3-Day Cultural Experience
This experience will give you insight to Thailand that most tourists will never get to see. You’ll explore secret caves, visit waterfalls and spend time with the Lahu community who run a traditional guesthouse. Cook with local families and maybe learn a dance or two after dinner - the warmth of their hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.
Day 1
Begin your journey north to the serene town of Fang, near the Myanmar border. Stop at the fascinating Chiang Dao caves, with their sacred shrines and winding tunnels, or visit the unique ‘sticky waterfalls’ at Sri Lanna National Park, where you can climb up the falls to discover a colourful natural spring.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park to relax in its famous hot springs (optional) before arriving in Fang. Check into Phumanee Lahu Home Hotel, a family-run guesthouse celebrating the traditions of the Lahu people, with heritage-themed rooms and an authentic atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at the hotel while learning about the family’s cultural history through their fascinating photographs and stories.
Day 2
You’ll start the day learning more about Fang’s history and Lahu culture before heading to Doi Phu Muen. A 4WD takes you to a waterfall, where a 5km (two-hour) trek begins, leading to a remote Lahu village surrounded by stunning mountain views.
On arrival you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and dive into village life, learning how the community transitioned from opium farming to sustainable tea and coffee cultivation. Join hands-on activities like tea processing and experience the warmth of community-based tourism.
In the evening you can help to prepare dinner, savour authentic dishes, and take part in traditional Lahu dancing. For families with younger children, a 4WD transfer is available directly to the village.
On your final day you’ll share a simple breakfast with your hosts and learn to make Khao Puk, a festive sticky rice bun, before saying your goodbyes. If you stay in Fang, you can enjoy a morning bike ride or soak in the hot springs of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. After lunch, journey back to Chiang Mai, reflecting on your unforgettable hill country adventure.
Your Local Impact
By participating in this trip, you’ll support sustainable practices that benefit the Lahu community and the environment. Local transportation is used to reduce congestion and carbon emissions while providing income to local drivers. Dining materials, crafted from natural resources like bamboo, promote traditional craftsmanship. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable cups, reducing plastic waste. A "leave no waste" policy ensures that all rubbish is collected and removed, preserving the environment. The initiative has earned the "Sustainable Tourism for Source Watershed" award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for its commitment to conservation and community support.
Holidays That Can Include This Experience
14 Days: From £1775 per person
Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Street Food - Chang Chill elephant sanctuary - Ziplining and Rafting - Jungle Treehouse - Floating Rafthouse - Beach
14 Days: From £1595 per person
Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Street Food - Elephant Experience - Ziplining and Rafting - Jungle Treehouse - Floating Rafthouse - Beach
12 Days: From £2125 per person
Bangkok – Floating Market – River Kwai – Temples – Overnight Train - Chiang Mai - Cooking Class – Elephants – Hilltribe Trek