Lisu Lodge - Life in a Traditional Thai Village Run by an Indigenous Tribe

Lisu Lodge is a back-to-basics getaway named after the Lisu hill tribe village near the lodge. It is part of a community project to preserve the natural heritage of Chiang Mai's hill tribes.

The idea to open a lodge was born from a local initiative to integrate the minority tribes of Northern Thailand into the management of charming accommodations a few steps from their original village.

Ann-Chananya Phattharaprasit, the owner of a local, sustainable tour company, is the mastermind behind Lisu Lodge. Her passion for the project started with a trip into the deep forests of the northern mountains of Thailand.

After a 4-day journey through the mountains, she stumbled upon an ethnic village in the forest. Despite her exhaustion, the villagers welcomed her with kindness, offering her a place to rest, food, and engaging conversation.

Before parting ways, they exchanged hugs, leaving a lasting impression on her. Returning to the city, she brought back woven cloth and fond memories of the villagers' warmth and hospitality.

This experience with the mountain tribe led her on a passionate journey to help them preserve their identity and ensure the prosperity of their community.

Located in Chiang Mai province, the lodge is less than an hour's drive from Chiang Mai city itself, and it's surrounded by rice fields, orchards, and lush jungles.

Built in the traditional Lisu style with extra modern comforts, the lodge has three bamboo houses with 14 rooms. The lodge is built on the traditional family dwelling model and fully integrated into the village's plant environment.

The staff here are all locals. You can also choose from many activities that connect with the community, like having a local guide lead a walk in the community, learning about the Lisu way of life, hiking in nature, and collecting local plant seeds to grow in the accommodation's nursery before taking them back to plant in the forest.

You can learn about embroidery or basketwork, and the women manage the sale of craft products. The profits from these sales and the tips are distributed in the community for a good cause.

Over the past three decades, Lisu Lodge has been established to work with the community, and it has become a prime example of the current trend of sustainable tourism.

Thanks to the profits from the hospitality project, the Lisu cultural identity was revitalized. The return of the Lisu language to schools, the revival of traditional costumes, and the founding of a small cultural center were initiated.

The food served here is community-sourced, with all ingredients grown in the community alongside the accommodation. To avoid harming the environment and consumers, the ingredients must be cultivated safely and free of toxic substances.

Three large bamboo buildings with thatched roofs on stilts are located at the entrance of a small village that depends on agriculture and crafts for its livelihood.

The bungalows have six comfortable yet simple rooms (double, twin, triple, plus option to connect them), each with a large bed with a mosquito net and woven duvet, plus a private bathroom.

Each house has a spacious wooden terrace with cozy seating, daybeds, and local pottery in a small bar. All meals are served on the terrace, providing a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

The cottages overlook the lush fields and hills surrounding the valley.

Each spacious room has a private bathroom with a fan, mosquito net, hairdryer, slippers, and toiletries.

A massage service is available if you wish to relax during your stay.

During your stay, you can partake in trekking in the lush jungle, whitewater rafting, cycling in the pristine nature to the nearby Muang Guert, tea garden visits, Thai cooking classes, and therapeutic massages.

The cultural tours will take you to places where you can meet Indigenous hill tribes like the Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Tai, and Karen.