Lisu Lodge

Mountains
Rural
Wildlife
Culture
Hiking

A community-based eco-lodge offering an authentic hill tribe experience

Ninety minutes north of Chiang Mai, a valley of rice paddies and tea gardens gives its name to 20-room community-run Lisu Lodge, named after the Lisu hill tribe village next door, one of several ethnic communities scattered through these hills. The lodge is staffed entirely by Lisu villagers, part of a community project built to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of Chiang Mai's hill tribes, and meals use produce from the lodge's own organic rice fields and vegetable garden.

The landscape here is ideal for trekking and mountain biking. Back at base, cookery classes using whatever's ready in the garden, and visits to the nearby Araksa tea plantation can be organised. Village walks can introduce guests to the Lisu community.

Sustainability

How this escape gives back

Climate & conservation

Local or organic food - Meals feature ingredients harvested from the lodge’s own organic rice fields and vegetable garden.
Partners with the Himmapaan Foundation on reforestation projects
Guest houses built in a traditional Lisu style
Low-impact guided bike tours - bamboo rafting and nature walks

Community & culture

Operates in direct partnership with the local Lisu village
Employs and trains people from the local Lisu community
Develops all tours in consultation with the Lisu community
Experiences such as visiting a local shaman or
Offers tours to the nearby Araksa tea garden and roastery - supporting a local enterprise

Commercial

Reinvests income into Lisu village community-run projects
Part of the Asian Oasis network for low-impact tourism

Details

PRICE BRACKET: £
Type of property: Lodge
No. of rooms: 4 twin rooms, 2 family rooms
Max guests per room: Rooms sleep 2-3 guests; interconnected rooms are available for families
Facilities: Garden · Tours desk · Bicycle hire · Restaurant
Activities: Hiking · Cycling · White-water rafting · Cultural visits · Rice planting / harvesting
Setting: Mountains · Rural

Best time to visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Best during the cool, dry season from November to February.

Kids

Families are welcome; interconnected rooms are available.

Accessibility

The lodge is in a rural, hilly setting with likely limited step-free access.

Location

Chiang Mai, Thailand

£pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night