Visitor
Essentials
Acomodation and meals
Accommodation is provided in family homes. Participants become part of the community, sharing meals, stories, and traditions.
Three meals a day are provided, cooked with local ingredients. Participants often share meals with their host family.
What we look for in participants
A spirit of openness, respect, and curiosity.
Willingness to adapt to simple living conditions.
Motivation to contribute skills and learn from the community.
Basic English communication (no need for teaching certificate, but enthusiasm is essential).
What you gain from the experience
Hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and community development.
A deeper understanding of Lahu culture and way of life. Friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
The knowledge that your contribution supports a community building a sustainable future.
Program cost
The program cost includes a organisation fee and is the program cost Organisation fee:
150 euros (paid to book your placement)
Program cost: 2 weeks- 410 euros/ 1 person. This contribution includes:
• Accommodation with a host family
• Three daily meals
• Program coordination and support
• Contribution to community development projects
Family discounts are available — contact us for more information.
SUPPORT US
Support CAFE LAHU
Your support helps the Lahu community preserve its culture, protect the environment, and build a better future.
Every contribution brings us closer to a sustainable future.
Aw pon ui ja - Thank you!!!
Donate
DONATE and support CAFE LAHU’s programs.
• Regenerative agriculture
• Education and Ecological awareness
• Water infrastructure
• Indigenous culture
• Women’s leadership
As a donor, you will receive:
A personalized thank-you from the Community and updates on the project’s progress.
Aw pon ui ja - Thank you!!!
Corporate collaborations
Join us to drive social and environmental change.
We offer partnerships through project funding, corporate volunteering, ethical coffee, and long-term sponsorships — with regular impact reports and recognition.
Every partnership brings us closer to a sustainable future.
Aw pon ui ja - Thank you!!!
Empower her Lahu community through organic coffee, culture, and sustainable tourism
Volunteering and Community Learning Experiences
Join us on the ground to share your skills and learn from the Lahu community and become part of a unique journey of cultural exchange and sustainable development.
CAFE LAHU welcomes visitors, students and learners from all over the world who are interested in exploring and experiencing:
• Sustainable agriculture and coffee culture
• Environmental awareness in local schools
• English language practice activities
• Community-based tourism initiatives
• Cultural documentation and promotion
During their stay, participants live with Lahu host families, sharing meals, routines and cultural activities while gaining a deeper appreciation of community life and the natural environment that surrounds it.
This programme is designed as a cultural exchange and community learning experience, not as volunteer work or any form of labour, in full respect of Thai regulations for foreign visitors
Sustainable agriculture and coffee culture
Experience sustainable farming in the mountains of Chiang Rai and discover the journey of shade-grown Arabica coffee.
Work directly with the CAFE LAHU family and local farmers to strengthen sustainable farming practices.
• Rice farming: land preparation, planting, care, and harvesting.
• Coffee & fruit trees: from seed cultivation and nursery management to harvesting and processing.
• Agroforestry: replacing monocultures with shade-grown coffee and diverse fruit trees to ensure long-term resilience.
Participants are encouraged to both learn and share their own experiences. Activities depend on the season.
Enviromental awarness activities in local schools
Join local teachers in creative awareness-building activities that inspire children to appreciate and protect their natural environment. Participants can contribute through:
• Design engaging lessons and activities for children on environmental challenges, solutions, and everyday eco-friendly practices.
• Lead activities such as tree planting, waste separation and recycling, or creative art projects with an environmental message.
• Bring creativity and playfulness — storytelling, games, and songs can be just as powerful as lectures!
Activities are designed as cultural and educational exchanges, always led by Thai teachers Instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in children from an early age is crucial, as they will grow up to be socially responsible individuals.
Language Cultural Exchange Activities
Support rural schools through cultural exchange that helps children gain confidence interacting with visitors from other cultures.
Participants may:
• Join Thai teachers during English practice sessions (listening, speaking and games)
• Help create simple activities that encourage natural conversation
• Introduce children to stories, songs, or interactive games
• Share aspects of their culture while learning from the students
These activities are not formal teaching, but rather language-rich cultural interaction coordinated with school staff.
Many local schools are remote, and children rarely meet foreigners. For many, you may be the first! This makes your presence invaluable not just for language skills but also for cultural exchange and confidence building.
Community-Based Tourism Learning Experience
Learn how rural communities develop sustainable tourism while preserving their culture and environment.
Participants can observe and engage in:
• Understanding how homestays are organised within the community
• Participating in cooking, handicrafts, weaving or guided nature walks
• Learning how families communicate with visitors and create meaningful guest experiences
• Exploring how responsible tourism generates income and strengthens community resilience
By staying with host families, participants directly support local livelihoods.
Cultural Documentation and Storytelling Experience
Help tell the story of the Lahu people to the world:
• Create photo essays, short videos, or social media content for awareness and fundraising.
• Document traditional ceremonies, music, crafts, or everyday life.
• Collaborate with elders to preserve oral histories and cultural knowledge.
These activities are done in collaboration with community members, respecting cultural protocols.
There are many opportunities throughout the year — New Year’s festivities, ceremonies, weaving, cooking, and more. Your work can become a bridge, sharing authentic stories and cultural richness with a global audience.
SomLahu Association
is a Spanish non-profit association (Reg. No. 78009) supporting the Lahu community and other minorities in northern Thailand through sustainable development projects, community leadership, cultural preservation and positive environmental impact.
Lahu Association
(สมาคมชาติพันธุ์ลาหู่) is a Thai non-profit association (Reg. No. 7/2568). The association registered by a group of community in Keangluang village, in Chiang Rai Province, promoting sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and community-led tourism.
