THE TUK TUK CLUB – 11 DAY ADVENTURE IN NORTHERN THAILAND
SELF DRIVE and CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN ITINERARY
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.
This action-packed trip 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 in our specially built Tuk-Tuks able to cope with the mountain roads with ease.
Remote Temples, fascinating Hill Tribe communities, elephants, bamboo rafting, hiking, superb overnight locations, delicious food and, of course, your bright orange Tuk Tuk. There simply is no better way to experience real Thailand!
We have created this tour with our friends at The Tuk Tuk Club. The owner is a good friend over many years and has operated tours in every part of the world during the course of his time in the travel industry. Like Low Season Traveller, The Tuk Tuk Club takes its responsibility seriously to the environment and the local communities in which it operates. As such, we have agreed that for every booking made on this tour via Low Season Traveller, we will provide support and care for a mother and baby elephant and their mahout for one month. This is vital as the pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the local community and they are badly in need of support. So your dream adventure will provide a boost to the local community in Northern Thailand in more than one way…and that’s what we are all about 🙂
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, MEET YOUR TUK TUK, EXPLORE REMOTE TEMPLES AND SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES
You’ll be picked up at 10:00 am 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.
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.
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 RAFTINGYou’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 has 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 COMEAfter 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 with your fellow travellers!
The first 20-30km of the route is simple with gentle curving roads but you soon hit stunning switch backbends, 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 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: HIKINGThe 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: 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 today’s route takes you deep into the heart of rural Northern Thailand (you spend much of the day in the territory where Thai visitors are a rarity, let alone people from overseas!)
The 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 as always lots of stops to enjoy the surroundings, stretch your legs and keep stocked up with excellent coffee!
You’ll arrive in Mae Sariang by late afternoon and check into your pleasant riverside accommodation for the night, complete with a riverside swimming pool.
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
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)
• Tuk Tuk and support vehicle
• Breakfast and drinking water
• Twin / double riverside accommodation in Mae Sariang – air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, w-fi and a riverside swimming pool
DAY 6: MORE BENDS, MOUNTAINS AND INCREDIBLE VIEWS
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.
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, complete with infinity pool. The perfect place to rest up after a stunning day of adventure.
TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 5-6 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 165 km
Inclusions
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)Tuk Tuk and support vehicle
• Breakfast and drinking water
• Twin / double accommodation outside Mae Hong Song town – air-conditioning, en-suite, wi-fi, two swimming pools (!) and a stunning location.
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 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 riverboat trip and visit different Hill Tribe villages.
Let your guide team know and then will be able to arrange 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
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)
• Optional activities which our team will help arrive if you wish
• Breakfast and drinking water
• Twin/ double accommodation outside Mae Hong Son town – air-conditioning, en-suite, wi-fi, two swimming pools (!) and stunning location
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.
Take in the spectacular views, fascinating communities and yet more delicious mountain coffee along the way.
You’ll stop for lunch at the spectacular 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 that runs through the caves themselves
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, the base 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
Inclusions
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)
• Tuk Tuks and support vehicle
• Breakfast and drinking water
• Twin / double accommodation outside Pai – air-conditioning, en-suite, wi-fi, swimming pool and stunning location
DAY 9: ENJOY PAI AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
A final day of rest before the last push tomorrow when you head back to the Tuk Tuk Club 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 day’s adventure tomorrow)
TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: NA – no Tuk Tuk driving today
DISTANCE COVERED: NA
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)
• Breakfast and drinking water
• Twin / double accommodation outside Pai – air-conditioning, en-suite, wi-fi, swimming pool and stunning location
DAY 10: THE FINAL LEG
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 where the adventure all started, 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 work out on the day), today takes you off the map rather than just off the beaten track.
Enjoy the drive 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 and there’s time to freshen up before heading out to a village restaurant for one final superb Thai feast.
TUK TUK DRIVING TIME: +/- 6.5 HOURS SPREAD OUT OVER THE DAY
DISTANCE COVERED: +/- 180 km
Inclusions:
• Guide and support team (and driver – chauffeur-driven option)
• Tuk Tuk and support vehicle
• Breakfast, dinner and drinking water
• Twin / double accommodation in a very pleasant rural resort in Mae Wang – air-conditioning, en-suite facilities, wi-fi.
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 your 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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
By its very nature, this trip is an ‘adventure’ – when it’s hot….it’s hot, when It’s wet….it’s wet and when it’s cold….it’s cold (and it can get cold in the mountains between November and February with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping to 10C or even a bit less). And, as with any trip of this nature, there is some inherent risk which must be accepted by all travellers….but without a small amount of risk where is the adventure!
However, all routes and roads have been extensively researched (in Tuk Tuks of course), and our driving team always follow a gentle pace and adapts to the weather and road conditions at any given time.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
We will pick you up at 10:00am at the CHIANG MAI GATE HOTEL in Chiang Mai City. If you’re not staying there the night before your tour starts please make your own way to the hotel which is just outside the Southside of the old city walls. The address is: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel, 10/11 Suriyawong Road, Haiya, Chiang Mai, 50100. Telephone number: +66(0) 53 203 895 9
It’s easy to find and very well-known so any hotel you are staying at will be able to help you get a taxi there.
Can I book my own Tuk Tuk?
• This experience is perfect for solo travellers, couples or groups of friends (or even adventurous families). If you’re travelling on your own you’ll be teamed up with a fellow solo traveller to enjoy your time travelling in these wonderful vehicles.
• For those booking the chauffeur driven option each Tuk Tuk can take a maximum of 2 people, for those booking the self-drive option each Tuk Tuk can take a maximum of 3 people.
NOTES ON THE SELF-DRIVE OPTION
• All travellers who wish to drive a Tuk Tuk MUST have a driving license from their own country (manual gear) and an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• No previous Tuk Tuk driving experience is necessary as you will receive in-depth training on Day 1 but please note that if you don’t usually drive a manual/stick shift car then we strongly recommend you choose the chauffeur-driven option
• At the end of the training session all drivers must pass a test. If the guide/training team believes you have not reached the standard to pass the test then unfortunately you will not be able to drive on the roads (although of course more time and training will be given to help you as is possible). The decision of the training team is final.
Group size
• The maximum group size for each trip is 12.
• Each trip will consist of up to 6 Tuk Tuks and a support vehicle carrying bags, spare parts, water, snacks.
The Tuk Tuks
• All the Tuk Tuks are original, classic ‘Bangkok style’ Tuk Tuks but specially designed and built for the trips we run. This means more legroom and headroom, BlueTooth speakers and a roll-back roof should you be looking for a bit more sun!
Accommodation
The accommodation is intentionally of a high standard throughout the trip to allow you to ‘adventure’ during the day but relax and enjoy great surroundings in the evenings and free days.
- Mae Wang ‘base camp’ – nights 1,2 and 10 – 3-4*
Khum Khun Wang Resort (or similar), Mae Wang. A lovely rural Northern Thailand hotel in peaceful grounds with a laid-back small outdoor meeting area. Run by a very friendly team and perfect for our ‘base camp’. Twin, double and family rooms available. - Mae Khlang Luang – 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 situated 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 fantastic location and the experience of staying in the village far outweighs the simple nature of the rooms! - Mae Sariang – night 5 – 3-4*
River House Hotel or similar – very pleasant twin / double 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 rural 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 pools and stunning sunset bar - Pai – nights 8 and 9 – 4*
Phu Pai Art Resort (or similar) – around 5km outside the town of Pai and set amongst rice fields and on the edge of a small village, this resort is the perfect location to unwind. All the rooms are individual villa style and a short walk to the restaurant and swimming pool. Laidback Northern Thailand doesn’t get much better
What do I need to bring? How much will I spend?
The most important things to pack are a sense of adventure and a sense of humour! However, there are of course a few other essentials:
Travel Insurance – IMPORTANT
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our trips but is not included and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate cover for all aspects of your trip.
Clothing:
• Obviously this is up to you but we recommend trainers (or similar) for hiking/exploring and flip flops/sandals for relaxing in your Tuk Tuk and the evenings and comfortable shorts/t-shirts / long-sleeved t-shirt for driving days (that you don’t mind getting dirty and grimy!)
• If you’re travelling between November and February please don’t forget some warm clothes for the evenings – it can get quite chilly from time to time at night in the mountains and a warm jumper/fleece is well worth packing.
• The hike doesn’t require walking boots although it paths can be muddy and slippery in the rainy season (approximately July through to late October)
• Hat / sunglasses / sunscreen
• Don’t forget your swimmers – there are great pools at 3 of our overnight stops (5 nights of the trip)!
Spending money
• This is always difficult to gauge but you do need to budget for 6 lunches and 5 dinners during the trip. Lunches on the road will be between 50 and 100THB and dinners can vary widely depending on where you eat but would usually range between 100 and 300THB per person (for a real splurge). Of course (!) you also need to budget for drinks throughout the trip. Beers range from 60THB up to 150THB for a large bottle of beer (depending on where you buy them – sometimes even 150THB for a small bottle). Basic spirits are available in most locations (don’t expect any fancy cocktails!) – whisky and soda is Thailand’s staple drink – and wine is available in a few places (although it’s vastly overpriced in Thailand due to our import taxes)
• Whilst everybody has different needs we’d suggest that you budget for around 5,000-7,000THB (£125 – £175) for food, snacks, drinks and so on during your trip. Cash machines are available on most days
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Tuk Tuks – 2 travellers per Tuk Tuk (up to 3 for the self-drive option)
• Transfers from and back to Chiang Mai city (the meeting point and drop off point is The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel) at the start and the end of the adventure
• Experienced and passionate adventure guide and support team with you every step of the way (and an experienced driver for the chauffeur-driven option)
• Visits to remote Temples and tiny rural communities, meeting elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking in the foothills of Doi Inthanon, the mountains of Mae Hong Son and much much more. There are so many fantastic experiences we simply couldn’t list them all here!
• 10 nights accommodation in superb locations
• 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners and drinking water throughout the adventure
• A support vehicle for your luggage
• The best travel stories, after all, who else has travelled through the mountains of Thailand by Tuk Tuk?!
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to/from Chiang Mai
- Others Meals where mentioned
- All items not mentioned in ” Included”
£695 for ages 5-17 years
For solo travellers, we would usually match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender but if you would prefer to book a private solo room then there would be an additional charge of £220
Our low season start dates for 2022 are:
• 9th and 23rd May
• 6th and 20th June
• 4th and 18th July
• 1st, 15th, 29th August
• 12th and 26th September
• 10th and 24th October
All trips are guaranteed to run – We have a minimum of 1 pax and a maximum of 12 pax so really lovely small groups.
Our booking terms are:
£50 deposit per person, final balance due 30 days before the trip
Cancellation/change rates are:
- 100% refundable (including the deposit) up to 30 days prior to the trip
- 29-8 days before the trip – full refund less deposit OR transfer for free to another date
- 7 days or less – 100% cancellation fees apply
