Day 1: Tuk Tuk Driving
We’ll pick you up at 9:00am in Chiang Mai and transfer you to the training base in the lovely Mae Wang valley about an hour outside the city. On arrival, you will meet the rest of the group and we’ll get you acquainted to your Tuk Tuk and get started with some training. This takes place on a dedicated track and will give you plenty of time to get used to your Tuk Tuk. Only when we are comfortable you can drive safely will we set out on our adventure.
We'll start with an easy drive to Wat Tham Nam Hu and the drive on through local villages before stopping for a local lunch.
After lunch we head North up through the valley and within 25 km the road becomes really rural as we head high into the hills. We will stop off in Mae Sapok (a typical classic valley with rice terraces, water buffalo hanging out, and sometimes even elephants by the river) and take an easy hike to the waterfall.
Then back in the tuk tuk and continue along the stunning road with hairpin bends as we climb to around 1500 metres high. After a quick stop at a very unique temple we head along small backroads through small Karen villages and ending up at Mae Khlang Luang. Amazing views as we drive! Mae Khlang Luang is a lovely Karen village where we will stay overnight.
As it is the weekend of Loy Krathong we will have memorable evening. You will enjoy a Moo Gratha dining in the setting of the rice fields. We will also float our own Krathongs.
Day 2: Trekking
After breakfast we will transfer a few km up the road to the start of a great and easy 6km hike that ends up back in the village. As we hike we pass some great waterfalls with pools where you can swim. We will be accompanied by one of the villagers who will explain the use of different plants etc. Enjoy lunch in the forest (wrapped in leaves of course) and mid afternoon arrive back into the village, stopping at a cool Karen coffee house at the end of the trek.
There's time to relax before taking the minivan back to Chiang Mai (dropping off either at the airport, train station or hotel). We will be arriving back by 4:00pm (giving all decent time for flights if needed).
For those staying in Chiang Mai for another night there will be a lot going on for Loy Krathong, and we will update you on any additional ideas nearer the time
