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COMPASS 77

Baan Hua Thung

Community-based Tourism

Thouses
he villagers of Baan Hua Thung enjoy a spectacular view from their
at the base of the limestone mountain, Doi Luang Chiang Dao,

some 85 km from Chiang Mai. It is a unique environment, including alpine

forest, and provides habitats for many indigenous species which are not
found elsewhere.
With a current population of 454 in 150 houses, Baan Hua Thung is
a small friendly hamlet where everyone contributes to conserving the
natural biodiversity of the area. Community members have worked together to establish a community forest which has become well known
across the country. In this area it is allowed to collect wild fruits and
herbs, but cutting the trees is strictly prohibited.
Baan Hua Thung also has a community bamboo forest. Every year,
villagers collectively harvest bamboo and divide the profit among the
community. Mostly the bamboo is made into baskets.
The village has received several awards for conservation and
ecotourism from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports: in 2012 they were
presented the Zero Forest Burning Award from the Pollution Control
Department, the same year won the Green Community Award of Chiang Mai.
The villagers always welcome Thai and foreign students and tourists
who are interested to learn more about how to manage forest resources
in a sustainable way. They are also keen to share their lifestyles and
traditions with guests who would like a real insight into rural Thai life. n

Activities for guests:

150 454
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. (087) 995 8104

Experience daily life: Guests can visit a community forest which

village members manage together. There are many different kinds of
herbal medicines and wild edible plants in the forest. Guests will also
hear about the inspiring practice of forest ordination whereby trees are
ordained as monks! They say, People nurture the forest, and the forest
nurtures the people in return. Guests can also learn how to make a
bamboo basket, and maybe meet a traditional village herbalist.
Doi Chiang Dao Trek: (Seasonal November to May): Trekking to the
peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, accompanied by local guides of course, is
a classic adventure. En route, you will encounter many rare plant species
which the guides will explain for you. Its an early morning start, but youll
be rewarded by a 360-degree view from the peak. Watch the surrounding mountains gradually appear through a sea of clouds. The trek also
includes stops at scenic spots, a cave and a waterfall.
For more information about visiting and homestay, please contact
(087) 995 8104.

How to get there

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Text by S.P. Photography by S.P. and Chiang Dao Post

COMPASS 79