Northern lifestyle at Baan Rai Kong Khing
The community of Ban Rai Kong Khing is located in Hang Dong District, just outside of Chiang Mai. Here visitors are invited to learn about and share in their local culture. Guests can enjoy Northern Thai cuisine, prepared with organically grown ingredients, a traditional massage and much more. The local villagers of Ban Rai Kong Khing have worked together and taken a holistic approach to create a health-oriented community. By using the traditional knowledge of the villagers and blending it with modern medical practices, they have achieved a large degree of self-sufficiency. This knowledge they are happy to share with their guests.
Day 1: Health, Herbs and Lanna Culture (-/L/D)
Pick up in the morning from your hotel in Chiang Mai or the airport and make the short transfer to the community of Baan Rai Kong Khing. After arrival you will be greeted by your host family and then start the day with a short tour around the homestead. The village is famous for its many varieties of organically grown herbs. Visit the family’s garden to learn about the different herbs and their uses. Pick a selection and then see how they are turned into herbal compresses which can be used in traditional massage. Enjoy lunch prepared with local ingredients and organically grown vegetables.
Enjoy some time at leisure after lunch before heading to the community massage center for a relaxing herbal massage. Return to the homestay and get ready for a special dinner with a performance of music and dancing. The villagers will dress in traditional northern Thai costumes (Lanna style) and give a performance of traditional music and dancing while you enjoy your Khantoke dinner. Overnight at your Baan Rai Kong Khing Homestay.
Day 2: Northern Traditions by Bicycle (B/L-)
Get up early to prepare offerings for the monks on their morning alms round. Joining the merit making ceremony, offer the food prepared and receive their blessings. Now its breakfast time for yourselves before setting off on a bicycle tour of the surroundings districts and visit a local market. Here there will be time to stroll around and see the organically grown vegetables and other food products that are produced locally. Continue the bicycle tour to the famous Wat Ton Kwen Temple, which is one of the last temples in Chiang Mai built all from wood in the northern Thai/ Lanna style.
Then cycle back to the homestay with some short stops at scenic points along the way to take photos.At the homestay awaits the highlight of the day, the Yam Krang or Hot Foot Massage. The massage master will place his foot in some blessed oil, rub it over a hot stone and then onto the body of the person receiving the message. This is very relaxing form of massage and is famous all over the region. While you are enjoying your massages, one by one, the rest of the group will take part in traditional handicraft workshops, such as making colorful paper pendants and folding pandanus flowers.
After a last lunch at the homestay its time to say goodbye to your host family and transfer back to your Chiang Mai hotel or the airport.
For our confidential prices or additional information about any of our services,
please contact us at info@nutty-adventures.com
Services and Additional Notes
Services included:
• Private air-conditioned transport and transfers
• Accommodation as mentioned in the programme
• Local English-speaking guide
• Meals as mentioned in the programme
• All entrance fees for visits included in the programme
Services not included:
• Additional soft drinks
• Personal expenses
• Domestic and international flights
Responsible mind:
The villagers’ income from tourists is to help support the community and preserve its way of life. We have designed our tours to provide them with job opportunities and a sustainable way of maintaining their cultural heritage and to offer an alternative to illegal activities like mineral exploration, deforestation and hunting wildlife.