Phuket looks flat on a map, but ride it and you will find three real hill climbs that separate an easy scooter from a good one: the Patong back road, the switchbacks up to Kata Noi viewpoint, and the steep final stretch to the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Mountain. We put Chang Thai's Honda ADV 160 through all three to see whether its extra ground clearance and taller suspension actually change the experience, or if it is just styling.
Honda ADV 160 — Quick Specs
| Spec | Honda ADV 160 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 160cc automatic |
| Ground clearance | High (built for uneven roads) |
| Suspension | Firmer, longer travel than standard scooters |
| Under-seat storage | 30L |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Braking | ABS |
| Daily rate (low / high season) | ฿500 / ฿550 |
| Monthly rate (low / high season) | ฿7,000 / ฿8,000 |
Rates shown are Chang Thai's current published rates — check the pricing page for the latest figures before booking.
Test 1: The Patong Back Road
The back road climbing away from Patong toward Kamala is short but steep, with several tight switchbacks where a heavier or softer-sprung scooter starts to wallow under braking. The ADV 160's firmer suspension keeps the front end settled through the turns, and the extra ground clearance means you are not scraping the footpegs or the centre stand on the steeper camber changes. It is not a dramatic difference at low speed, but riders who have felt a standard scooter bottom out on this stretch will notice the ADV 160 simply does not.
Test 2: Kata Noi Viewpoint Climb
The road up to the Kata Noi and Three Beaches viewpoint is a longer, steadier climb rather than a series of sharp corners, which is really a test of low-speed torque and braking confidence on the way back down. The ADV 160 pulls through the climb without hesitation two-up, and the extra weight over the front wheel from its longer wheelbase makes descending braking feel more planted than on a lighter, shorter scooter.
Test 3: Nakkerd Mountain (Big Buddha)
The final approach to the Big Buddha is the steepest sustained climb most rental scooters in Phuket will ever face, and it is where the ADV 160's advantages are clearest. Standard low-clearance scooters can catch their footpegs or belly pan on the steeper sections near the top car park; the ADV 160's higher stance clears these without drama. If Big Buddha and Nakkerd viewpoint are on your itinerary, this is the single strongest reason to choose the ADV 160 over a standard automatic.
ADV 160 vs Click 160 on Hills
We already put the Click 160 through its own hill test on the Patong climb (see our Honda Click 160 Phuket Hill Test). The Click 160 handles Phuket's hills competently for a standard scooter, but it was never designed around ground clearance the way the ADV 160 is. If your riding is mostly flat coastal roads with the occasional hill, the Click 160 is fine. If hills and viewpoints are a regular part of your plan, the ADV 160's clearance and suspension travel are a genuine upgrade, not just styling.
ADV 160 vs PCX 160 for Hills
The PCX 160 remains the more comfortable choice for flat, long-distance touring (see our Complete Honda PCX 160 Phuket Guide), but on the steep sections above Patong and Nakkerd, the ADV 160's higher ground clearance gives it more confidence. For a full side-by-side including the Yamaha NMAX 155, see our Best Scooter Phuket 2026 comparison.
Riding Two-Up on Hills
Carrying a passenger changes hill performance more than any spec sheet number. The ADV 160's more upright, naturally spread-out riding position keeps weight balanced over both wheels, which matters most on the Nakkerd climb where a heavily loaded, softly sprung scooter can feel vague under hard braking on the way down. For two-up riders planning to visit Big Buddha or the Kata Noi viewpoint, the ADV 160 is a noticeably more confident choice than a standard automatic.
Storage for Hill-Route Days
The 30L under-seat box is large enough for a full-face helmet plus a daypack, which matters on a hill-route day when you are stopping at multiple viewpoints and do not want to carry a bag on your back for hours. It is the largest under-seat capacity of any automatic in Chang Thai's standard fleet.
Where to Rent the ADV 160
The Honda ADV 160 is available at all five Chang Thai branches: Phuket Airport, Mai Khao, Bang Tao, Chalong, and Phuket Town. Chalong is the closest branch to the Nakkerd Mountain and Big Buddha route, and free hotel delivery is available in most areas — see our branches page for details.
If you plan to keep the ADV 160 for a while, our shop maintains its own fleet — see the Honda ADV 160 maintenance guide for how we keep these bikes running well on Phuket's hills.
FAQ
Is the Honda ADV 160 hard to ride on Phuket's hills for a beginner?
No — it uses the same twist-and-go automatic transmission as any other scooter in the fleet. The firmer suspension takes a few minutes to get used to, but it does not require any extra riding skill.
Can the ADV 160 make it all the way up to the Big Buddha two-up?
Yes. It is one of the more confident options in the fleet for the Nakkerd climb with a passenger, thanks to its ground clearance and more upright two-up riding position.
Is the ADV 160 worth the extra cost over a standard scooter just for hill routes?
If your itinerary includes Big Buddha, Kata Noi viewpoint, or the Patong back road more than once, yes — the difference in confidence and comfort on those specific climbs is the main reason to choose it.