Tuk Tuk Adventure Through Northern Thailand

Get picked up at 10:00am from the hotel in Chiang Mai city and transfer to the day’s base camp in Mae Wang. 

On arrival, get introduced to the trusty tuk tuk and get settled in for the adventure ahead.  

The tuk tuks are specially modified to cope perfectly with the winding mountain roads, and they’ve also been adjusted to give extra comfort and views from the back seat. There are Bluetooth speakers to play a road trip playlist, and it’s even possible to roll back the roof to catch some sun! 

Head out with the guide to explore the narrow country lanes and small villages around the resort where you’ll be staying tonight. There are fantastic views of the mountains to come and an excellent opportunity to see life in these small farming settlements. Enjoy a typical Thai lunch at a family-run restaurant with lots of dishes to share before heading to a remote hillside temple in the afternoon. Here, receive a monk’s blessing for the trip and learn a little about their meditative practice. 

The final activity for the day is a gentle bamboo raft ride along the meandering river, another chance to admire the stunning scenery. After freshening up at the hotel in the evening, head to a country pub to sample more excellent Thai food in a boisterous atmosphere alongside the rice fields – a real hidden gem! 

Head into the higher mountains into Karen Hill Tribe territory. Journey through classic South-East Asian rice terraces, water buffalo relaxing in the shade and small wooden villages to Mae Sapok Royal Project. Here, hike through the forest to enjoy a very pretty and rarely visited waterfall. 

The route then continues through spectacular scenery and fascinating communities. Stop to explore along the way, soak up the spectacular views, and also enjoy a traditional mountain coffee grown in the surrounding hills. 

Arrive in the wonderful Karen village of Mae Khlang Luang, a welcoming and friendly community and base for the next two days. After a late lunch, head on up to Thailand’s highest point – Doi Inthanon – and admire more breathtaking views along its nature trails. Back to base for the evening to socialise with the hosts over a BBQ feast. 

In the morning, enjoy a fantastic downhill hike in Doi Inthanon national park accompanied by a local forestry expert who will point out any wildlife and local plants. In the afternoon, its back on to the tuk-tuks for more adventure.

Head to the largely hidden valley of Pa Pong Pieng deep in the forested slopes of Doi Inthanon. The narrow road heads down through the forest and then comes out into the most spectacular valley of rice terraces and tiny traditional communities. It’s impossible to describe the ‘wow’ factor that this area brings. The evening sees us return to the Karen village for another feast.

Note: The hiking trail typically used in the morning has been open year-round, but the National Park service plans to close it from May to July starting in 2022. If closed, Day 3 will be adjusted. You'll travel by Tuk Tuk to Pa Pong Pieng in the morning, discover the valley and its communities, enjoy a packed lunch with scenic views, and in the afternoon, embark on a shorter hike through a forest trail to Mae Pan waterfall. This alternative hike is shorter but offers a remote experience and stunning waterfalls.

After three days of wild adventure getting to grips with northern Thai village life, it’s time to head back to Chiang Mai. Say goodbye to our trusty tuk-tuks, travellers often become attached to their versatile vehicles! Head back by minivan and arrive in Chiang Mai around midday.