Northern Thailand Tuk Tuk Adventure

You’ll be picked up at 10:00am from the CHIANG MAI GATE HOTEL in Chiang Mai city and our team will transfer you by private minivan to The Tuk Tuk Club HQ in Mae Wang, around 45-60 minutes South West of the city.

On arrival you’ll check into the super local hotel which is your base for the next couple of nights and the immediately get to meet your Tuk Tuk (you’ll become very fond of this wonderful machine over the next few days!) and of course meet your guide and support team.

Note – our Tuk Tuks are specially modified to not only cope perfectly with the winding mountain roads but also to give extra comfort and views. There are Bluetooth speakers for you to play your road tip selections and you can even roll back the roof if you fancy catching some sun!

You’ll then head for a delicious lunch at a ‘laid back’ local restaurant where your guide will run through all of the adventures ahead.

NOTE:
For those on the self-drive option there will be a detailed, in-depth driver training session followed by a test that all drivers must pass before heading out onto the road. For those who’ve chosen the chauffeur option this is a great experience to learn more about the Tuk Tuks, how they work and, if you’d like, the opportunity to have a quick go yourself!

Then you’re off exploring tiny winding rural lanes, passing through rarely visited communities and fascinating Temples with stunning views. At one of the Temples you’ll receive a blessing for the adventures ahead giving you a real insight into how communities interact with Monks and their local Temple.

You’ll arrive back at base in the late afternoon in time to freshen up and head out for a delicious traditional Thai dinner at a local ‘country – pub’. Great food, live music and a very special place.

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 3 HOURS INCLUDING DRIVER TRAINING
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 45 km

After breakfast you’re back into your Tuk Tuk (we guarantee you’ll already be possessive about which Tuk Tuk is ‘yours’!) and you’ll head through the countryside and small communities to a fantastic pagoda at Wat Doi Sapanyoo with great views of the surrounding mountains, giving you a glimpse of where you’ll be heading tomorrow!

You’re then head North up the valley in your Tuk Tuk as to a fantastic, small elephant home that is leading the way in taking elephants away from a life of trekking and instead creating an environment where people can learn about and spend time with elephants on their terms, not ours!

On arrival, you’ll learn about the history of the elephants, what the team at the Elephant home are doing and then, after a great lunch at the home, it’s time to enjoy the company of these wonderful animals. You’ll be able to feed them, get to know them and then walk with them (no riding allowed!) to the local river where you’ll bathe with them.

In the late afternoon you’ll have a change of pace as we float gently downstream on bamboo rafts before it’s then time for a late afternoon convoy as we head back to the base camp to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local family restaurant before getting ready for an adventurous day tomorrow.

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 3.5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 70 km

After an early breakfast you’re hitting the road and heading along small country roads towards Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon.

Your guide will be in the lead Tuk Tuk and everyone travels in convoy with the support vehicle at the rear (the support vehicle takes all your luggage, spare parts for the Tuk Tuks – always best to be prepared! – and huge amounts of water!). And note that each Tuk Tuk has a walkie talkie so not only can your guide let you know all sorts of information but you can also ask anything you need or simply chat to your fellow travellers!

The first 20-30km of the route is simple with gentle curving roads but we soon hit stunning switch back bends, incredible scenery and tiny Karen hill tribe villages as we make our way towards the National Park.

Enjoy the look of complete surprise from everyone as they see Tuk Tuks this far up in the mountains – trust us, novelty doesn’t not even begin to cover it – and you’ll stop frequently to have a look at different villages / views and of course to sample some of the great coffee and snacks in small villages. Lunch will be in a roadside snack bar – hearty Thai fare!

You arrive at our accommodation mid-afternoon in the village of Mae Khlang Luang before jumping in another classic Thai mode of transport - a ‘Songtaew’ - a taxi adapted from a pick-up truck, which drives us to the summit of Doi Inthanon (over 2,500 metres) where you’ll explore some of the trails and take in the views.

This evening it’s time for a traditional Thai BBQ eaten over the rice fields as the sun sets over the mountains. A great end to a superb day


• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 4 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 85 km

The Tuk Tuks have a well-earned rest today as you head to explore the foothills of Doi Inthanon on foot!
Starting with a quick transfer by truck you then walk up into the forest led by a superb local guide (who knows everything about every tree and plant – and can spot a snake from miles away!) and then hike past stunning waterfalls, rivers and towering trees.

There are a number of spots where you can cool off with a dip in the pools under the waterfalls and you’ll have a packed lunch (wrapped in leaves) in a clearing in the forest.

The hike ends with a walk back down into the village where you stayed last night and there’s the chance to enjoy the freshest coffee around at a local old-style mountain coffee shop – probably our favourite coffee shop anywhere in Northern Thailand.

NOTE – the trek / hike is suitable for all. The total distance is around 5-6km, we take it at a gentle place and after the initial uphill section, the majority of the hike is flat or downhill

This evening it’s time for another superb feast – again overlooking the rice terraces – and perhaps one or two well deserved cold beers!

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: NA – no Tuk Tuk driving today
• DISTANCE COVERED: NA

Time to get back on the road and today you head out of Doi Inthanon National Park towards our destination of Mae Sariang, close to the Burmese / Myanmar border. Hopefully you’ve got your road trip playlist perfected (don’t forget to charge those Bluetooth speakers) as todays route is simply perfect as we get deep into the heart of rural Northern Thailand (we spend much of the day in territory where Thai visitors are a rarity, let alone people from overseas!)


You route winds along through incredible scenery and some very quiet roads for the first section of the day and we then join the ‘main road’ for the last hour or two on the descent into Mae Sariang. Towering trees, steep hills and more than a few sharp curves are the order of the day and you’ll, as always, have frequent stops to enjoy the area and let the Tuk Tuks cool down!

You’ll arrive in Mae Sariang around late afternoon and check into your pleasant riverside accommodation for the night – complete with swimming pool by the river!

Mae Sariang is well worth exploring. With friendly people, a fascinating mix of Thai and Burmese culture (Mae Sariang is home to many Burmese Muslims), interesting Temples and more than one laid back, friendly bar to visit and meet the locals.

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 5-6 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 160 km

After a good night’s rest (or a late night enjoying the friendly bars of Mae Sariang!) you’re back in the best seats in the house for the spectacular drive to Mae Hong Son, your overnight location.

The route starts out pretty gently but it’s not long before you’re heading up and over mountains and along fantastic winding roads with mountains stretching off into the distance across the Myanmar border.

You’ll stop for lunch at what we like to think is Northern Thailand’s best road side restaurant - the perfect place to get seriously adventurous with your food (raw buffalo anyone?) before continuing on along these fantastic roads towards our overnight destination just outside Mae Hong Son town.

By late afternoon you’ll arrive at the magnificent Fern Resort your base for the next two nights. ‘Fern’ is fast becoming a legend amongst Tuk Tuk Club travellers and with its lovely bungalows set around rice paddies, surrounded by forest and, in our view, the best sunset bar in the world (now with added infinity pool). The perfect place to rest up after a stunning day!

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 5-6 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 165 km

Another day off for the Tuk Tuks today (they’re wonderful machines but do need their beauty sleep) and a day off for you too – if you wish.

There are no activities planned for today – you can hang out by the infinity pool if you wish or alternatively there’s a great 8km trek right from the resort (with added dogs who walk with you as guides – we’re not joking!).

If swimming or trekking don’t appeal then why not head into town to explore, visit Wat Doi Kong Mu the most important Temple in the area with amazing views over the town or even take a river boat trip and visit different Hill Tribe villages.

Let your guide team and drivers know and then will be able to sort everything out for you – but trust us, they won’t judge you if you fancy a lazy day by the pool!

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: NA – no Tuk Tuk driving today
• DISTANCE COVERED: NA

Pai, one of the most famous of all mountain towns in Thailand, is your destination today but before you get there you need to negotiate several hundred bends and some of the steepest roads on the trip.

Take in the spectacular views, fascinating communities and even the odd tasty mountain coffee along the way.

You’ll stop for lunch at Lod Caves and then, if you’d like, explore the huge cave system with a local guide – don’t worry, you’re not scrabbling through tiny potholes, rather enjoying a raft along the river than runs through the caves.

By late afternoon you’ll drop down into the valley where Pai sits but not before a couple of awesome pit stops – try your hand at the Hill Tribe swing, we dare you! – and arrive at your laid back resort for the next couple of nights.

Time to freshen up and either enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by rice fields and mountains (and another relaxing infinity pool) or head into town to explore. The choice is yours.
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• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 4-5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 120 km

A final day of rest before the last push tomorrow when you head back to base. Enjoy the resort and pool, wander around the local village or why not head further afield and explore hot springs, a giant land split (!) and Pai Canyon.

Your guide team can help organise everything and even go along with you if you’d like (whilst the support team do their final checks on your Tuk Tuk ready for the last days adventure tomorrow)

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: NA – no Tuk Tuk driving today
• DISTANCE COVERED: NA

Today’s drive is simply stunning - we’ve saved the best for last for sure.

Leaving Pai behind you’re immediately deep into the countryside heading along tiny mountain roads on our journey back South to Mae Wang.

It’s 180 km of pure magic – random hot springs (and boiled eggs if you’d like), Hill Tribe villages with teak Temples, giant Buddha heads appearing out of the forest and even Thailand’s very own Rio de Janeiro (we’ll leave that one for you to see on the day!), today takes you off the map rather than off the beaten track.


Enjoy the ride and make the most of your last day of adventure in your trusty bright orange Tuk Tuk!

You’ll arrive back in Mae Wang by late afternoon (where the adventure started) and there’s time to freshen up before heading out to a village restaurant for one final superb group Thai feast.

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 6.5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 180 km

Your adventure comes to an end today with a minivan transfer back to The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel arriving around late morning.

Say your farewells to you fellow travellers and team and know that you’re now a fully-fledged member of The Tuk Tuk Club.