience.  Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort. 

We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.

The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.

There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.

Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.

The Stamp Ralley was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.

Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.

khao lak merlin resort beach
khao lak merlin resort beach
khao lak merlin beach resort trees
khao lak merlin beach resort trees
khao lak merlin resort wildlife
khao lak merlin resort wildlife

We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!

There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.

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