Lanna Culture Experience

Since a visit by King Rama IX in the late 1980s to address conditions of growing hardship, the village of Ban Pong Huai Lan has been a model of sustainable, locally-driven development in Northern Thailand. For the past 30 years, the community has made it its collective mission to practice and teach the late king’s monumental development ideology. Visitors to Ban Pong Huai Lan work alongside village elders as they weave palm fronds, sew cotton clothing, and cook traditional snacks using local products. A day in Ban Pong Huai Lan demonstrates how the sustainable use of natural resources positively impacts the livelihood of an entire community. For an even richer experience, spend a night in the home of a local family and gain unparalleled insight into life in this traditional community.

Itinerary

08:20-08:30 - Pick up from hotel

08:30-09:15 - Transport to Ban Pong Huai Lan

09:15-10:00 - Introduction and village tour

10:00-12:00 - Make cotton thread and weave traditional clothing with villagers

12:00-13:00 - Locally-sourced lunch in the community sala

13:00-14:00 - Weave palm baskets with villagers

14:00-15:00 - Cook “kanom kee maew” ("Cat Poop" traditional dessert) with villagers

15:00-16:00 - Return to hotel

What To Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Comfortable, appropriate clothing (this adventure visits a very traditional village)
• Sun protection
• Reusable water bottle (1 liter recommended)
• Small backpack

Includes

• Traditional craft making with village elders
• Experienced CMRCA guide as translator and cultural ambassador
• Locally-sourced, Thai lunch with the community
• One-day access to the Progression Vertical Climbing Gym