THAILAND – Chiang Mai – Coffee and Culture Experience With the Akha 2D1N

Number day and night

2 days - 1 night

Day by day description

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Phrao – Akha Community 

After arriving in Phrao around lunchtime, a delicious local meal is waiting. After that, it is time for a hands-on learning experience at a small local coffee roastery where the secrets of coffee production will be unveiled, from bean to cup. There will even be the chance to roast a micro-batch and, of course, taste it. Then, the adventure starts by taking a local truck up the mountain to reach a mountain village. The scenic town is home to a community of Akha, an ethnic group with Sino-Tibetan roots. The hosts will shed light on their unique culture, history, and daily customs through hands-on activities in the village. If the weather is favorable, a trip to the nearby mountaintop at dusk makes for unforgettable views. At night, the villagers will host a dinner, and accommodation is provided in a simple and clean house.

Level: 1
Transportation: 110 kilometers from Chiang Mai – Phrao – 2 hours + 15 kilometers by truck – 40 minutes from Phrao to the village

Day 2:  Akha Village – Chiang Mai 

After breakfast, sipping on a delicious cup of locally grown coffee, the exploration continues. More villages are waiting to be explored, and the locals are ready to explain their way of life to all comers. A final walk down a small agricultural trail toward the valley marks the end of this unforgettable excursion before returning to Chiang Mai.
Level: 1
Distance and duration of the hike: 5 kilometers – 2 hours, including breaks
Total Gain elevation: – 500 meters
Transportation: 15 kilometers by truck from villages to Phrao – 45 minutes  +  Phrao  – Chiang Mai – 110 kilometers – 2 hours

Selling points

• A private excursion into a fantastic undeveloped region is still not on the map of mass tourism.
• A sustainable Easia Product in direct cooperation with the local communities.
• Exciting insights into coffee production, combined with authentic cultural experiences in a local Akha village.
• It is a remote area but accessible for Active Leisure.
• The simplicity of accommodation but the great human experience.
• Includes a 5-kilometre hike with scenic views along the way.

Activities

There is a choice between a “big” and “small” cultural performance in the evening:

• Big performance: the whole village will gather in a common area, and there will be cultural performances like dances and songs by approximately 10-15 people in traditional dress. It is recommended for bookings of more than five people. Cost is relatively high (2100THB) for smaller groups and may be a “too big” event.
• Small performance: more intimate performance with songs and traditional music. It can be held at one of the local houses as only a couple of people will be performing. Cost-friendly (500THB) and more suitable for small groups of up to 5 pax

The arrival time in Phrao is around lunchtime, while the driving time from Chiang Mai is around 2 hours. This means there is some free time in the morning, which can be kept free or allows for a short visit in town or on the way to Phrao.

Extensions

• THAILAND – Chiang Mai – A Day of Northern Hospitality in the Countryside

Selling points

• Opportunity to visit an authentic and “undeveloped” area of Northern Thailand.
• Our private active program does not pass via a supplier and, therefore, benefits the local communities directly.
• It is a mix of an exciting coffee learning experience in a local roastery with a stay in the villages.
• An Easia Signature activity.
• Chance to stay in a remote region but accessible to a reasonably comprehensive public.
• Adventurous experience with rides in the back of a pick-up truck and a scenic nature hike.

Pros

• In our program, no supplier is involved.
• It’s Easia Signature; no competitors offer anything similar in the region.
• The owner of the coffee roastery is the brother of the CEO of ATTA, which is a vital connection in the North American Market.
• We differentiate from the competition with this product.

Cons

• This is only possible with Active guides (3rd languages on request only).
• Locals have limited experience with tourism; service levels may not be consistent initially.
• Although usually accessible all year, the National Park is sometimes closed to visitors in periods of heavy rain. Also, the hike may be considerably more difficult during the rainy season (July – September).
• Visibility can be a problem during the hot season (March-May) due to smoke.
• Only an English-speaking guide can be confirmed automatically! We currently don’t have enough 3rd language guides, and they can only be confirmed on request (in discussion with the Operations department).

TIME AND TRANSPORTATION

Notes

ALERT: The activity is possible year-round, but during the rainy season (July-September), accessibility may be more complex and may affect the program.

ALERT: Only an English-speaking guide can be confirmed automatically! We currently don’t have enough 3rd language guides, and they can only be confirmed on request (in discussion with the Operations department).

ALERT: Clients must prepare an overnight backpack with their belongings needed during the two days. Their main luggage can be stored at their hotel or with the transportation supplier.

ALERT: As this activity occurs in a National Park, we are subject to the official guidelines, rules, and limitations. If the program is impossible due to official restrictions or safety issues, we adapt and operate an alternative program. This may include less hiking and focus more on the village experiences, depending on what is possible.

Notes: We pay for all services local people provide (local guide, food, activities, accommodation, etc.). We directly support members of the local community.
Besides that, there is a contribution per pax to a fund managed by a committee representing the different villages.

• Important information : 
  • Understand the client and travelers’ needs and expectations before proposing an itinerary.
  • This Module is only recommended for adventurous people in good physical condition.

• Luggage:
  • A backpack 20-35L (with supplies for two days) + rain cover
• Clothing:
  • Long top
  • Shorts, t-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Polar (for the evening)
  • Flip flops or slippers (for the evening)
• Hiking equipment:
  • Comfortable shoes for hiking
  • K-way
  • Headlamp
  • Earplugs
  • Laundry bag
  • Toilet kit
  • Towel (microfiber if possible)
  • Flask
  • Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
• Individual pharmacy
  • Personal Drugs
  • Anti-mosquito and insect repellent
  • Solar cream
  • Medication against motion sickness (if needed)
• Client Profile Form + Insurance and Health Information: (Name & surname, any specific allergy, Insurance details + Remark about hiking levels)
  + reference to their Insurance

Inclusions:

• Local hill tribe guide
• Transportation by local truck
• Lunch (day 1), dinner (day 1), breakfast (day 2)
• Water, snacks, coffee/tea
• Package of coffee to take home
• National Park entrance fees and fees for activities
• Cultural performance (music and song)
• Queen’s Project Forest Park entrances and visit
• Contribution to the local community
• Fees services

Exclusions:

• Easia Travel national guide
• Transportation to/from Phrao and Chiang Mai (or other destinations)
• Lunch on Day 2

Market suggestion

Number of PAX

1-15

Supplement

• Option for the owner of the coffee roastery to join the trip as an expert.

Important notes

Program with approximate timings:

• 10.30 am: Leave from Chiang Mai. Drive about one 1h 30 min (100km) to a local restaurant in Phrao.
• 12:00 pm: Lunch in a local restaurant.
• 13.30 pm: Drive to the local roastery.
• 13.45 pm -15.00 pm: Roastery workshop including introduction, explanations on bean processing, roasting, tasting and coffee to take home.
• 15.00 pm: Drive into the mountains by local truck.
• 16.00 pm – 17.30 pm: depending on the seasonality and options on spot, spend time in the host village or another nearby village for local interactions.
• 17.30 pm: arrive at the top of Doi Mon Lan, to learn about the Queen’s Project and see the sunset (if weather permits).
• Transfer by local truck to Abolocha village.
• 19.30 pm: dinner at Abolocha village.
• After dinner, spend time with the hosts.

Day 2

• 8.00 am: breakfast with fresh coffee.
• 8.45 am: tour in the village with Akha swing.
• 9.15 am: go to Abone village by local truck, do artisan coffee roasting.
• 10.00 am: start to walk down from Abone – Huay Khon.
• Arrive at Huay Khon around 12.00 pm and receive drinking water/snack in Huay Khon.
• Return to Phrao by local truck, end of the program.

Services for Hiking Tour 

• Water can be taken from the minivan and is available in each village.
• Food should be verified by the guide (clean plates – cutlery – avoid the use of plastic as much as possible).

Security :

• Guide trained in First Aid
• Local guide with knowledge of the route
• Easia Travel  emergency number, available 24/7
• Easia Travel Liability Insurance
• First Aid Kit
• Verify the backup with the local community for emergencies. A backup vehicle needs to be stood by in each village travelers will arrive, in order to anticipate unforeseen circumstances.
• Special National guide notes:
• Guides need to be briefed and updated at the office; this is a new product and being properly informed is super important
• The guide needs to help the villagers run the program (timing, encouraging to give info, etc.) as the local people don’t have experience with tourism at all
• Prepare and check the list of travelers to be ready to welcome them.
• The hiking guide must be flexible on the spot: adapt the speed and the length of the trails to the needs of the clients
• Detailed timing: Departure early morning from accommodation in order to have enough time to reach the final destination
• The guide must be strict on the departure time to avoid late arrival at night
• Guide should have lunch together with the Active clients, and encourage the locals to do the same (though it is not in their culture and they prefer to give space to visitors)
• The guide must stop and inform the travelers about the nature, and ethnic minorities surrounding them to make travelers experience the local life and traditions of the country.
• Before the tour, check the climate conditions to avoid risks (for example, bring raincoats) and be careful during the tour not to put the clients’ lives in danger. At the end of the day, he needs to debrief and inform the group about the next day’s itinerary and give them the time departure schedule.
• Languages – use polite language and adapt the behavior depending on the client’s character and behavior.
• Shoes – proper shoes –  no sandals or flip flops, especially on day 2
• Activewear or T-Shirt

Contact

Ms. Sutthiporn  Mayoe
125 M.1 A. Phrao, T. Pa Tum, Chiang Mai, 50190
Tel. 090-463-5530  E-mail: [email protected]

Special information

There are different parts to quote for this activity

Quotation guideline:

• Chiang Mai → Restaurants → Superior→ Regular restaurant in Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai → Activity → Seed of Hope Coffee → Interactive coffee learning experience at SOH roastery (Easia Signature), per pax
• Chiang Mai → Package →  Easia Signature – Doi Mon Lan – 2D1N → Easia Signature – Coffee & Culture Experience with an Akha community

Important:

In case of bad road conditions due to rain, the regular program may need to be adjusted. The guide can check with the local contact person in advance so clients can be informed before arriving. To assure clients’ safety, in case the program needs to be adapted a longer road to the village will need to be taken, a visit to the top of Doi Mon Lan may not be possible and the focus will be more on cultural exchange in the village.

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English

Coffee and Culture Experience with the Akha (2D1N Experience)

Day 1 Chiang Mai – Akha Community

In the late morning, head towards Phrao, a quiet town about 100 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, you will head to a coffee roastery for a hands-on learning experience. During the short workshop, you will learn all about the history of coffee in the area and how it is processed from bean to cup. You will even have the opportunity to roast your beans and, of course, taste it. Then, it is time for an adventurous ride into the mountains in the back of a 4×4 truck to an Akha village, where you will meet your hosts for the night. You’ll have plenty of time to learn about the unique culture, history, and daily lives, all while enjoying green surroundings and breathtaking views. You’ll enjoy a traditional Akha dinner in the village and spend the night in a simple, clean house.

Meals included lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Overnight in a local house
Level: 0

Transportation: 100 kilometers from Chiang Mai – Phrao- 1h 30min to 2h + 15 kilometers by truck – 40 minutes from Phrao to the village

What to bring: 

• A backpack with everything for the overnight in the town, it can stay in the car during visits and hike

• A smaller bag to carry some water and gear during the hikes

• For the overnight: comfortable clothes, personal medicine, toiletries, a towel, sweater/jacket for the evening, flip flops/slippers for the evening, lamp

• Hiking gear: comfortable and breathable clothes, hiking shoes, rain jacket/poncho (just in case), flask

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

Day 2 – Akha Community  – Chiang Mai
After breakfast, over a cup of locally grown coffee, the exploration continues. More villages are waiting to be explored, with the locals ready to explain their way of life to all comers. A final walk down a scenic agricultural trail towards the valley makes for a perfect ending to this unforgettable excursion before you return to (next destination).

Meals included Breakfast.
Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Level: 1
Distance and duration of the hike: 5 kilometers – 2 hours, including breaks
Total Gain elevation: – 500 meters
Transportation:15 kilometers by truck – 45 minutes from the end of the hiking trail to Phrao +  Phrao – Chiang Mai – 100 kilometers – 1h 30min to 2h

French

Expérience café et culture avec les Akha (expérience en 2D1N)

Jour 1 Chiang Mai – Communauté Akha

En fin de matinée, vous vous dirigez vers Phrao, une ville tranquille située à environ 100 kilomètres au nord de Chiang Mai. Après un délicieux déjeuner dans un restaurant local, vous vous rendrez dans une torréfaction locale pour une expérience d’apprentissage pratique. Au cours de ce court atelier, vous découvrirez l’histoire du café dans la région et la manière dont il est traité, du grain à la tasse. Vous aurez même l’occasion de torréfier vos propres grains et, bien sûr, de les goûter. Il est ensuite temps de partir à l’aventure dans les montagnes à l’arrière d’un camion 4×4 jusqu’à un village Akha où vous rencontrerez vos hôtes pour la nuit. Vous aurez tout le loisir d’en apprendre davantage sur la culture unique, l’histoire et la vie quotidienne, tout en profitant d’un environnement verdoyant et de vues à couper le souffle. Vous dégusterez un dîner traditionnel Akha dans le village et passerez la nuit dans une maison simple et propre.

Repas inclus : déjeuner, dîner
Hébergement : Nuit dans une maison locale
Niveau : 0

Transport : 100 kilomètres Chiang Mai – Phrao- 1h 30min à 2h + 15 kilomètres en camion – 40 minutes de Phrao au village

Ce qu’il faut apporter :

Un sac à dos avec tout ce qu’il faut pour la nuit au village, il peut rester dans le camion pendant les visites et les randonnées.
Un sac à dos plus petit pour transporter un peu d’eau et de matériel pendant les randonnées.
Pour la nuit : des vêtements confortables, des médicaments personnels, des articles de toilette, une serviette, un pull/une veste pour le soir, des tongs/des pantoufles pour le soir, une lampe.
Matériel de randonnée : vêtements confortables et respirants, chaussures de randonnée, veste de pluie/poncho (au cas où), gourde
Répulsif anti-insectes
Crème solaire

Jour 2 – Communauté Akha – Chiang Mai
Après le petit-déjeuner, autour d’une tasse de café local, l’exploration se poursuit. D’autres villages attendent d’être explorés, les habitants étant prêts à expliquer leur mode de vie à tous les visiteurs. Une dernière promenade sur un sentier agricole pittoresque en direction de la vallée clôturera parfaitement cette excursion inoubliable avant votre retour vers (votre prochaine destination).

Repas inclus : petit-déjeuner
Hébergement : Nuit à l’hôtel
Niveau : 1
Distance et durée de la randonnée : 5 kilomètres – 2 heures avec pauses
Dénivelé total : – 500 mètres
Transport : 15 kilomètres en camion – 45 minutes de la fin du sentier de randonnée à Phrao + Phrao – Chiang Mai – 100 kilomètres – 1h 30min à 2h

Spanish

Experiencia de café y cultura con los Akha (Experiencia 2D1N)

Día 1 Chiang Mai – Comunidad Akha

A última hora de la mañana, diríjase a Phrao, una tranquila ciudad situada a unos 100 kilómetros al norte de Chiang Mai. Tras un delicioso almuerzo en un restaurante local, se dirigirá a un tostadero de café local para vivir una experiencia de aprendizaje práctico. Durante el breve taller, aprenderá todo sobre la historia del café en la zona y cómo se procesa desde el grano hasta la taza. Incluso tendrá la oportunidad de tostar sus propios granos y, por supuesto, probarlos. A continuación, nos adentraremos en las montañas a lomos de un 4×4 hasta llegar a un poblado akha, donde nos reuniremos con nuestros anfitriones para pasar la noche. Tendrá tiempo de sobra para conocer su singular cultura, historia y vida cotidiana, todo ello mientras disfruta de un entorno verde y unas vistas impresionantes. Disfrutará de una cena tradicional Akha en la aldea y pasará la noche en una casa sencilla y limpia.

Comidas incluidas: almuerzo, cena
Alojamiento: Noche en una casa local
Nivel: 0

Transporte: 100 kilómetros Chiang Mai – Phrao- 1h 30min a 2h + 15 kilómetros en camión – 40 minutos de Phrao al pueblo

Qué llevar:

Una mochila con todo para pasar la noche en el pueblo, puede quedarse en el camión durante las visitas y la caminata
Una mochila más pequeña para llevar algo de agua y equipo durante las caminatas
Para pasar la noche: ropa cómoda, medicinas personales, artículos de aseo, una toalla, jersey/chaqueta para la noche, chanclas/zapatillas para la noche, lámpara
Equipo de senderismo: ropa cómoda y transpirable, calzado de montaña, chubasquero/poncho (por si acaso), cantimplora
Repelente de insectos
Protector solar

Día 2 – Comunidad Akha – Chiang Mai
Después del desayuno, con una taza de café cultivado localmente, la exploración continúa. Más aldeas esperan a ser exploradas, con los lugareños dispuestos a explicar su forma de vida a todos los que se acerquen. Un paseo final por un pintoresco sendero agrícola hacia el valle pone el broche de oro a esta inolvidable excursión antes de regresar a (próximo destino).

Comidas incluidas: desayuno
Alojamiento: Noche en el hotel
Nivel: 1
Distancia y duración de la excursión 5 kilómetros – 2 horas incluyendo descansos
Desnivel total: – 500 metros
Transporte:15 kilómetros en camión – 45 minutos desde el final de la ruta de senderismo hasta Phrao + Phrao – Chiang Mai – 100 kilómetros – 1h 30min a 2h

Italian

Esperienza di caffè e cultura con gli Akha (esperienza 2D1N)

Giorno 1 Chiang Mai – Comunità Akha

In tarda mattinata, dirigetevi verso Phrao, una tranquilla cittadina situata a circa 100 chilometri a nord di Chiang Mai. Dopo un delizioso pranzo in un ristorante locale, vi recherete in una torrefazione di caffè locale per un’esperienza pratica. Durante il breve workshop, imparerete la storia del caffè nella zona e come viene lavorato dal chicco alla tazza. Avrete anche l’opportunità di tostare i vostri chicchi e, naturalmente, di assaggiarli. Poi si parte per un’avventurosa escursione in montagna a bordo di un camion 4×4 fino a un villaggio Akha, dove incontrerete i vostri ospiti per la notte. Avrete tutto il tempo per conoscere la cultura, la storia e la vita quotidiana di questo villaggio unico nel suo genere, godendo di un ambiente verde e di panorami mozzafiato. Potrete gustare una cena tradizionale Akha nel villaggio e pernottare in una casa semplice e pulita.

Pasti inclusi: pranzo, cena
Pernottamento: Pernottamento in una casa locale
Livello: 0

Trasporto: 100 chilometri Chiang Mai – Phrao- 1h 30min a 2h + 15 chilometri in camion – 40 minuti da Phrao al villaggio

Cosa portare:

Uno zaino con tutto il necessario per il pernottamento nel villaggio, che può rimanere nel camion durante le visite e le escursioni.
Uno zaino più piccolo per portare un po’ d’acqua e l’attrezzatura durante le escursioni.
Per il pernottamento: vestiti comodi, medicine personali, articoli da toilette, un asciugamano, maglione/giacca per la sera, infradito/sciarpe per la sera, lampada
Attrezzatura da escursione: vestiti comodi e traspiranti, scarpe da trekking, giacca/poncho per la pioggia (non si sa mai), borraccia
Repellente per insetti
Protezione solare

Giorno 2 – Comunità Akha – Chiang Mai
Dopo la colazione, davanti a una tazza di caffè locale, l’esplorazione continua. Altri villaggi attendono di essere esplorati, con la gente del posto pronta a spiegare il proprio stile di vita a tutti i visitatori. Un’ultima passeggiata lungo un sentiero agricolo panoramico verso la valle è la conclusione perfetta di questa indimenticabile escursione prima del ritorno a (prossima destinazione).

Pasti inclusi: colazione
Pernottamento: Pernottamento in hotel
Livello: 1
Distanza e durata dell’escursione: 5 chilometri – 2 ore comprese le pause
Dislivello totale: – 500 metri
Trasporto: 15 chilometri in camion – 45 minuti dalla fine del percorso di trekking a Phrao + Phrao – Chiang Mai – 100 chilometri – 1h 30min a 2h

German

Kaffee- und Kulturerlebnis mit den Akha (2D1N Erlebnis)

Tag 1 Chiang Mai – Akha-Gemeinschaft

Am späten Vormittag fahren Sie nach Phrao, einer ruhigen Stadt etwa 100 Kilometer nördlich von Chiang Mai. Nach einem köstlichen Mittagessen in einem lokalen Restaurant fahren Sie zu einer lokalen Kaffeerösterei, wo Sie eine praktische Erfahrung machen können. Während des kurzen Workshops erfahren Sie alles über die Geschichte des Kaffees in dieser Region und wie er von der Bohne bis zur Tasse verarbeitet wird. Sie werden sogar die Gelegenheit haben, Ihre eigenen Bohnen zu rösten und natürlich auch zu probieren. Dann ist es Zeit für eine abenteuerliche Fahrt in die Berge auf dem Rücksitz eines Geländewagens zu einem Akha-Dorf, wo Sie Ihre Gastgeber für die Nacht treffen werden. Sie werden viel Zeit haben, um etwas über die einzigartige Kultur, die Geschichte und das tägliche Leben zu erfahren, während Sie die grüne Umgebung und die atemberaubende Aussicht genießen. Sie werden ein traditionelles Akha-Abendessen im Dorf genießen und die Nacht in einem einfachen, sauberen Haus verbringen.

Mahlzeiten inklusive: Mittagessen, Abendessen
Unterkunft: Übernachtung in einem lokalen Haus
Schwierigkeitsgrad: 0

Transport: 100 Kilometer Chiang Mai – Phrao – 1h 30min bis 2h + 15 Kilometer mit dem LKW – 40 Minuten von Phrao zum Dorf

Was man mitbringen sollte:

Einen Rucksack mit allem für die Übernachtung im Dorf, der während der Besuche und der Wanderung im LKW bleiben kann
Ein kleinerer Rucksack für Wasser und Ausrüstung während der Wanderungen
Für die Übernachtung: bequeme Kleidung, persönliche Medikamente, Toilettenartikel, ein Handtuch, Pullover/Jacke für den Abend, Flip Flops/Slipper für den Abend, Lampe
Wanderausrüstung: bequeme und atmungsaktive Kleidung, Wanderschuhe, Regenjacke/Poncho (nur für den Fall), Flachmann
Insektenschutzmittel
Sonnenschutzmittel

Tag 2 – Akha-Gemeinschaft – Chiang Mai
Nach dem Frühstück, bei einer Tasse lokal angebauten Kaffees, geht die Erkundung weiter. Weitere Dörfer warten darauf, erkundet zu werden, und die Einheimischen sind bereit, allen, die kommen, ihre Lebensweise zu erklären. Ein abschließender Spaziergang auf einem malerischen landwirtschaftlichen Weg in Richtung Tal bildet den perfekten Abschluss dieses unvergesslichen Ausflugs, bevor Sie zum (nächsten Ziel) zurückkehren.

Mahlzeiten inklusive: Frühstück
Unterbringung: Übernachtung im Hotel
Schwierigkeitsgrad: 1
Entfernung und Dauer der Wanderung: 5 Kilometer – 2 Stunden inklusive Pausen
Gesamthöhengewinn: – 500 Meter
Transport: 15 Kilometer mit dem LKW – 45 Minuten vom Ende des Wanderweges nach Phrao + Phrao – Chiang Mai – 100 Kilometer – 1h 30min bis 2h