Tours for Chiang Mai, Thailand
USAC encourages every student to participate in the tours/field studies; however, they are optional and have an additional fee. Destinations may change at the discretion of the Resident Director.
The following are possible destinations, view term calendars for specifics.
Chiang Mai Countryside on Bicycle
Enjoy a bicycle tour through the natural beauty of the Chiang Mai countryside. Cycle along quiet roads that stretch along rice fields, canals, orchards, and farmland, including some villages that still farm according to old traditions. Stop to visit a rice mill, bee farm, and orchid farm, and learn about traditional crafts, including making paper from elephant dung and visiting a rice vermicelli factory. The day concludes with a visit to Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong) to swim, relax, and enjoy the unique limestone formations.
Hill Tribe Day Tour
Immerse yourself in an authentic experience with the hill tribe villages in Chiang Mai.
The first day trip takes you to the Hmong community of Ban Hmong Mae Sa Noi to learn about their daily life and traditions. Activities include a batik workshop at the textile center, greenhouses tour, and potting seedlings as part of reforestation efforts.
The second day trip leads you to Chiang Dao, where you will learn about the Palong (Dara-ang) ethnic group, including a Palong language lesson and traditional dress presentation. Activities include a natural dyeing workshop, weaving demonstration, and rice pounding.
Hill Tribe Overnight Tour
Immerse yourself in the daily life and traditions of the Hill Tribe ethnic groups.
The first overnight tour takes you to Chiang Dao to learn about the Lisu and Akha communities, then to Ban Pang Daeng Nai, a Dara-ang village to stay the night. Activities include visiting a temple and a natural dyeing craft at the village textile center.
The second overnight tour takes you to Doi Inthanon National Park to learn about traditional Hmong village life. Activities include a guided hike along Pha Dok Siew Waterfall Trail and a visit to a local coffee farm.
This tour complements the 3-credit Highland Ethnic Peoples and Social Transformation of Northern Thailand course. Anyone may sign up for this tour, however, students enrolled in the course are particularly encouraged to participate.