LAHU OUTPOST

CONCEPT

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 visiting there on our tours.

Lahu Outpost has become part of the village now, and the local Lahu people make direct or indirect income as a result of the tours that we send there. Some work in the Outpost in a managerial or maintenance capacity, while others are involved with shows and displays of their culture, music, dance, and lifestyle. We feel that Lahu Outpost is playing a small part in the preservation and continuance of various aspects of their culture.

DESIGN

The design of Lahu Outpost is adapted from traditional Lahu style, with the addition of some features to improve the level of comfort such as hot showers and Western-style toilets. The house is on short stilts and has a thatched roof with an open veranda. There are eight rooms with mats and standard mattresses on the bamboo floors. It is clean and simple, with no electricity, nor any power sources and no signs of modernization; but there are gas hot water showers that are comfortable for guests in the jungle-style bathroom. The kitchen is in a separate house as is the traditional Lahu style.

LOCATION

Lahu Outpost is located at Baan Huay Koob Kub, Moo 1, T. Kurt Chang, A. Mae Taeng Chiang Mai. It’s about 80 km from Chiang Mai Airport & 70 km from Chiang Mai city.

BEDROOMS

There are eight guest bedrooms, each 2.50 meters by 3.00 meters. The room is divided by a bamboo sleeping platform 50 cm in height. The walls are of lattice bamboo. The rooms have no separate ceiling. All rooms can be locked from the inside and outside. The Outpost provides mats, standard mattresses (5x8 feet), mattress pads, pillows, pillow cases, extra colorful pillows, bed covers, bed sheets, blankets, clothes hanging, drinking waters, towels and mosquito nets in a charming, exotic style. All the maids are Lahu people from the village.

BATHROOM & TOILETS

There are 2 bathrooms with cold/hot showers & 2 Western-style toilets built separately from the house. Each room is 2.00 by 2.00 meters with cement floors, bamboo walls & thatched roofs. From Lahu Outpost, there is a panoramic view to another village far below on a different mountain, as well as the mountain chain extending towards Chiang Mai city.

LIVING AREA & KITCHEN

The living area and kitchen is an extended building of 8 by 20 meters. Mats, soft cushions and a fireplace enhance the spectacular view stretching to Chiang Mai city in the night time. Proper containers for keeping kitchen accessories and cutlery are provided.

Traditional performances can be provided for guests on the verandah by advance request and a small contribution to the villagers should be honored by the guests in these cases.