Northern Thailand
Welcome to the North…
There are so many reasons to head off into the wilder, less well-trodden regions of Northern Thailand. Here are just a few…
Northern Thailand - the beating heart of Thailand
If, when you think of Thailand, if you think of majestic mountains, deep forests, fascinating Hill Tribe cultures, trekking. waterfalls, elephants and the friendliest people around then Northern Thailand is your dream destination.
Far more laid back than bustling Bangkok and the busy beaches, about as friendly as it’s possible to get and the home of the always delicious Khao Soi noodles, Northern Thailand is the real heart of the country and where the very best travel memories are made.
Make sure you get the most out of your next trip to the Land of Smiles and indulge your adventurous side by travelling deep into the heart of Northern Thailand with The Tuk Tuk Club.
Culture
The culture of the North is largely untouched by the sometimes excessive tourist and commercial development of Bangkok and the islands of the South. And fear not, you won’t see any Burger Kings or McDonalds where we’re going... With genuinely warm people interested in sharing their culture and beliefs, with beautiful Temples in stunning location and with a way of life in the mountain villages that you can imagine has barely changed for generations, Northern Thailand really is 'the' place for a proper travel experience! Delve a bit deeper and have a look at our guide to the stunning Temples of Chiang Mai
Ethnic Diversity
The moment you set foot outside of Chiang Mai City, you enter regions inhabited by diverse and distinct ethnic groups. Just 45 minutes outside the city there are Hmong tribes who rarely speak Thai, let alone English. On top of that there are the Karen, The Akha, the Lahu, the Mien and the Dara Ang. Each tribe, and each region, have their own unique cultures, languages and food. And, when you travel with The Tuk Tuk Club, you get the time and opportunity to meet some of these people on their own terms, and get know them as friends as yet unmet, rather than attractions on a whistle stop tour. Find out more about the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand....
A truer connection
We’ve all been to those paces where the locals have had enough of the tourists hordes, and the hospitality has been tested to the limit. However, this just isn’t the case in the places we visit on our Northern Thailand Adventures. Very few travellers head where we head, and even fewer minivan tours! And because we support local business and are respectful of the culture and the country, we’re welcomed into the area with open arms, warm smiles and the kind of hospitality that drew people to Thailand in the first place. Add to that the fact that the locals love seeing visitors travelling about in Tuk Tuks, and you’ll see how our trips give you the chance to see people at their best and most natural, and make a truer connection with the country and its people.
The Food
Forget limp fried rice on Khao San Road, generic fish curries out on the islands and rubbery fishcakes with dipping sauce straight from a supermarket. The places we go, and the restaurants and hotels we visit, will give you a newfound love of true Northern Thai food. Think cooking out in the jungle, local restaurants where your guide will have to help you choose because there isn’t a word of English spoken, lunchtime tables laden with dishes you’ll never find back home, and getting stuck into a proper ‘moo gratha’ (Thai style BBQ) with greasy fingers, a cold beer or two and a huge smile on your face. This is what Thai food is all about, and we guarantee you’ll remember it forever. Explore Northern Thai food a little more in our article below...
Ready to start your Tuk Tuk Adventure? Have a look at all our trips and book your place for the adventure of a lifetime
For more articles and information about the wonderful North of Thailand – and we hope to further persuade you that a Tuk Tuk Club Adventure is the best way to enjoy this part of the world! – enjoy reading our articles about this fantastic part of the world