A Homestay Experience in Baan Mae Kampong
A Homestay Experience
in Baan Mae Kampong
The hospitable residents of Mae Kampong are sharing their heritage and culture with a smile
WHY THIS TOUR?
Adventure lures travellers around every bend with curiosity when travelling into the dense forests and along the foothills of gently-rolling mountains outside Chiang Mai. Blending the authentic with the amazement of nature, trekking tours nearby Mae Kampong takes you out of the air-conditioning and into the cool, fresh air as you following your guide into the rural side of Chiang Mai.
It is during these 2 days of touring that one tends to get to places where one otherwise never have heard of before and where a slow-life attitude with local villagers is the talk of the town. The people of Mae Kampong Village maintained their traditional way of life, sharing their passion for handicraft, respecting nature and giving visitors a warm welcome. Spending one night with a host family and you will be rewarded with everlasting smiles.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Chiang Mai – Mae On District [L, D]
Your homestay adventure starts with an 8:00 am pick-up from your accommodation in Chiang Mai by your English-speaking guide and driver. The 50-kilometre drive into the mountains is regarded as one of the most stunning routes in the north, definitely adding a level and awe and splendour to this comfortable ride from Chiang Mai to Mae On.
The first starts with an around 1-hour transfer from your Chiang Mai hotel up into the mountains, reaching heights exceeding 1300 meters above sea level. The road passes few sights such as the royal-sponsored projects at Teen Tok. Founded and financed by the H.M. The late King of Thailand in 1981, the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Centre is a re-education project in the Mae On district where villagers of 17 settlements are trained to earn a living through sustainable tourism initiatives. The cultivation of plants and flowers has been on the forefront of this project since its inception. Stops at a stone garden and to admire vista magnificence from Pha Num Lord Cliff before we reach the starting point of our trip to Mae Kampong Village add even more value to the morning before the residents of this eco-overnight address welcome you at their humble abode. The village chief and the families that call this village their home for centuries is eager to share you more about his village and what activities are around to explore.
Lunch will be served at the village.
After this delicious feast of local delicacies, it is time to explore the village itself. Families here have traditionally used their handicraft skills to make a living and these traditions remain their steady source of income. Bamboo weaving and using plants and herbs for various purposes is the core of their income. With its 1300-meter elevation above sea level, the land also serves perfectly as grounds to grow tea and coffee, used for domestic sales.
At the end of the afternoon we make a stop at a 7-tier waterfall, a local school (open during school days only) and the village’s revered temple before moving back to your basic overnight address where dinner will be served. As honourable guests, you will be treated with a dance and music performance, depicting the traditions and values of this village. A local dinner is served, filled with authentic aspects.
Overnight at Baan Mae Kampong Homestay
Day 2
Mae On District – Chiang Mai [B]
Before the sun has set, it is highly recommendable to join your guide and the local community for an alms giving experience in Mae On. Morning rituals nearby one of the town’s main temples are amongst the most sought-after experiences when wanting to witness local alms giving in town. Located just a short distance away from your accommodation, alms giving is and remains the way to witness the austere lifestyle of monks and novices, living and learning according to the teachings of the Lord Buddha. After this unique Buddhist experience, freshly-made breakfast awaits guests before checking out.
It will be time to say thank you to your hospitable host family, and all those who contributed to this experience of a life time. Taking the same road back as the one you arrived on, we return back to Chiang Mai and your booked accommodation where you expect an 11:00 am arrival.
