Overview:
EarthCare is a unique learning program that combines awareness of environmental responsibility and conservation, understanding of community issues and, through that, self-development and discovery. EarthCare welcomes you into a hill tribe community to engage and exchange about their way of life and natural environment
EarthCare is about learning, discovery and awareness.
Sightseeing choices – Chiang Mai history & temples, Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle, Hall of Opium Royal Project, National Park, nature treks, elephant rides, and more
Learning activities – field studies include re-forestation, water conservation, ethnic hilltribe cultures, community development
Outdoor activities –biking, white-water rafting, multi-day trekking & overnights in highland hilltribe villages
EarthCare is part of a community-based project that embodies the spirit of cultural respect and environmental sustainability. Based out of Lisu Lodge within a Lisu village, an hour’s drive north of Chiang Mai, the lodge lives and breathes with the community.
You sleep in traditional-style lodges but with modern comforts such as electricity, fans, mosquito nets, comfortable bedding and en-suite private bathrooms (yes, there is hot water – solar powered). The lodges overlook rice fields and lush vegetation from the surrounding hills. Within its grounds are a herb and spice garden tended to by monks from the local monastery and a herbal steam bath using herbs from that same garden.
Around the lodge are rivers, forests, trails and treks, elephant camps and hilltribe villages of Lahu and Akha that form the backdrop of EarthCare’s activities and experiences. During your EarthCare program you may choose to trek up to Lahu Outpost,
Lahu Outpost is a simple cottage-style accommodation in a Lahu hilltribe village. It is designed to give clients an experience of hilltribe life in conditions which are simple and basic, but as clean and comfortable as possible without distracting from the authenticity of the experience.
The concept of Lahu Outpost is that of local participation, to let the local hilltribe people participate and work in the tourism industry. Eventually, they come to learn the business themselves. The house itself belongs to them, and they are now very experienced in providing quality services to guests while making direct income.
With EarthCare, it’s not just about doing, it’s about learning through every activity and experience that which sustains us and our planet. Learning is facilitated by experts in their respective fields and trained moderators will lead discussion groups so that learning is expressed, discussed, shared and expanded upon. It’s a format that ensures every participant walks away, enriched by the experience.
EarthCare programs are customized for each group’s needs and desires.
Location:
On this trip you will travel to northern Thailand through the historical city of Chiang Mai and into the surrounding hills with rice fields and lush vegetation.
Trip notes & Inclusions:
As each program is unique, so to are the tours and costs. As a rule of thumb programs cost between $75 to $125 per day per person and varies greatly due to number of participants, length of program, services required, type of sightseeing and accommodations provided. Our school tours usually include two teachers free of charge.
Group size: minimum 10 people – maximum 35 people
Tour duration: customized for group requirements within 3 to 10 days
To provide an accurate quotation we encourage you to contact us to discuss various options.
Typically our tours include:
- Supervision and instruction by experienced outdoor education teachers
- All activities at centre ex. outdoor / in classroom / etc
- All meals during programme
- Accommodation in centre’s dormitory
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water
and excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay
- Donation for any community service projects
Trip notes & Inclusions:
As each program is unique, so to are the tours and costs. As a rule of thumb programs cost between $75 to $125 per day per person and varies greatly due to number of participants, length of program, services required, type of sightseeing and accommodations provided. Our school tours usually include two teachers free of charge.
Group size: minimum 10 people – maximum 35 people
Tour duration: customized for group requirements within 3 to 10 days
To provide an accurate quotation we encourage you to contact us to discuss various options.
Typically our tours include:
- Supervision and instruction by experienced outdoor education teachers
- All activities at centre ex. outdoor / in classroom / etc
- All meals during programme
- Accommodation in centre’s dormitory
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water
and excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay
- Donation for any community service projects
Buffalo Tours has developed a specialized Volunteer & Educational Travel team of experienced teachers, community development practitioners, and travel experts that allows you to
1) customize not only your volunteer educational travel arrangements but also integrate these into your group’s core learning objectives!
2) participate in community development projects and activities that have undergone a rigorous participatory needs analysis process
In this way your travel creates the most inspirational impact for all involved.
Join us and learn about the environment, learn about Thailand’s hilltribe cultures and learn about yourself.