Northern Thailand Tuk Tuk Adventure

Northern Thailand Tuk Tuk Adventure

315 Views
11 Days From

$2052

$1988

Northern Thailand Tuk Tuk Adventure

11 Days Starting and ending in Chiang Mai

Visiting: Mae Wang District, Mae Klang Luang, Mae Khlang Luang, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, Pai District, Pai, Chiang Mai

Tour operator:

The Tuk Tuk Club

Tour code:

TTTC11

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2052 $1988 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$65

NB: Prices correct on 12-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

A truly amazing 11 Day Adventure in Northern Thailand and the very best way to experience this stunning part of the world which many say is the ‘real’ Thailand. Get ready for a superb adventure from your seat in Thailand’s most iconic vehicle – the Tuk Tuk - choosing from either our 'self-drive' or 'chauffeur' driven options. This action-packed adventure gets you right off the beaten track and into the heart of Thailand. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the mountains with the best view possible – specially converted Tuk Tuk able to cope with the mountain roads with ease. Remote Temples, off the beaten track Hill Tribe communities, elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking, stunning overnight locations, incredible food and, of course, your bright orange Tuk Tuk. There simply is no better way to experience real Thailand!

Highlights

  • Drive your own (or choose our chauffeur driven option) through the mountains of Thailand

  • Stay in a Karen Hill Tribe mountain village

  • Meet and learn about elephants

  • Stay in fantastic locally owned accommodation

  • Trek through the foothills of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain

  • Experience Thailand at it's very best

Places You'll See

Driving In Convoy Along Rural Lanes

Karen Hill Tribe Mountain Village

Wonderful Elephants

Trekking In The Foothills Of Doi Inthanon

The Stunning Infinity Pool In Pai

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival, Meet Your Tuk Tuk, Explore Remote Temples And Tiny Communities

Location: Mae Wang District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 2 : Waterfalls, Hill Tribe Villages, Elephants And Bamboo Rafting

Location: Mae Wang District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 3 : And We’Re Off – Doi Inthanon Here We Come

Location: Mae Klang Luang

Accommodation: Rural lodge - simple but clean and in a stunning location

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 4 : Trekking

Location: Mae Khlang Luang

Accommodation: Rural lodge - as per night 3

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 5 : On The Road Again….

Location: Mae Sariang

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 6 : More Bends And Mountains

Location: Mae Hong Son

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 7 : Free Day To Explore Mae Hong Son

Location: Mae Hong Son

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 8 : Mountain Roads To Pai

Location: Pai District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.
.

• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 4-5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 120 km

Day 9 : Enjoy Pai And The Surrounding Area

Location: Pai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 10 : The Final Leg - Backroads To Mae Wang

Location: Mae Wang District

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 11 : Farewell

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

    All drinking water is provided throughout the adventure - along with your own personal re-usable water bottle

  • Accommodation

    Twin / double shared accommodation is of course provided throughout the adventure. Always locally owned giving a real sense of this wonderful part of the world

  • Entrance Fees

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

    Each adventure is led by a passionate, experienced English speaking guide who is assisted by our support team with you every step of the way

  • Fully Guided

  • Local Taxes

  • Meals – Half Board

    All breakfasts are included along with 4 lunches and 5 dinners along the way!

  • Meals – Half Board

  • The best travel adventure in Northern Thailand!

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    The adventure starts on day 1 when we meet everyone at our pick up point (The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel) at 10:00am

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping is not compulsory (f course) but always gratefully received if you feel the team have gone over and beyond!

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Check out our Q&As

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    You'll need Thai Baht throughout this trip - ATM / Cash Machines are available throughout the trip other than on days 3 and 4. Budgeting around 5-7,000THB for the full trip should be more than enough to cover the meals not included and any beers / soft drinks you would like

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mike - UK traveller  

Tuk Tuk Tastic

19-Dec-2018

This was an amazing experience, run by professionals who clearly care passionately about their customers and the country they're visiting. Highly recommended! Our expectations were high, however, our 11 day adventure exploring the delights of Thailand's northern countryside was exceptional. The attention to detail provided by the Tuk Tuk Club of every element of the trip was excellent. We were blown away by the care and attention provided by the entire team. Thank you Bruce, Graham, Tony, Yaya and Boon

Tina - UK traveller  

Experience Northern Thailand in a totally different way

21-Jan-2020

What can I say - except wow! This trip has to be experienced! Seeing Northern Thailand whilst driving a tuk tuk was such great fun. The whole itinerary for the 11 day tour takes you from fabulous place to another fabulous place, whilst traversing up and down windy roads. With views which are simply stunning. From a home stay to gorgeous boutique hotels really give you a chance to experience the real Thailand. Not forgetting - food to die for! And If you were worried about driving a tuk tuk - don’t be. On hand training and guides throughout the holiday are there to help. If I can drive a tuk tuk so can you! Book it - you won’t regret it

Mi in Mi - travellers from the US  

Trip of a Lifetime

12-Mar-2020

A "trip of a lifetime" is a phrase that is over used, but in this case it is the only comment I could think of that would properly describe our 11 day trip with the Tuk Tuk club. Mr Bruce has put together a fantastic tour, supported by a world class team, that gives you the rare opportunity to experance the real Thailand. My wife and I have been fortunate enough to travel to many great destinations, but this trip now ranks as our number one travel expearance. Our guide, Mr Tony, worked very hard to exceed our expectations, and was always available to make sure our group had everything we needed. If you want a trip that's out of the ordinary, and affords you the opportunity to experience life in Thailand away from the normal touristy "stuff" then this is the vacation for you

US traveller  

We'll be back

12-Jul-2020

Loved this unforgettable, amazing adventure with my husband and 2 teenage sons. Tong (Tony) is a 5 star service guide who is funny, patient, informed, upbeat, polite, safe, adventurous and customer-focused, with an excellent grasp of the English language. We feel like Tony is part of our family now. Mr. Boon is cool as a cucumber and takes great care of the tuk tuks. We had excellent travel companions for the first 5 days of the tour and were sad to see them go. Can't wait until the Tuk Tuk club expands in Laos and Cambodia! Count us in

Helen - UK  

Amazing holiday - best ever!

17-May-2019

We travelled on the Tuk Tuk Club 11 day tour last May. I can do nothing but praise every aspect of this journey. The driving, the countryside, the sights, the food, the fantastic tour guides - everything was just perfect, Straight from booking the holiday when Bruce was able to help and answer all manner of questions, through to Graham and Tony our 24/7 guides nothing was too much trouble, I truly could not recommend this tour too highly and I’m lucky enough to have travelled extensively in the past

Tony and group - Hong Kong travellers  

FUNtastic

18-Dec-2019

8 of us had just finished the most enjoyable holiday driving tuk tuks round Chiang Mai, thanks to Bruce, Graham and most of all Tony, the guide. We were spoiled by Tony throughout. He was informative and never tired of answering our questions about Thailand, its relationship with neighbouring countries and the tribes living in the area. He was attentive, funny, helpful and caring to us, all aged retirees looking for challenges. 5 of us took on the task of driving the tuk tuks in turn and they were able to get the hang of it after a brief training session on the first day. The driving was fun though some stretches of the road were quite challenging. There were more than 4,000 bends covering a distance of 800 KM. We as passengers thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the back soaking in the beautiful countryside. A typical driving day had 4 to 5 breaks for coffee, shopping for local produce, sightseeing activities and lunch so the drive would not be too tiring. The activities were unexpectedly amazing. On the first free day, the short hike to the waterfalls was lovely. On the next rest day, we had an interesting visit to a nearby Chinese village and crossed the border to Myanmar where the Shan tribe live. On the last free day, a local mountain guide led us hike through beautiful paddy fields and forests. It was sunny throughout the journey although it was cold up in the mountains at night, and at times, its a bit chilly sitting at the back of the tuk tuk. As far as accommodation is concerned, the River House Hotel, the Fern Resort and the Phu Art Pai Resort are good. The rest are fairly basic. All in all, we are telling our friends to come to experience this part of Thailand, away from the ever busy Bangkok and beaches, in tuk tuks

Glenys - Australia  

Awesome

17-Oct-2019

Big big thank you to our guides Tony and Boy, they made the trip. A credit to you Bruce. Also our gorgeous fellow traveler Sabine. Very well done. Lots of fabulous experiences, food and views. Nothing was rushed no hurry as Tony would say. While some accommodations were a bit basic they were very clean and cost. The Tuk Tuks were easy and fun to drive. Lots of stops for bathroom and tasty Thai coffee. Amazing views. Will definitely to this trip again

Isobel and family - UK travellers  

Fabulous Experience of Thailand

15-Aug-2019

I was doubtful that 11 days driving was going to be the best holiday but it was! The scenery was magnificent and most was so untouristy that it suited me and my husband and 18 year old down to the ground. I now want either a tuk tuk or a motorbike. Hotels were a good mix and Tony and Mr Boon were always so helpful. Even when it rained it was fun! The range of activities was brilliant.Please go to new places so we can explore some more! Thanks for a fab holiday

Ana  

Above and beyond expectations

08-Mar-2019

Whoever wants a unique experience should try this tour. Every single day is a new experience, a new adventure. You simply can't wait until the morning to jump into the driving seat to the next adventure. You learn so much about the tribes, habits, nature, history, religion and food from this region. Thai people are most probably the kindest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. The whole trip is fun, safe and relaxing. My highest gratitude and appreciation goes to Tony and OE, our tour guides. Without their guidance we would never experience Northern Thailand the same way.

Read all 9 reviews

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Thursday

Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$2052 $1988

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$65

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025
$2052 $1988

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$65

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    The Tuk Tuk Club allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform the tuk tuk club, 14 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    The Tuk Tuk Club requires a minimum deposit of 50 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the tuk tuk club charges.

    Up to 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews