Thai Farming and Waterfall at Mae Win Village
Spend a day immersed in the traditions of the Karen people in Mae Win, a peaceful valley area famed for its farmland and forested hills. The Karen are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in South-East Asia, with significant populations in Northern Thailand. They have a deep connection with the land and are often cited as stewards of the forest. Their traditional ecological knowledge includes careful land management, herbal medicine and spiritual practices that protect natural resources. This enriching cultural experience offers an insight into a way of life shaped by sustainable farming and a deep respect for nature. During a visit to a local Karen village, we learn about rice cultivation, from seasonal cycles to age-old agricultural techniques. This lively excursion involves hands-on activities such as ploughing, planting and rice transplanting, plus the unique opportunity to feed water buffalo, an essential contributor to rural life as they pulled ploughs before the introduction of mechanised vehicles. A rustic lunch is served in the rice fields, surrounded by tranquil countryside. The day concludes with time to unwind at a nearby waterfall before returning to our hotel.
Route
- Duration: 8 hours, with departure at 8.30 am;
- This trail programme is operated daily on private basis with English-speaking guide;
- Pick-up and drop-off for this trail programme are restricted to main hotels within the downtown area of Chiang Mai only. Supplementary fees apply for pick-up or drop-off in regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport.
- Tours and transfers with English-speaking, licenced assistance;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle or local transportation, unless otherwise stated;
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the programme;
- All applicable taxes and service charges;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only).
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximizes positive impacts on local communities and minimizes negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Taste northern Thai foods made by locals using locally-sourced ingredients;
- Transport alternatively – Walking is combined with a mix of local transportation (song taew) to experience Chiang Mai like the locals;
- Experience meaningfully – Visit local rural communities.
