Transport

You’ll experience a range of different transportation throughout the adventure Whilst the majority of journeys are in your Tuk Tuk we will also use: Minivans - to transfer you from Chiang Mai city at the start of the trip and back to the city on Day 11 Songtaews - converted pick up trucks with bench seats in the back to head up to the summit of Doi Inthaon Bamboo rafts! - when you spend time floating gently downstream on Day 2!

Others

There are a huge amount of inclusions in the adventure All actvities listed in the itienerary National Park entry fees Most meals Guides and Drivers Support vehicle for your bags (and Tuk Tuk spare parts) Water throughout the adventure

Accommodation

Accommodation The accommodation is intentionally of a very high standard throughout the trip to allow you to ‘adventure’ during the day but relax and enjoy great surrounding in the evenings and free days. After all, who says an adventure needs to be uncomfortable! Mae Wang ‘base camp’ – nights 1,2 and 10 – 3-4* Khum Khun Wang Resort (or similar), Mae Wang. A stylish Northern Thailand hotel in peaceful grounds with a laid back small dining area. Perfect for our ‘base camp’. Twin and double rooms - all with en-suite facilities, hot water, air-conditioning and wi-fi Doi Inthanon – nights 3 and 4 – 2* You’ll stay in the Karen Hill Tribe village of Mae Khlang Luang. Whilst this is the ‘simplest’ accommodation of the adventure the rooms are spacious, clean and, being perched overlooking the rice terraces, in a superb location. All the rooms have en-suite facilities, hot water and are fan-cooled – there’s no need for air-conditioning this high in the mountains. The stunning location and lovely experience of staying in the village far outweighs the simple nature of the rooms! Mae Sariang – night 5 – 3-4* River House Hotel (or River House resort depending on season) – fantastic twin rooms located right on the river in Mae Sariang. Air-conditioning, en-suite, excellent food and a great location for relaxing beers after a hard day’s driving Mae Hong Son – nights 6 and 7– 3-4* Fern Resort (or similar) – a well established country resort located in the heart of the forest and surrounded by rice fields. If it was good enough for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie then it’s good enough for us! Twin share rooms, air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and stunning sunset bar! Pai – nights 8 and 9 – 4* Belle Villa Resort – around 2km outside the town of Pai and set in a peaceful area this resort is a great location to unwind. All the small cottage style and a short walk to the swimming pool and restaurant. And it’s only a few minutes transfer into the town if you want to head and explore.

Meals

Many meals are included in this adventure - allowing you to really explore the fantastic food in this part of the world. You will nead to budget around 1,600 - 2,000THB for meals that aren’t included in the itinerary (you could spend alot less but we always think it’s nice to have a bit more budget so you can really explore the different food on offer!) Day 1 Lunch - a great introduction to ’real’ Thai food at a local restaurant eaten Thai style as you share up to four dishes with lots of rice of course. Dinner - you’ll head out to experience a real Thai style ’country pub’. Fantastic food, great views and live music making this a great way to enjoy your first evening. Day 2 Breakfast - a simple breakfast (mixture of Thai and ’Western’) at the hotel Lunch - a simple but hearty Thai lunch at the elephant home Dinner - another great multi-dish Thai feast at a laid back faimly run local restaurant Day 3 Breakfast - a simple breakfast (mixture of Thai and ’Western’) at the hotel Lunch - a simple but delicious Thai roadside lunch up in the mountains Dinner - a traditional Thai BBQ overlooking the rice fields in the Hill Tribe village Day 4 Breakfast - a simple breakfast (mixture of Thai and ’Western’) at the HIll Tribe Lodge Lunch - you’ll take a packed lunch with you to eat on the trek. Wrapped in banana leaves somehow it always tastes doubly delicious as you eat in the middle of the forest! Dinner - a great Thai feast in the Hill Tribe village Day 5 Breakfast - a simple breakfast (mixture of Thai and ’Western’) at the HIll Tribe Lodge Day 6 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel Day 7 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel Day 8 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel Day 9 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel Day 10 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel Dinner - a final Thai feast at a fantastic local restuarant where we’ll do our best to ensure all your favourites from the last 10 days are included! Day 11 Breakfast - a mixture of Thai and Western options at the hotel

Guide

You’re accompanied on your adventure by a superb guide and a team of drivers. Our guides are all local experts, passionate about Northern Thailand, adventure and ensuring that you get the absolute most out of every day of your trip. They are of course bi-lingual in English and Thai and when not leading the way through the stunning mountain roads, they’re always on hand to help with whatever you need. Out team of drivers are all experts behind the ’wheel’ of a Tuk Tuk, know the routes like the back of their hand and also great mechanics - after all these are Tuk Tuks, not precision engineered BMW’s!

Hygieneprotocol

Please note that it’s important that all our travellers follow Thailand’s COVID-19 measures The main rule that impacts travellers in Thailand is, as of March 2022, the requirement to wear a face mask when not in your hotel room. We would also like to note that the communities we visit and spend time in our our adventures have asked that we ensure that all travellers are fully vaccinated as per Thailand’s requiremetns for either Test and Go or Sandbox entry to the country Many thanks The Tuk Tuk Club

Not included:

Others

Whilst a huge amount is included in the adventure, there are some exclusions: Travel insurance - complusory and important! Snacks and soft drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Alcoholic drinks Tips for the guide and driver team (customary in Thailand if you’ve enjoyed your trip)

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the price of the adventure but is compulsory - please make sure that you purchase travel insurance before you join the trip.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival, Meet Your Tuk Tuk, Explore Remote Temples And Tiny Communities
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival, Meet Your Tuk Tuk, Explore Remote Temples And Tiny 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 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 driver and guide 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 from the back seat. 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.

In the afternoon you’re straight into the back of your Tuk Tuk and off exploring tiny winding rural lanes, passing through rarely visited communities and fascinating Temples with stunning views. At one of the Temples we’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 fantastic traditional Thai dinner at a local ‘country – pub’. Great food, live music and a very special place.

Inclusions:

• Transfer from Chiang Mai Gate Hotel to our ‘base camp’

• Full Tuk Tuk orientation

• Exploration of remote Temples, rural communities and off the beaten track locations

• Lunch and dinner

• Twin / double share accommodation in a beautiful resort in Mae Wang – air-conditioning, en-suite rooms (single occupancy rooms can be requested for a small additional fee)
Day 2 Day 2: Waterfalls, Hill Tribe Villages, Elephants And Bamboo Rafting
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 North in convoy up the valley to the remote region of Mae Sapok.

Think ‘classic Thailand’ – rice terraces, water buffalo, the odd elephant handing out by the river and small wooden houses dotted around. You’ll hike through the forest to a cool waterfall and then explore the local Karen village

You’re then back in your Tuk Tuk as you head through small country roads to a fantastic 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 watch them bathe.

In the late afternoon we’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 for dinner and getting ready for an adventurous day tomorrow.

Inclusions:

• Tuk Tuk and driver

• Visits to waterfalls, a remote Hill Tribe village, elephant home experience and bamboo rafting

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Twin / double share accommodation in a beautiful resort in Mae Wang – air-conditioning, en-suite rooms (single occupancy rooms can be requested but a surcharge applies)
Day 3 Day 3: And We’Re Off – Doi Inthanon Here We Come
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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

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 shared taxi adapted from a pick up truck, which drives us to the summit of Doi Inthaon (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. Not a bad location to end the day!

Inclusions:

• Tuk Tuks and support vehicle

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• National Park entry fees

• Twin / double shared accommodation in Doi Inthanon (single occupancy rooms can be requested for a small additional fee) – this is the most ‘basic’ of the accommodation but intentionally so to ensure you’re located in the most stunning area and perfectly located for the trek tomorrow. Fan cooled, en-suite bathrooms
Day 4 Day 4: Hiking, Waterfalls And Mountain Coffee
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Hiking, Waterfalls And Mountain Coffee

The Tuk Tuks have a well-earned rest today as you head off and 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, babbling rivers and under 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 (it’s such a cool place we couldn’t possibly do it justice here!)

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, 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!

Inclusions:

• Trek and trekking guide

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Twin / double shared accommodation in Doi Inthanon (single occupancy rooms can be requested for a small additional fee) – this is the most ‘basic’ of the accommodation but intentionally so to ensure you’re located in the most stunning area and perfectly located for the trek tomorrow. Fan cooled, en-suite bathrooms
Day 5 Day 5: On The Road Again….
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: On The Road Again….

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 along 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 our spectacular 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, take frequent stops to enjoy the area, let the Tuk Tuk cool down and to allow traffic to pass (and see all taking photos of you as yet again everyone is stunned by the site to Tuk Tuks up here).

You’ll arrive in Mae Sariang around mid-late afternoon and check into your superb riverside accommodation for the night – complete with lovely 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!

Inclusions:

• Tuk Tuks and support vehicle

• Breakfast

• Twin /double share riverside accommodation in Mae Sariang – air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms
Day 6 Day 6: More Bends And Mountains
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: More Bends And Mountains

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 fantastic curved roads with mountains stretching off into the distance across the Myanmar border.

We stop for lunch at probably Northern Thailand’s best road side restaurant - the perfect place to get seriously adventurous with your food (raw buffalo anyone?) and then head off to explore side roads taking us through tine HilL Tribe village where it feels as if the world hasn’t changed for decades as we sidle right up to the Myanmar border.

By late afternoon we’ll arrive at the magnificent Fern Resort just outside Mae Hong Son town, your base for the next two nights. ‘Fern’ is fast becoming a legend amongst Tuk Tuk Club travellers and with it’s 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!

Inclusions

• Tuk Tuks and support vehicle

• Breakfast

• Twin / double share accommodation outside Mae Hong Song town – air-conditioning, en-suite, swimming pool and stunning location!
Day 7 Day 7: Free Day To Explore Mae Hong Son
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Free Day To Explore Mae Hong Son

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 cool 8km trek right from the resort (with added dogs who walk with you as guides – we’re not joking!).

Alternatively why not head into town to explore, visit Wat Doi Kong Mu overlooking the town or even take a boat trip and visit different Hill Tribe villages.

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

Inclusions:

• Optional trek – one of our team will accompany you

• Breakfast

• Twin / double share accommodation outside Mae Hong Son town – air-conditioning, en-suite, swimming pool and stunning location!
Day 8 Day 8: Mountain Roads To Pai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Mountain Roads To Pai

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.

Armed with your trusty driver (and you’re new found best friend – your Tuk Tuk) you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular views, cool communities and even the odd tasty mountain coffee along the way.

You’ll stop for lunch at Lod Caves and then 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 fantastic 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 cool infinity pool) or head into town to explore. The choice is yours.

.

Inclusions

• Tuk Tuks and support vehicle

• Breakfast

• Twin / doudle share accommodation outside Pai – air-conditioning, en-suite, swimming pool and stunning location!
Day 9 Day 9: Enjoy Pai And The Surrounding Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Enjoy Pai And The Surrounding Area

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

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

Inclusions:

• Breakfast

• Twin / double share accommodation outside Pai – air-conditioning, en-suite, swimming pool and stunning location!
Day 10 Day 10: The Final Leg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: The Final Leg

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

Leaving Pai behind we’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 (one village has a Christ the Redeemer statue in pride of place), today takes you off the map rather than off the beaten track.

Sit back, enjoy the ride and get ready to say your farewells to your favourite orange Tuk Tuk – and perhaps make sure you’ve got a couple of cold drinks to enjoy as you hit the last stretch of road before we get back to base in the late afternoon. There’s no better end to a superb bay of adventure.

On arrival Mae Wang there’s time to freshen up and then you’ll head out together for one last superb Thai feast.

Inclusions:

• Tuk Tuk and support vehicle

• Breakfast and dinner

• Twin / duble shared accommodation – air-conditioned and en-suite
Day 11 Day 11: Farewell
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Farewell

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.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast

• Transfer to the Chiang Mai Gate Hotel

11 days tour

11 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure In Thailand - With Driver!

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 11 Day Tuk Tuk Adventure In Thailand - With Driver!

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

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

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

Day 4: Hiking, Waterfalls And Mountain Coffee

Day 5: On The Road Again….

Day 6: More Bends And Mountains

Day 7: Free Day To Explore Mae Hong Son

Day 8: Mountain Roads To Pai

Day 9: Enjoy Pai And The Surrounding Area

Day 10: The Final Leg

Day 11: Farewell

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