Thailand

Northern Thailand Tuk-Tuk Adventure (11 Days)

6

Visit remote Temples, fascinating Hill Tribe communities, and an elephant sanctuary. Try bamboo rafting and jungle hiking. Sleep in incredible boutique locations, and enjoy delicious local food, all while traveling in your very own bright orange Tuk Tuk!

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet Your Tuk-Tuk

A private vehicle picks you up at 10 am from the Chiang Mai Gate Hotel and transfers you to The Tuk Tuk Club HQ in Mae Wang (around 45-60 minutes). On arrival, you’ll check in and get to meet your Tuk Tuk (you’ll become very fond of this wonderful machine over the next few days!) and, of course, your guide and support team. You’ll then head for a delicious local lunch and briefing. After lunch is time to get familiar with our vehicles with some driver's training. When training is complete, we're off exploring winding rural lanes. We'll stop at a Temple to receive a blessing for the adventure. We return late in the afternoon in time to freshen up and head out for a delicious Thai dinner with live music. Tuk tuk driving time: about 3hrs + training (30km)

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Today we'll head through the countryside past small communities to a fantastic pagoda at a hilltop Temple. Next, we drive up the valley to an elephant sanctuary. You will hear about the history and purpose of this 'Elephant Home'. After a simple but filling lunch, 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 this interaction, you’ll have a change of pace as you float gently downstream on bamboo rafts. Later in the afternoon, we'll convoy back to our base for the evening. Tuk-tuk driving time: about 3.5hrs (55 km)

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After an early breakfast you’re back in the Tuk Tuk convoy towards Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The first 20-30km of the route is simple but you soon hit stunning switchback bends, and small Karen Hill Tribe communities as we make our way towards Doi Inthanon National Park. We'll stop frequently to take in the views, and course to sample some of the great local coffee. Lunch will be in a roadside snack bar. We arrive at our accommodation in Mae Khlang Luang by early/mid afternoon before then jumping into a ‘Songtaew’ (a taxi adapted from a pick-up truck) which will take you to the summit of Doi Inthanon (over 2,500m) where you’ll explore some of the trails and take in the spectacular views. This evening you will experience a traditional Thai BBQ eaten over the rice fields. Tuk-tuk driving time: about 4hrs (75 km).

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The Tuk Tuks have a well-earned rest today as you head out on a gentle hike to explore the foothills of Doi Inthanon.

A truck takes us to the trail from where we walk up into the forest led by a local guide with extensive knowledge of local fauna and flora. We pass stunning waterfalls and rivers with a number of spots where you can relax and enjoy the forest or refuel on packed lunch. The hike ends with a walk back to the village and a stop in an old-style mountain coffee shop (one of the best in Northern Thailand!). This evening it’s time for another superb Thai feast –and perhaps one or two well-deserved cold beers!

Hiking distance: around 5-6km (mostly flat and downhill)

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Today you head out of Doi Inthanon National Park towards our destination of Mae Sariang, close to the Burmese / Myanmar border. Today's route takes you deep into the heart of rural Northern Thailand. The route winds through some very quiet roads for before joining the ‘main road’ for the last hour or two on the descent into Mae Sariang. Expect towering trees, steep hills, and more than a few sharp curves. As always, there are 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. After checking in to your riverside accommodation, you are free to do a little exploring or swim in the pool. Tuk-tuk driving time: about 5-6hrs (160km)

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After a good night’s rest (or a late night enjoying the friendly bars of Mae Sariang!) you’re back in the tuk-tuks for the spectacular drive to Mae Hong Son. The route starts out pretty gently but it’s not long before you’re heading up and over mountains along fantastic winding roads. You’ll stop for lunch at what we like to think is Northern Thailand’s best roadside restaurant. By late afternoon you’ll arrive at the magnificent Fern Resort. Relax in the infinity pool or hangout at the sunset bar This is the ideal place to rest up after a stunning day of adventure. Tuk-tuk driving time: about 5-6hrs (165km)

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Another day off for the Tuk Tuks today and a day off for you too – if you wish. There are no activities planned for today. If you're feeling energetic, there’s a great 8km trek right from the resort. If swimming or trekking don’t appeal then why not head into town? Visit Wat Doi Kong Mu the most important Temple in the area with amazing views over the town or take a riverboat trip to Hill Tribe villages. Let your guide team know and then will be able to arrange everything for you – but trust us, they won’t judge you if you fancy a lazy day by the pool!

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Today's destination is Pai, one of the most famous of all mountain towns in Thailand. Before you get there, you need to negotiate several hundred bends and some of the steepest roads on the trip. We'll stop for lunch at the spectacular Lod Caves. You have the option to explore the huge cave system by raft. By late afternoon you’ll drop down into the valley where Pai sits. But first, there are a couple of awesome pit stops where you can try your hand at the Hill Tribe swing. Finally, arrive at the laid-back resort, our base for the next couple of nights. Tuk-tuk driving time: around 4-5hrs (120km)

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A final day of rest before the last push tomorrow. Enjoy the resort and pool or wander around the local village. Why not head further afield and explore hot springs or see a giant land split (!) and Pai Canyon? Your team can help organize these activities and even go along with you if you’d like. Meanwhile, the support team will do their final checks on your Tuk Tuks.

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We’ve saved the best for last, today's drive is stunning! Leaving Pai behind you’re immediately deep into the countryside heading along tiny mountain roads on our journey back South to where the adventure 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. Today takes you off the map rather than just off the beaten track. You’ll arrive back in Mae Wang by late afternoon, there’s time to freshen up before heading out for one final superb Thai feast. Tuk-tuk driving time: about 6.5hrs (180km)

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Sadly, your adventure comes to an end today with a minivan transfer back to The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel arriving 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.

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What's Included

Included
  • Tuk Tuk and fuel: 2 travellers per Tuk Tuk (up to 3 for the self-drive option).
  • Transfers from and back to Chiang Mai city.
  • Experienced adventure guide and support team.
  • Experienced driver (for the chauffeur-driven option).
  • Full Tuk Tuk orientation/driver training (for those on with the self-drive option).
  • Activities: visit remote Temples and tiny rural communities, meet the elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking in the foothills of Doi Inthanon, the mountains of Mae Hong Son, and much much more.
  • Visit to Doi Inthanon and National Park entry fees.
  • Accommodation: 10 nights in superb locations (twin/double accommodation in 3-4* lodgings).
  • Food: 10 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 5 x dinners.
  • Drinking water throughout the adventure.
  • A support vehicle for your luggage.
Not Included
  • Travel to Chiang Mai to join the trip/travel away from Chiang Mai after the trip ends.
  • Travel insurance: compulsory for all travellers.
  • Activities not listed in the itinerary.
  • Drinks: other than water which is included throughout the trip.
  • Meals not listed: you need to budget for 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
  • Visa for travel to Thailand (if required).
  • Tips and gratuities.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

6 verified reviews

Tara
Tara

(Sep 2023)

Incredible tour with informative staff. This tour is a well oiled machine with safety and adventure going hand in hand. The guides are knowledgeable as well as helpful. They were extremely accomodating and just all around lovely people. All the places we stayed with wonderful. The tuk tuks are well maintained. Basically we had a blast. I highly recommend this adventure. It does not disappoint. Hot tip: let Bigg and Yuth order the Thai dishes for you. You will not be disappointed. (Also, if you’re a coffee connoisseur, Bigg will take you to all the best coffee shops!)

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Rebecca
Rebecca

(Jul 2023)

Quite possibly the best holiday we’ve ever had! We are well-travelled and usually prefer to go our own way rather than a tour, but this tour is like no other! It’s a small group, with guide’s that you will see more as friends in the end. You will go to places not seen by the average tourist and experience the real Thailand, it’s food, culture and its beautiful people. You’ll also feel like a bit of a celebrity with the waves and cheers from all the gorgeous children as you pass through the remote villages. A truly unique experience that I for one, highly recommend.

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Christine
Christine

(Jul 2023)

Fantastic tour leaders, Boyz and Bigg. Nothing was too much trouble. We saw places in the mountains we would never have seen by ourselves. It was so relaxing sitting in the back of the Tuk Tuk with a lovely cool breeze. We were able to enjoy all the sights. Bruce the owner, greeted us on the first day and shouted us all drinks on the last day. Much appreciated.

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Lyn
Lyn

(Mar 2023)

One of the best experiences I have done. Our drivers & tour leader were knowledgeable , knew the roads & traffic conditions ( believe me that is a necessity). Boys, Ao & Milk shared so much knowledge of Thai culture. We started our tour with a monk blessing, experieced swimming with elephants, rafting, amazing views, swimming in waterfalls, exploring caves, hiking and so much more. The food was sensational, coctails amazing & who could forget the massages? Beds are very firm but an extra pillow solves that. Best of all those amazing Thai smiles!!

Lynda
Lynda

(Mar 2023)

Absolutely fabulous experience! The guide (Tony ) was exceptional, the backup man (Win) was also A class as was Bruce the owner. Everyone was so helpful and on the ball. I would recommend this holiday to all ages. It’s so much fun, the scenery spectacular, the places not your typical tourist haunts, the hotels good, food great. We had some great experiences ie planting rice, bathing the elephants, walking in the mountains with the Karen tribe and so much more. All in all a special time.

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FAQs

Before you go

Please see the section above for trip inclusions and exclusions.

While 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. You do need to budget for 6 lunches and 5 dinners during the trip. Lunches on the road will be between 50 and 100THB. Dinners can vary widely depending on where you eat. Usually, they range between 100 and 300THB per person (for a real splurge). 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).

On your trip

The maximum group size for each trip is 12 people. Each trip will consist of up to 6 Tuk Tuks and a support vehicle carrying bags, spare parts, water, and snacks.

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. 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.

You have the option to be chauffeured or drive the Tuk Tuk yourself. 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. 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 (More time and training will be given to help you if possible). The decision of the training team is final.

Our Tuk Tuks are specially customized 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! When we drive, 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 elephants we meet are at a small elephant sanctuary. The organisation 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. No riding of the elephants is allowed.

Other FAQs

The accommodation is intentionally of a 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. 'Base Camp'– Nights 1, 2, & 10 are spent in 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 are available. Mae Khlang Luang – On nights 3&4 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 in a superb location overlooking the rice terraces. 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 is in River House Hotel or similar with 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 &7 are in FernResort (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&9 are in 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. Laid-back Northern Thailand doesn’t get much better

You can pay extra for a single supplement. Please message us after making your booking to request this. Prices are as follows: November - February (high season) - £330 March - October - £220

Our adventures are open to all travellers with an adventurous spirit, but we do have a minimum age of 5 years old for those travelling with their parents/parents. The minimum age to be able to drive is 18 years! We do offer child rates for those under the age of 18 years. Please drop us a message or email info@skyhookadventure.com for more information.

Your head guide is Bruce

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run The Tuk Tuk Club, based in Nonthaburi.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Bruce