Karen Hill Tribe Lodge, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travelers to Thailand seeking accommodation with a difference in an authentic cultural setting need not look any further than the award winning Karen Hill Tribe Lodge. Deep in the heart of the mountains northwest of Chiang Mai, lies Wat Chan, an eco-paradise. Visitors to this pristine Eden have the opportunity to participate in a variety of interesting activities, including elephant safaris through the verdant jungle, trekking in the picturesque countryside and an opportunity to learn about the unique lifestyle of the villagers.

More than Accommodation

Elephant Safaris, Trekking, Hill tribe fishing, fresh water shrimping, mushroom hunting and much more. The lodge provides you with a host of activities to choose from. You can always take a leisurely browse through the village to learn about hill tribe life.

Asian elephant safari

Guests staying at the lodge 2 nights or more receive a free 2 hour Elephant Safari guided by a professional mahout over jungle clad hills and along pristine rivers. We offer you the opportunity to accompany the elephants on their daily feeding and bathing routines. Aside from the elephant stomp through the forest, you can try your hand at training these gentle mammals. Elephants love playing in water and enjoy showering by sucking water into their trunks and spraying it all over themselves. Don't forget your camera!

Trekking

Experienced guides from the lodge will guide you through the mountains and rivers. People of all fitness levels are accommodated; this is trekking for everybody who wants to be in the heart of northern Thailand. Trek through beautiful forest, discover crystal clear mountain streams and waterfalls! Great for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Cooking lessons

You will have the opportunity to learn how to collect natural fresh herbs and vegetables from the area, or simply enjoy a cooking lesson at the lodge. Harness the aromas of traditional Thai herbs such as lemongrass and lime leaves, and master curries, soups and stir-fries. Go out into the jungle with an experienced hill tribe guide to discover wild ginseng, gooseberries and mushrooms. We also offer fresh coffee grown in the forest.

Local People

The local people are warm and hospitable and they welcome the chance to share their traditions with guests. If you wish, guests can try their hand at, or just observe the villagers' daily chores such as rice pounding and creative clothing weaving. They're all performed in the labor-intensive, traditional way without the use of machinery.

What to expect

You'll wake up to the sounds of roosters crowing, singing birds, or the cry of the wild gibbon. Remember, you're on easy time here. There's no need to rush. And if you truly want to relax, opt for a traditional Thai massage given by one of the Karen women. Strong hands will work at those tension knots and reinvigorate, not only your body, but your spirit. At night, take part in the enjoyable bonfire ceremony and lantern lighting. Delight in a performance by the proud young hill tribe children and join in their fun dance. It's a stirring end to an unforgettable day.

GUIDE EXCURSIONS at Karen Hill Tribe Lodge

Elephant Safaris-----------------all year

Hill Tribe Experiences----------all year

Gibbon Spotting-----------------all year / best months July to April

Thai Cooking---------------------all year

Fishing the Hill Tribe way-----all year / best months July to April

Wild Ginseng Hunting----------all year / best months June to August

Cultural Dancing-----------------all year

Photography----------------------all year

Wild Gooseberry Hunting-----April to June

Mushroom Hunting-------------June & July

Fresh Water Shrimping--------All year / best months December to January