Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, diverse customs, genuine hospitality, unique natural environment and distinctive art impresses all visitors. Cultural and agrotourism aims to show the traditions, values and lifestyles of indigenous common ties by inviting tourists to join rural people in their everyday lives.

Some enjoy homestay in farming communities, growing mangoes and mangosteens. Others help fishing groups in the rivers and lakes. Many of these projects have been successful in allowing rural residents to maintain their traditional skills, gain income from their activities, pursue their lives in their local areas, and preserve their cultural heritage.

Cultural and Agrotourism Destinations

Traditional Cotton Weaving Village
The Traditional Cotton Weaving Village is located 3 kilometres from Mae Chaem District Office in Tambon Tha Pha, Chiang Mai province. About 150 households produce traditional northern style sarongs in distinctive cotton of striking colours. Products can be purchased locally at low cost for souvenirs.

Monks Collecting Alms on Horseback
In the hills near the village of Amphoe Mae Chan in Chiang Rai province, monks collect their morning alms on horseback, a practice unique to this area. Access to the region is by four-wheel drive only, 31 kms along the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan Road.

Oolong Tea Plantation at Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong Mountain in Chiang Rai province provides ideal conditions to grow Oolong tea. The temperatures at elevations of 1,200 to 1,400 metres (3,960 to 4,620 feet) and soil conditions at Doi Mae Salong are perfect – sharp differences in day and night temperatures prompt slow growth of the tea plants, developing more aroma and sweetness, and clouds surrounding the mountain allow the tea leaves to absorb moisture.