The 5 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand takes you high into the mountains of Northern Thailand all enjoyed from Thailand’s iconic Tuk Tuk
Duration
PriceAn incredible 5 day adventure taking you high into the mountains of Northern Thailand all enjoyed from Thailand’s most iconic vehicle – the Tuk Tuk. There is no better way to get under the skin of this stunning part of the world and get an insight into the ‘real’ Thailand that most travellers miss completely.
The 5 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand puts you right into the heart of the most beautiful part of Thailand. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the mountains with the best view possible – our specially converted Tuk Tuks able to cope with the mountain roads with ease. Remote Temples, off the beaten track Hill Tribe communities, elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking, incredible food and of course, your very own Tuk Tuk. Adventures don’t come any better.
Itinerary for the 5 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand:
Day 1: ARRIVAL, MEET YOUR TUK TUK, EXPLORE REMOTE TEMPLES AND SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES
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 lovely local hotel which is your base for the next couple of nights and then 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 twisty and sometimes steep mountain roads but also to give extra comfort and views. There are Bluetooth speakers for you to play your favourite road trip tunes 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 choosing 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 on our off road training area.
Once your training is complete, you’re then 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 adventure 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 Thai dinner at a local ‘country – pub’. Great food, live music, brilliant views across the fields and a great way to end the day.
• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 3 HOURS INCLUDING DRIVER TRAINING
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 45 km
Inclusions:
• Transfer from The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel to our ‘base camp’ in Mae Wang
• Guide and support team
• Full Tuk Tuk orientation / driver training (for those on with the self-drive option)
• Exploration of remote Temples, rural communities and off the beaten track locations
• Lunch, dinner and drinking water throughout the day
• Twin / double accommodation in a very pleasant rural resort in Mae Wang – air-conditioning, en-suite facilities, wi-fi.
Day 2: WATERFALLS, HILL TRIBE VILLAGES, ELEPHANTS AND BAMBOO RAFTING
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 a hill top Temple with great views of the surrounding mountains, giving you a glimpse of where you’ll be heading tomorrow!
You’re then heading North up the valley in your Tuk Tuk 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 and what the team at the Elephant home have been doing to continually improve the lives of the elephants. Then, after a simple but filling lunch at the home (right next to the elephants), it’s time to enjoy the company of these wonderful animals. You’ll be able to help their mahouts feed them and then walk with them (no riding allowed!) to the local river where they take their daily bath.
After the elephants are clean you’ll have a change of pace as you float gently downstream on bamboo rafts before it’s then time for a late afternoon Tuk Tuk convoy as you head back to the base camp to freshen up before heading out for another great dinner at a local family restaurant.
• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 3.5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 70 km
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team
• Tuk Tuk and driver (chauffeur option)
• Visits to Temples, Pagoda’s, elephant home experience and bamboo rafting
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water throughout the day
• Twin / double accommodation in a very pleasant rural resort in Mae Wang – air-conditioning, en-suite facilities, wi-fi.
Day 3: AND WE’RE OFF – THAILAND’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN HERE WE COME
After an early breakfast you’re back in the Tuk Tuk convoy and heading along some of the most spectacular 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 do 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 any questions or simply chat to your fellow travellers!
The first 20-30km of the route is simple with gentle curving roads but you soon hit stunning switch back bends, breath-taking scenery and small Karen Hill Tribe communities as you make our way towards Doi Inthanon National Park.
Enjoy the look of real 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 explore different locations, take in the views and course to sample some of the great coffee that grows in this area. Lunch will be in a roadside snack bar – more tasty Thai fare!
You’ll arrive at our accommodation in the village of Mae Khlang Luang by early / mid afternoon before then jumping into another classic Thai mode of transport - a ‘Songtaew’. A taxi adapted from a pick-up truck which will take you to the summit of Doi Inthanon (over 2,500 metres) where you’ll explore some of the trails and take in the spectacular views.
This evening it’s time for a traditional Thai BBQ eaten over the rice fields as the sun sets behind the mountains. Another great end to a superb day
• TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 4 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
• DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 85 km
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team
• Tuk Tuks, support vehicle and driver (chauffeur driven option)
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water throughout the day
• Visit to Doi Inthanon and National Park entry fees
• Twin / double accommodation near Doi Inthanon – this is the most ‘basic’ of the accommodation but it’s the best available and by staying here we can ensure that you’re located in a stunning location and perfectly located for the trek tomorrow. Fan cooled, en-suite bathrooms, wi-fi available
Day 4: HIKING
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 charming 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 forest.
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 – one of our favourite coffee shops anywhere in Northern Thailand.
NOTE – the 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 Thai 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
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team
• Trek and trekking guide
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinking water throughout the day
• Twin / double accommodation near Doi Inthanon – this is the most ‘basic’ of the accommodation but it’s the best available and by staying here we can ensure that you’re located in a stunning location and perfectly located for the trek tomorrow. Fan cooled, en-suite bathrooms, wi-fi available
Day 5: TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
The 5 day adventure comes to an end this morning as you say goodbye to your Tuk Tuk and transfer back to Chiang Mai City by private minivan.
The transfer will take place in the morning and you will arrive in Chiang Mai (The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel) before midday.
Inclusions:
• Breakfast
• Transfer to The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
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