Tuk Tuk your way through Northern Thailand this summer
From July 2017 adventure-hungry travellers to Thailand will be able to choose a more authentic approach to discovering the country’s lesser-visited north thanks to the launch of Thailand’s first Tuk Tuk self-drive holidays.
With five Tuk Tuks and up to 15 travellers per group, holidaymakers can now get off the beaten track on a new type of guided tour which uses the Tuk Tuk Club’s fleet of classic motorised rickshaws to get around.
After soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of bustling Chiang Mai, travellers will be transferred to Tuk Tuk Club’s base camp and trained to drive the famous vehicles which have become an unofficial symbol of Thailand. Having had the upcoming adventure blessed in a local temple, the convoy of adventure travellers will cover nearly 400 miles on an eventful 11-day itinerary that puts travellers truly in the driving seat.
Winding their way through stunning countryside and cooled by natural air conditioning, the iconic three-wheelers will follow the temple-studded country roads on a circular journey towards the Myanmar border, enjoying unforgettable views across lush forests and ancient hill tribes along the way.
Highlights of the new self-drive guided tours include the chance to visit an elephant home that is leading the way in rescuing the animals from a life of trekking, with a rare opportunity to bathe with these mighty creatures after walking in their company. To give drivers a well-deserved break, the tours also builds in a 6-mile jungle trek through Doi Inthanon National Park, nicknamed ‘the roof of Thailand’.
The gently-paced itinerary also builds in plenty of free time to appreciate the country’s tranquil charm, including waterfall swims, visits to local caves and villages or simply the chance to take full advantage of the hotel pool.
Bruce Haxton, MD from Tuk Tuk Club, said: “Tuk Tuks have such a special place in the heart of both tourists and locals that we wanted to find a way to enhance this distinctive Thai experience even further. After all, holidays can often be just as much about the journey as the destination itself.
“Having the chance to drive your own original Bangkok-style vehicle that has been especially adapted to the tour’s longer journeys through some of South East Asia’s most spectacular scenery will be a memorable experience that we know will appeal to people of all ages keen to try a different way to explore a much-loved destination.”
With several departures per month from July 2017, groups are restricted to a maximum of five Tuk Tuks and 15 adventurers, with up to three adults per vehicle. The trip is also suitable for families with children aged seven upwards and each Tuk Tuk can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children under 12.
Prices for an 11-day self-drive Tuk Tuk tour start from £1,295pp. This includes Tuk Tuk, fuel and driver training, twin-share accommodation in charming three and four star properties (two with pools), some meals (11 breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners), a temple blessing, visit to an elephant sanctuary and full-day trek into Doi Inthanon National Park, a professional guide and a tour leader throughout plus a luggage-carrying support vehicle. Customers who book a tour sharing a Tuk Tuk as a group of three will each receive a 10% discount.
For departure dates, further information and to book visit www.thetuktukclub.com
