Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai Trip Overview
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.
Strap yourself in for a great adventure from the super comfortable rear seats of Thailand’s most iconic vehicle – the Tuk Tuk.
This action-packed adventure 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 – the brilliant back seats of a specially converted Tuk Tuk able to cope with the mountain roads with ease.
Remote Temples, off the beaten track Hill Tribe communities, elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking, stunning overnight locations, incredible food and of course, your Tuk Tuk and driver.
There is no better way to have an adventure in Thailand!
Additional Info
Duration: 11 days
Starts: Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai, Thailand
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.
Strap yourself in for a great adventure from the super comfortable rear seats of Thailand’s most iconic vehicle – the Tuk Tuk.
This action-packed adventure 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 – the brilliant back seats of a specially converted Tuk Tuk able to cope with the mountain roads with ease.
Remote Temples, off the beaten track Hill Tribe communities, elephants, bamboo rafting, trekking, stunning overnight locations, incredible food and of course, your Tuk Tuk and driver.
There is no better way to have an adventure in Thailand!
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL, MEET YOUR TUK TUK, EXPLORE REMOTE TEMPLES AND TINY COMMUNITIES
Stop At: Mae Wang National Park, Km.65, Amphoe Khlong Lan Thailand
A superb first day of your adventure takes place close to Mae Wang National Park.
On arrival in Mae Wang 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.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Lunch: A fantastic lunch at a laid back family run rural restaurant. Top quality Thai food and superb surroundings
• Dinner: A real experience as you head to a Thai ‘country pub’. Fantastic food, great views and live music!
Accommodation included: You’ll stay tonight in a charming small local resort. Twin and double rooms, en-suite, air-conditioning and wi-fi
Day 2: WATERFALLS, HILL TRIBE VILLAGES, ELEPHANTS AND BAMBOO RAFTING
Stop At: Maevang Elephant Home, Mae Win, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai 50360, Thailand
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 bathe with them.
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.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A simple breakfast at the resort and a mixture of Thai and ‘Western’ style is available
• Lunch: A simple but tasty lunch sitting right next to the elephants – fantastic
• Dinner: Another great Thai feast at a local family run restaurant.
Accommodation included: This is your second night at the small rural resort right next to The Tuk Tuk Clubs HQ.
Day 3: AND WE’RE OFF – DOI INTHANON HERE WE COME
Stop At: Ban Luang Subdistrict, Doi Inthanon National Park 50270 Thailand
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!
Duration: 12 hours
Stop At: Ban Mae Klang Luang, Baan Luang Subdistrict, Chom Thong 50160 Thailand
This is where you spend the night – a scenic Karen village high in the foothills of Doi Inthanon. Great views and a lovely place to explore and spend the evening
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A simple breakfast at the resort – a mixture of Thai and ‘Western’ style breakfast is available
• Lunch: Simple but delicious food at a roadside restaurant.
• Dinner: A real highlight as you enjoy a traditional Thai BBQ overlooking the rice terraces in the heart of the village
Accommodation included: You stay in the heart of the village tonight in simple but clean wooden bungalows overlooking the rice fields. Fantastic
Day 4: TREKKING
Stop At: Doi In Cee, Doi Hang, Chiang Rai 57000 Thailand
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!
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A filling breakfast at the rural lodge in the Hill Tribe village
• Lunch: You have lunch deep in the forest during your trek. Simple but tasty food all wrapped in banana leaves!
• Dinner: Another Thai feast in the local village overlooking the rice terraces. No better way to end the day
Accommodation included: Your second night in the heart of the Hill Tribe village – simple but clean rooms with en-suite facilities
Day 5: ON THE ROAD AGAIN….
Stop At: Mae Sariang Thailand
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!
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A filling breakfast at the village to set you up for the great day ahead
Accommodation included: Overnight at a lovely riverside hotel in the heart of Mae Sariang – en-suite, air-conditioning, wifi and a swimming pool
Day 6: MORE BENDS AND MOUNTAINS ON THE WAY TO MAE HONG SON
Stop At: Mae Hong Son Mountain Wat, Mae Hong Son Thailand
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!
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast (Thai and Western style) is at your overnight hotel
Accommodation included: You stay at the wonderful Fern Resort – a stunning location, great facilities and a beautiful infinity pool!
Day 7: FREE DAY TO EXPLORE MAE HONG SON
Stop At: Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son 58000 Thailand
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!
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast is provided at your resort
Accommodation included: Your second night at the wonderful Fern Resort
Day 8: STUNNING MOUNTAIN ROADS TO PAI. AN AWESOME DAY
Stop At: Lod Cave, Ban Tham Village P, Soppong 58150 Thailand
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.
Duration: 12 hours
Stop At: Pai District Office, 230 หมู่1 1095, Pai, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Our overnight location – and base for tomorrow
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: A simple but tasty Thai meal near Lod Caves setting you up for the rest of the day’s adventure
Accommodation included: You overnight at the wonderful Phu Pai Art Resort. Set amongst rice fields, surrounded by mountains. Super relaxing
Day 9: ENJOY PAI AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Stop At: Pai District Office, 230 หมู่1 1095, Pai, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
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)
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast is at your resort
Accommodation included: Your second night at Phu Pai Art Resort – enjoy the infinity pool with stunning views
Day 10: THE FINAL LEG – AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OVER MOUNTAINS AND THROUGH VALLEYS
Stop At: Mae Wang National Park, Km.65, Amphoe Khlong Lan Thailand
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.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast is at our resort before we set off for the day
• Dinner: A huge final feast in a fantastic local restaurant – a great way to end the adventure
Accommodation included: You’re back at where the adventure started in the small rural resort in Mae Wang – feels like ‘coming home’!
Day 11: FAREWELL
Pass By: Chiang Mai Gate, Mun Mueang Rd. Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
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.
Meals included:
• Breakfast: A final breakfast before you head back to Chiang Mai city and the end of your adventure
No accommodation included on this day.
