Chiang Mai Tuk Tuk Driving and Bamboo Rafting: 10 hours

You drive the tuk tuk, not watch someone else do it

A 10-hour small-group activity in Chiang Mai where you drive your own tuk tuk through the Mae Wang region, stop at a remote mountain temple and an elephant home, and finish with bamboo rafting on the local river. A professional guide leads throughout. Groups stay under 18. Pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point is included, and lunch with a vegetarian option is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chiang Mai by Tuk Tuk and Rafting

• Learn to drive Tuk Tuk
• Drive through rural communities
• Visit remote mountain temple
• See elephant home and food preparation
• Watch elephants fed, walked, bathed
• Enjoy bamboo rafting on local river
• Drive Tuk Tuk again

The experience

Ten hours means the day holds the whole route: tuk tuk training first, then the Mae Wang region's remote communities and temple, the elephant sanctuary, bamboo rafting, and a final drive back. You're behind the wheel of a three-passenger Bangkok-style tuk tuk for most of it, with a guide riding along to navigate and explain what you're passing through. The training happens early so you're comfortable before the real driving starts.

The elephant home is small and local. You'll watch how staff prepare food, then see them feed, walk and bathe the animals. No riding is allowed. The focus is on how the elephants live and how the people who care for them work. After that comes the bamboo rafting on the river, a shift from driving to a different kind of movement through the landscape. Wear trainers rather than sandals for the tuk tuk part, and bring spare clothes for after the water.

Pickup happens from your hotel or a set meeting point in Chiang Mai city, and the guide speaks English throughout. Lunch is included with a vegetarian option if you request it when you book. Children from age 7 can join if an adult is with them, and you'll need a valid driver's license from your home country to take the wheel.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• tuk tuk driver training and your own three-passenger Bangkok-style tuk tuk to drive.
• visit to a remote mountain temple.
• access to the elephant home and all elephant activities (feeding, walking and bathing).
• bamboo rafting on the local river.
• lunch with a vegetarian option available.
• bottled water.
• pickup and drop-off from your Chiang Mai hotel or designated meeting point.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Tuk Tuk Club

Is this one for you?You're driving the tuk tuk yourself the whole day, not sitting as a passenger. This suits anyone who wants hands-on control and the novelty of operating Thailand's most iconic vehicle. Groups stay under 18, which keeps the pace manageable and the stops less crowded than larger tours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need experience driving a tuk tuk before I book this?

No. The activity includes tuk tuk driver training at the start of the day, so you learn how to operate it before you drive through the Mae Wang region. You do need a valid driver's license from your home country.

What happens at the elephant home?

The elephant home is a small sanctuary where you watch staff prepare food and then feed, walk and bathe the elephants. You'll learn how the locals care for them, but no riding is included in this activity.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to a meeting point?

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Chiang Mai city is included. If you prefer to meet at a designated point instead, that option is available.

What should I wear for this activity?

Wear running shoes or trainers rather than sandals or flip-flops for driving the tuk tuk. Bring spare clothing for after the bamboo rafting, since you'll be on the water.