Local Living Thailand—Hilltribe Independent Adventure

The adventure

When most of us think "Thailand," we think bustling Bangkok, fresh and spicy Lanna cuisine, and flamboyant Buddhist temples. This trip introduces you to a side of Thailand that few see, partnering you up with a local hilltribe for an all-access glimpse into (very) rural life. Explore the village and the jungle that surrounds it, study ancient farming techniques, try your hand at bamboo-weaving, and learn about daily life in the hills from your more-than-welcoming hosts. Bangkok, schmangkok – head for the hills and discover what everyone else has been missing.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Thailand

Day 1Meet the CEO at the meeting point hotel…Transfer into the jungle highlands of northwest Thailand to the village of Ban Jabo. Along the way, stop for buffet lunch at a restaurant in Pai with scenic views. Continue onto your home for the next three nights with the Black Lahu, a local ethnic minority. Meet your local hosts and lend a hand to dinner using regional products and traditional cooking methods. We will be staying in a Black Lahu community. The Lahu are an ethnic minority group spread out across China, Vietnam and Thailand primarily. The Black Lahu are a subgroup known for the prominence of the colour black in their traditional dress. The women are known for both their clothes and basket weaving.

Transfer into the jungle highlands of northwest Thailand to the village of Ban Jabo. Along the way, stop for buffet lunch at a restaurant in Pai with scenic views. Continue onto your home for the next three nights with the Black Lahu, a local ethnic minority. Meet your local hosts and lend a hand to dinner using regional products and traditional cooking methods. We will be staying in a Black Lahu community. The Lahu are an ethnic minority group spread out across China, Vietnam and Thailand primarily. The Black Lahu are a subgroup known for the prominence of the colour black in their traditional dress. The women are known for both their clothes and basket weaving.

Day 2Walk to the fields surrounding the village…

Walk to the fields surrounding the village to learn about (or even opt to help out with!) local farming practices before visiting a prehistoric wooden coffin cave. Dine on a typical jungle lunch. In the afternoon, learn about the local education system with a visit to a school. Learn about the Lahu culture and traditional activities. Try bamboo weaving, make a Lahu bag and learn how to play a Lahu instrument. Opt to help out with dinner preparation.

Day 3Walk to another hilltribe community in the area…

Walk to another hilltribe community in the area to learn about the Shan people, the local masters of irrigation and wet rice farming. Enjoy the views and take in a new way of life at the community before walking back to Baan Jabo.

Day 4Say goodbye to local hosts and buy any…Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Say goodbye to local hosts and buy any last minute hand-crafted goods before transferring back to Chiang Mai where tour ends upon arrival.

Discover Thailand

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.