Enduro Riding in Phuket: Abdou, Charlie and Eric Ride Out
A morning on the trails above Phuket
This video is a fresh chapter in Nicola Vega's ongoing series documenting enduro riding in Phuket, and it captures a relaxed morning session recorded on 7 June 2026 and published the following day. Running for roughly nineteen minutes, it follows three riders and one support driver as they thread their way through the island's back country. If you have been curious about what the trails beyond the beaches actually look like, this clip is a genuine, unfiltered window into that world. You can browse the wider collection on the Adventure & Riding channel, and use it as a starting point for planning a ride of your own.
Meet the riders
The group here is small and well matched. Abdoulaye Diallo, known to many as DJ Tyvon, rides a Kawasaki KLX160, a light and forgiving machine that suits tight, technical going. Charlie Cardinal takes on the terrain aboard a Honda CRF450RL, a bigger and punchier bike with plenty of power held in reserve. Nicola Vega, who films much of the series, sits on a Honda CRF300L, a popular middleweight that balances trail manners with comfort on the connecting roads. Watching over the whole outing is Eric Francois, who follows in a Ford Wildtrak 4x4 pickup, ready to lend a hand, carry kit and keep an eye on the group from the tracks the bikes can reach.
The standout moment
The clear highlight of the day belongs to Abdou. On the modest KLX160 he puts in an impressive, almost stunt-like performance, attacking obstacles with a confidence that far outstrips the size of his bike. By the end of the session he draws the natural conclusion that he needs a bigger machine, which tells you plenty about how hard he was pushing. It is the kind of moment that makes a ride memorable, and it is well worth watching to see how much a capable rider can coax out of a small-capacity enduro bike on genuinely demanding ground.
The mix of machines and the terrain
Part of what makes this session interesting is the spread of equipment. A nimble KLX160, a powerful CRF450RL and a steady CRF300L give three different takes on the same trails, while the Ford Wildtrak provides support and a safety net that many casual riders overlook. Phuket's jungle terrain is more varied than first-time visitors expect. Beyond the resorts, the island rises into forested hills laced with rough tracks, loose surfaces, exposed roots, ruts and the occasional stream crossing. Conditions shift quickly with the weather, and a dry line one week can turn slick and heavy after rain. Elevation changes are gentle in places and surprisingly steep in others, so a stretch that reads as easy on the map can demand real concentration once you are on it. To see where these routes sit within the island's wider network, take a look at the full Phuket trails overview and the dedicated enduro riding section, both of which help put a single video like this into context.
Ride it yourself, safely
If the footage tempts you to try it, plan sensibly. Ride within your ability rather than chasing what you see on screen, and build up gradually on easier ground before tackling anything technical. Much of the land here is privately held, so respect plantations, fences and working farms, and never assume a track is open to the public. The single best step you can take is to go out with someone who genuinely knows the trails, because local knowledge keeps you on legal, rideable ground and away from hazards. Carry water, tell someone your plan, wear proper protective gear and check your bike over before you set off. Approached with care and respect, enduro riding in Phuket is a rewarding way to see a side of the island that most visitors never reach, and Nicola's series is a helpful guide to what is possible.
