Mae Wang National Park

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.

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.

Doi Inthanon

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!

Ban Mae Klang Luang

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

Doi Inthanon

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!

Ban Mae Klang Luang

The 5 day adventure comes to an end this morning as you say goodbye to your Tuk Tuk and transfer back to Chiang Mai City by private minivan. The transfer will take place in the morning and you will arrive in Chiang Mai (The Chiang Mai Gate Hotel) before midday.