Community-Based Tourism?

Community-based tourism supports local economies without exploiting locals. The goal is to funnel tourist dollars into the local economy by emphasizing tours, businesses and cultural programs that are run by members of the host community. This type of tourism benefits the local culture by maintaining it in reality, not as a theme-park version of itself.

Not only is community-based tourism a responsible choice when possible, but often it also provides unique, memorable and authentic experiences for those who seek it out. Supporting local cultural efforts can take travelers well beyond the traditional tourist route and provide a life-changing experience.

We emphasize the importance of caring about the environments they explore and making themselves aware of the social and cultural implications of their choices. Simple decisions such as buying local products, paying fair prices for products or services, and attempting to speak the local language can have a strong positive effect on the community.

Our program is built on a foundation of community-based tourism and our ties to the Chiang Mai community. Our Thai staff helps to ensure that our interactions with people both in cities and more remote areas are respectful and supportive.

Popular visits to the hill tribes are often organized without the consent of and at the expense of the tribes themselves. They may disrupt the local culture, treating its members as a spectacle instead of a proud and private society. We are happy to know with certainty that our visit, privately organized, is both welcome and interactive.

The organizations we have chosen to support are owned and operated by locals and have a reputation for environmentally and culturally sustainable practices. From our cooking classes and Muay Thai, to our in-house Thai language and yoga instructors, to our week at the Elephant Nature Park, we are proud to support Thai-owned organizations that value the contributions of their own people.