A Lisu Encounter in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng District
A Lisu Encounter in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng District
An authentic ethnic minority experience in the Mae Taeng District gives an in-depth look in Lisu life
WHY THIS TOUR?
One of those Chiang Mai regions, we just cannot get enough of. Mae Taeng’s natural beauty radiates from the moment you enter the borders of this Northern Thailand district, ready to guide you through its sites, experience its fresh air, and explore the settlements of the ethnic minorities. The Lisu has been one of the many hill tribes calling this area their home, and with their hospitable character and caring nature for everything living, the birth of the bamboo-thatched rooms of Lisu Lodge was a fact.
Managed and maintained by the Lisu itself, the lodge has been praised for bringing a Community-Based-Tourism project to a broader audience without losing touch of the cherished cultural values of operating a sustainable operation. This award-winning package of 2 nights has been laureled for its authentic approach of nature-based activities and meeting the locals.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Chiang Mai – Mae Taeng [D]
Said to bring the best of Thailand through your car window, the almost 2-hour transfer from your Chiang Mai hotel to Mae Taeng will give arriving Lisu Lodge guests enough visual awesomeness of what is to be expected during the coming 2 days.
Scattered villages, markets and the occasional panoramic view over the former Lanna Kingdom leading towards Thaton may include a few photo stops. At approximately 2:30 pm, you will arrive at the Lisu Lodge, a community-based tourism project set up to bring guests up and close with the lifestyle of this ethnic minority and indulge in the local activities. After a short introduction of what can be expected, and checking in procedures done, we head out into the nearby village to see of what daily life of the Lisu all includes. Lunch is on own arrangement.
The kind-hearted people of the village eagerly want to show you ‘their’ Ton Lung temple, enjoy a cup of tea at one of the homes or meet the local shaman for a taste of some traditional medicine. After returning to the lodge, a freshly cooked dinner is served, accompanied by an authentic dance performance by local performers. Overnight is at the Lisu Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the Lisu Lodge
Day 2
Mae Taeng – Chiang Mai [B, L]
With the sun rising, welcoming another day in the mountains, breakfast will be served at the lodge.
A locally prepared breakfast the following day is followed by a choice of one of four activities, suitable to anyone’s desires. Guests can pedal beyond the village and explore what more the Mae Taeng can give. Feel more like in need of a moment of relaxation? Not a problem! Skilled therapists offer traditional massages or prepare a steam bath to ease in the feeling of serenity before heading back to your next destinations. If you want to explore the region on your own, the team at the Lisu Lodge has a few pointers where you may head, such as the village of Baan Pang Mai Daeng. Besides taking it on your own, it is highly recommended to be guided by one of the locals during a bicycle tour.
Customers are allowed to choose only one activity during this morning: other activities can be booked and paid on spot, time permitting. Before heading back to Chiang Mai, a Thai set lunch completes this local experience, prepared with ingredients from the lodge’s garden. It will be sad to leave this magical place as your driver starts the drive back to Chiang Mai and your booked hotel. Expect to arrive at the Rose of the North at around 2:30 pm.
