Uncovering Thailand’s Hidden Gems
When most people think of Thailand, their minds immediately go to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tropical southern islands, and indulging in Pad Thai from local street vendors. Thailand has undoubtedly become a top destination for travellers worldwide.
However, despite its popularity, Thailand continues to face a range of development challenges, especially in its rural areas. While cities grow and thrive, many remote communities, particularly in Northern Thailand, struggle with limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
In this blog we discover the beauty of Northern Thailand, where breathtaking landscapes meet vibrant cultural traditions. Beyond the tourist trails, this region offers a deeper connection to local communities and the chance to contribute to important community initiatives.
Our Hub in Mae Sariang
Our Hub in Mae Sariang
Participating in a Challenges Abroad programme in Thailand offers a unique chance to experience the country beyond the well-trodden tourist trails. Your base will be the beautiful town of Mae Sariang, a peaceful, rural area nestled in a valley surrounded by lush rice paddies, ancient temples, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Located about four hours from Chiang Mai, Mae Sariang offers a more authentic glimpse of Thai life, with its traditional wooden homes, local markets, and the culture of the Karen hill tribes.
Mae Sariang’s charm lies in its tranquil, slow-paced lifestyle, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the town’s rich culture and warm community atmosphere. From here, you can explore the surrounding region’s highlights, including Mae Sariang’s vibrant temples and river views. When you’re ready for a break, Chiang Mai is just a few hours away, where you can indulge in local street food, snap photos of iconic spots like the Chiang Mai Canyon and Doi Suthep Mountain, and perhaps take part in a sustainable, ethical elephant experience.
Discovering the Hill Tribes
Northern Thailand’s mountainous and forested terrain offers a peaceful contrast to the urban hustle of the south. Hidden within these serene landscapes are the Hill Tribes (known as ‘chao khao’ in Thai), unique Indigenous groups with rich cultures that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
Visiting these communities offers a rare glimpse into a side of Thailand untouched by mass tourism. Here are some highlights of their captivating culture:
- Language: Each Hill Tribe has its own distinct language and traditions, many passed down orally without written documentation.
- Traditional Dress: Hill Tribe clothing is vibrant and intricate, with the Karen women famously wearing long brass neck rings, giving them the nickname “Long Neck Karen.”
- Agriculture: The tribes live in harmony with the land, relying on traditional farming methods that reflect a deep connection with nature.
- Artisan Crafts: Skilled in crafting textiles, jewelry, and woodwork, the Hill Tribes’ artisan creations reflect their cultural heritage and provide an important source of income.
Travelling Responsibly
When visiting places such as the Hill Tribes, it’s crucial to approach with respect and cultural sensitivity. Here are a few tips to ensure your visit is meaningful and sustainable:
- Embrace learning: Immerse yourself in the local customs and ask permission before taking photos or videos.
- Support local artisans: Purchasing handmade crafts directly from Hill Tribe members helps sustain their livelihoods and preserves their traditions.
- Bring reusables: Help protect the environment by reducing waste—pack reusable bags and water bottles.
Making an Impact in Thailand
Thailand is a wonderfully diverse country where one must look beneath the surface to truly understand this, along with the challenges that come with diversity. With equality and education at the core of what we do, we can raise awareness and build capacity to allow each individual to realise their goals and potentials, regardless of where they were born. By joining our Challenges Abroad Thailand trip, you’ll experience the best of what the country has to offer, while making your time there impactful and meaningful for the communities we work with.
Our Thailand Challenges have four key areas: Education, Health, Livelihoods and Environmental Sustainability. Through these various challenges you will the opportunity to:
- Run STEM and English workshops that ignite children’s love of learning
- Run life skills workshops that build children’s confidence and skills
- Inspire local children and adults to learn more about health and wellbeing
- Take care of rescued elephants, dogs and cats at an elephant park
Thailand: Health and Wellbeing Challenge
- Location: Thailand
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Purpose: Improve access to education surrounding health and wellbeing
Elephants and Hill Tribes
- Location: Thailand
- Duration: 15 days
- Purpose: Inspire change through education and ethical elephant conservation efforts
Thailand: Social Impact in the Community
- Location: Thailand
- Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
- Purpose: Improve access to quality education
Join us in Thailand
So, if you are seeking a one-of-a-kind experience rich in cultural insights and stunning landscapes our Thailand Challenges are the perfect adventure for you! While it may differ from the usual island-hopping adventures, it offers a meaningful journey not to be missed.
