Hey, welcome to 8Adventures! If you’re new to ATV/ Quad biking, we also recommend reading our guide, How to Ride an ATV, which explains the basics of operating an ATV, safety and what to expect as a first-time rider.
From Chiang Mai to the Mountains
The day begins with hotel pickup from Chiang Mai at around 8:30 am before heading north to our base camp in Mae Taeng. During the journey, guests watch a short safety video introducing the day’s activity before arriving at camp.
After a welcome briefing, there is time to enjoy complimentary tea or coffee while everyone gets ready for the morning ahead. Guests are then fitted with protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, boots, knee protection and body armour, before heading outside to meet our ATVs
Before leaving the base camp, every rider completes a practical training session on our purpose-built practice circuit. This gives everyone the opportunity to become familiar with the controls while allowing our guides to assess confidence and answer any questions. Once everyone is comfortable, it’s time to leave the training area and begin exploring the Mae Taeng Valley.
ATV safety gear
ATV test track
The first few kilometres provide a gentle introduction. Quiet roads beside the Mae Taeng River pass local homes, roadside food stalls and small farming communities, while whitewater rafting trips can often be seen making their way downstream. Rather than rushing straight into the mountains, the route gradually leaves the busy roads behind as the scenery begins to change.
Through Forests, Farmland and Mountain Villages
One of the things that makes Mae Taeng such an enjoyable place to explore is the variety of landscapes within a relatively small area. During a typical ride, the route passes through farmland, bamboo forests, native woodland and mountain tracks, with regular stops to take photographs, enjoy the views and have a drink of water.
The season also changes the character of the tour. During the rainy months the surrounding hills become intensely green, streams begin flowing again and muddy sections add another dimension to the ride. In the cooler season, clear skies often reveal panoramic views across the Mae Taeng Valley, while the forest provides welcome shade throughout the hotter months.
As the trail climbs higher into the hills, small villages begin to appear. Communities including Lahu and Lisu families, alongside local people born and raised in Mae Taeng, continue to live and farm in these mountains. Visitors pass through respectfully, gaining a glimpse of everyday rural life that many people never experience during a typical visit to Chiang Mai.
When conditions allow, one of the highlights of the tour is driving up to Huay Ka Kup, where traditional homes overlook sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and valley below. It is one of the most popular places to stop for photographs and appreciate just how varied the landscape becomes once you leave the main road behind.
Mae Taeng epic view
Chiang Mai quad biking tour
Depending on the day and the season, butterflies, dragonflies and tropical birds are often seen along the route. Often, local mahouts walk elephants between nearby camps using the same forest tracks. When this happens, our guides stop the group, switch off the engines and allow everyone to quietly watch from a respectful distance before continuing the ride.
Throughout the tour there are regular opportunities to stop for photographs, enjoy the changing scenery and simply take in the atmosphere of the Mae Taeng countryside. Some guests enjoy the muddy sections and river crossings most, while others remember the mountain viewpoints or peaceful bamboo forests. Every group finishes the day talking about something slightly different.
After covering up to 40 kilometres over approximately three hours, the tour returns to base camp where hot showers and changing facilities are available before lunch is served. A typical meal includes Thai tom yum soup, chicken Kyiv, fresh salad and seasonal local fruit, providing a relaxed end to the morning before returning to Chiang Mai.
Our ATV tour is often described as an off-road adventure, but for many guests it becomes something more than that. It is an opportunity to explore quieter parts of Mae Taeng, discover landscapes beyond the usual tourist route and spend a few hours experiencing the forests, villages and mountain scenery that make this corner of northern Thailand such a rewarding place to visit.