📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
GREENWAY / GREENLION THAILAND
💼 What the programme involves
One of our most diverse programs in one of the most stunning spots in Thailand. This visit to Thailand”™s northern Hill Tribe community will be hard to forget. The Akha people are a disadvantaged minority that migrated into Thailand and have a distinct culture which you will get to learn about by living and breathing it.
This program will have you immersed in the village, experiencing a range of cultural activities as well as enjoying the surrounding fauna, wildlife and tourist attractions on the last day. Furthermore, you will help out the local Akha people through various means such as teaching, gardening and light construction and renovation.
The hilltop village is not far from the Northern city of Chiang Rai and is surrounded by lush jungle, which provide with natural resources that the Akhas use to survive. Plants are used for healing, bamboo helps construct their homes, hunting and farming provides them with food. The Akha people have their own unique language, religion and culture.
We aim to assist with the educational development of the Akha people. The idea here is not to try to alter their culture or perceptions in any way, but rather to embrace their way of life and learn from one another. As well, we want participants to learn about and experience a new way of life.
🏠 Accommodation on site
During your stay, you will be sharing a room with other participants. Your 'bed' will be rather a thin Thai mattress - don't expect any degree of luxury!
If you go into a homestay, you will be sleeping on the floor in basic grass and wooden huts. You will be sharing this space with a family and will eat and live with them, taking part in their daily chores.
We recommend that you bring your own mosquito nets with you due to your rustic lifestyle at this location.
For one night during the program, we will get you fully immersed in the lifestyle of the Akhas by having you stay with a local family. In this way, you will learn about their morning routine, how they sleep, how they cook and in this way experience and learn firsthand the true way of life of these tribe.
Local dishes are provided on site - 3 meals per day, but 2 during the weekends. Some families might even ask you to help out with the kitchen chores, so get prepared to learn some authentic Akha recipes!
Please note that you will be expected to cook dinner on Friday in order to show the Akha people the food from your country!
📍 About the location
The Akha hill tribe village is outside the city of Chiang Rai and you will be living there during your time at the project.
Our center is located amidst the village and the style of the rooms was made in order to resemble the rest of the houses in the village. There are western style toilets and cold showers.
Cell phone reception is incredibly limited - you really are living in and experiencing rural Thailand at this location! You might be able to reach some reception at higher levels. There is no wifi available at the accommodation due to the secluded nature of the village.
Close to Chiang Rai, the Akha village you will be staying at is located amidst the hills, surrounded by lush jungle. Here, you will get immersed into the lives of the Akha people in a truly authentic and unique location, far away from any travel guide!
There is a small village shop but please remember this is an incredibly rural and authentic location - there are no ATMs, so please make sure you arrive to the location with some cash on you.
You will be taken on treks as part of the program and can choose to go on self-guided hikes during your free time.
ℹ️ Additional information
Open all year, starting on Mondays, every week, participation fee 350€ per week. Culture week mandatory: 175€ to start the programme