Thailand's best ecotourism spots

Jul 7, 2009 7:15:12 AM

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Chiang Rai

The centre for hill-tribe trekking with a social justice hook; some trekking companies employ hill-tribe guides or foster community development programs.

Northeastern Thailand

Loads of village homestays are sprouting up all over this rural landscape to put you in touch with the people and rice paddies.

Chiang Mai

A pretty northern town that is evolving into a cycling mecca for in-town touring and off-roading.

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Comments

7 November 2009 5:59AM peter445 Report this comment
The best place for Hill Tribes is AFECT, the ASSOCIATION FOR AKHA EDUCATION AND CULTURE IN THAILAND. Around since 1981 they are the only NGO actually helping Hill Tribe culture. I mention this because I recently did their Rainforest Experience which I recommend as one of the best things Ive ever done on any trip. They're web site is www.akhaasia.org
14 December 2010 7:42PM thellie Report this comment
not true. www.themirrorfoundation.org
The Mirror Foundation (Thai NGO) has worked with the hilltribes for 10 yrs now (Akha, Lahu, Karen, Lisu, Mien, Hmong, and now includes Mlabri, Moken, Palong, Kachin, as well), employing villagers as staff, and local guides, working to gain citizenship, combat human trafficking, running a youth development programme... as well as using volunteers to teach english and do outdoor work, and runs a ecotourism trekking/homestay project as well. 12 core projects in total, with more in the pipline.
They also work at government policy level, helping to introduce, change, and remove laws to benefit the hilltribes and local community development. They work to retain hilltribe culture, reinstill pride in the hilltribe heritages, and protect the youth from exploitation.
I know, I have worked here for 4 yrs now.
AFECT is one of many NGOs in the area, not the only one, working with hilltribes.