Lanjia Lodge, Chiang Rai

The Lanjia Lodge is a bold and adventurous community-based tourism project amongst the Hmong minority village on the banks of the Mekong River, close to the border with Laos.

There are four thatched, four-bedroom bamboo houses: beautifully designed, with large simple bedrooms and tiled en-suite bathrooms and hot water. Each house has a spacious balcony, cushioned seating areas and beautiful views over the valley and village below. Hearty food is served, blending traditional Thai dishes with some of the local tribal recipes. Many of the ingredients are grown organically on site.

The project is the result of a partnership between the village, a local development NGO and Asian Oasis, who run some of the best eco-tourism ventures in Thailand.

The hosts at Lanjia Lodge are the proud and hospitable Hmong and Lahu villagers who take care of all visitors and activities at Lanjia Lodge. Contributions from your stay will be used on community projects that improve the local living conditions, education and healthcare programs.

The lodge aims to celebrate these remarkable people and encourages the protection of their traditional customs and lifestyles. Activities include an excellent exploratory tour of the village, trekking, bike riding, birdwatching and handicraft lessons.

Staying at the lodge will give you a fascinating insight into the lives of the ethnic minorities across the mountain regions with none of the voyeurism of the hill tribe treks around Chiang Mai.

Highly recommended for those looking to get off the beaten track in Thailand, the lodge is also an obvious inclusion for trips heading overland into Laos.