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Immersive stay in a Karen mountain village
Stay with the Karen people in the mountains of Chiang Mai
Share in the life of the Karen people in a small village nestled in the mountains of Chiang Mai. They will give you a glimpse into their simple rural life, close to nature, and introduce you to their culture, crafts, and cuisine. These are moments that will surely be highlights of your stay in Thailand.
Details
Immersive Stay with the Karen
This immersive stay with the Karen, one of the ethnic groups of the Northern Thai mountains, is offered in a comfortable guesthouse with good, real beds, well-appointed rooms with a nice bathroom and a proper shower with hot water, offering comfort similar to a good hotel (though there is no air conditioning, only fans, but it's generally cool at night up there). Pen, a Karen woman from the village, will welcome you to this enchanting place, nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Pick-up in Chiang Mai and Arrival at the Karen Village
You will be picked up from your hotel, the Chiang Mai train station, or the airport, as you prefer. The small, isolated Karen village where you will stay for 2 or 3 days, depending on your choice, is located approximately 70 km away by road in the mountains.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed to your comfortable guesthouse where you can settle in before enjoying a delicious local lunch prepared by your Karen hosts.Your Stay with the Karen Program
Whether you decide to spend two or three days up there (I highly recommend three days, as you'll find it hard to leave!), every moment will be an opportunity to discover and fully immerse yourself in the daily life of the Karen people.
On the agenda:
- Enjoy an exceptional natural setting, with a peaceful walk along the river, where you will have the opportunity to fish in its crystal-clear waters.
- Explore agricultural activities: depending on the season, you will participate in the rice harvest or planting, pick vegetables in the garden, or even harvest and roast coffee.
- Meet the locals, always smiling, ready to share their way of life. Simple and authentic life.
- Participate in various activities: weaving, crayfish fishing, collecting food for the pigs, preparing meals, etc., all in a friendly atmosphere.
In the evening, you'll learn to prepare a traditional Karen meal during a cooking class with ingredients freshly harvested from the garden or the jungle. The evening will end around a campfire, sometimes accompanied by a song sung by a villager, guitar in hand, in a traditional Karen style.
It's difficult to describe in words the intensity of this stay, as each experience varies depending on the time of year, the people present, and the village activities. However, every moment is a source of emotion, sharing, and unforgettable memories. It's truly a mini Rendez-vous en terre inconnue but without the cameras and more comfortable!
This full board stay is accompanied by an English-speaking host. If you prefer, a French-speaking guide can join you for an additional fee.
A video preview
Who are the Karen?
The Karen are the largest tribe in the mountains of Northern Thailand. Deeply committed to preserving their environment and a simple way of life, they primarily live off agriculture, cultivating rice in the mountains during the rainy season (July to November). For generations, the Karen people have maintained a special relationship with elephants, which they consider almost like family. Note that there is a version of this offer that includes an ethical jungle trek alongside elephants; you will find it further down this page or via the link Karen Immersion Stay with Elephants.
Indicative price:
- From 2 adults: 7,350 THB per person
- From 3 adults: 5,500 THB per person
- From 4 adults: 4,600 THB per person
- From 5 adults: 4,050 THB per person
- From 6 adults: 3,600 THB per person
- Additional adult: 3,350 THB
- Children under 4 years old go free. Half price for children aged 4 to 7.
Send a message to book or for more information
If you are interested in this offer, whether to book or simply ask questions to have additional information, use the form below to send a message. The program given here is an indication. There might be some modifications in the final program depending on the season or other factors. You are invited to review the details of the program or itinerary wih the agency or local guide.
Write your message in English.
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