Beyond Chiang Mai: An LGBTQ+ Group Adventure Through Northern Thailand With The Tuk Tuk Club

Our journey begins with a proper Northern Thai welcome – through food, art, and ancient spaces.

We’ll gather for an authentic Khao Soi lunch, Chiang Mai’s most iconic dish, made the traditional way and full of rich, comforting flavor. From there, we head to Baan Kang Wat, a beloved handicraft village tucked among trees and small studios. This creative hub is home to local artists, designers, and makers – the perfect place to wander, browse, and ease into the rhythm of the trip.

In the afternoon, we’ll get hands-on with a creative workshop, inviting you to slow down, play, and make something meaningful with your own two hands. No experience needed, just curiosity.

Later, we visit Wat Umong, one of Chiang Mai’s most unique and atmospheric temples. We’ll explore its ancient underground tunnels and caves, surrounded by forest, moss-covered stone, and quiet reflection.

As evening falls, we’ll enjoy a delicious group dinner together, sharing stories and excitement before settling in for the night – ready for the adventure ahead.

Today, we hit the road – tuk tuk style.

Our three-day Tuk Tuk Club adventure officially begins as we leave Chiang Mai behind and venture into Northern Thailand’s scenic countryside. This isn’t about speed – it’s about connection, laughter, and taking the long way on purpose.

Midday, we’ll visit a small, community-run hill tribe elephant sanctuary. Here, we’ll share lunch in a peaceful rural setting before helping local mahouts feed the elephants. We’ll then walk alongside them to the river, where we’ll observe the elephants bathing naturally — no riding, no performances, just respectful interaction and observation.

The afternoon brings winding roads, sweeping views, and Karen hill tribe villages rarely seen by travelers.

In the evening we’ll cook jungle style with an open fire and lessons from our Karen hosts before settling into our tents to camp under the stars – a proper Thailand adventure.

NOTE: The tents are very comfortable with mattresses, cushions, pillows, blankets, etc. and there are ‘Western’ style toilets and a warm shower available!

Today is all about altitude, fresh air, and perspective.

We continue our tuk tuk journey through mountain landscapes and lush forested roads, stopping along the way to soak in the scenery, local life, and delicious roadside eats. In the afternoon, we’ll reach the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, where cooler air and expansive views await.

After a full day of exploration, we’ll wind through the mountains along rarely travelled roads to the small Karen community of Ban Mae Khlang Luang, our overnight base surrounded by rice terraces – ending the day with a traditional Thai-style BBQ in the rice fields.

NOTE: This is relatively simple accommodation but is en-suite with hot water and wi-fi. The rooms are fan-cooled only but air-conditioning is not needed this high in the mountains.

After breakfast you’ll head out to explore the forests around the village in the foothills of Doi Inthanon, hiking through fantastic forests and eventually to a series of stunning waterfalls.

Our final tuk tuk ride brings us back toward Chiang Mai, reflecting on three days of shared adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Once we arrive, we’ll check into a beautiful boutique hotel in the city – trading countryside simplicity for comfort and calm. There’s time to freshen up, rest, or enjoy a quiet moment before our final evening together.

We’ll gather for one last group dinner, celebrating the journey we’ve shared – from winding roads to meaningful connections – and honoring the friendships formed along the way.

Our final morning is intentionally unstructured.

We’ll enjoy breakfast together, lingering over coffee, conversation, and the kind of goodbyes that aren’t really endings – just “see you soon.” We’ll all depart at our own pace, carrying memories, new friendships, and the quiet magic of Northern Thailand with us.