Often also used in conjunction with today's International Day of the World's Indigenous People, this is officially the logo of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII), an advisory body with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues

When is International Day of the World’s Indigenous People? Today! Proclaimed by the United Nations, it’s a day  on which, as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said, to “celebrate and recognise the stories, cultures and unique identities of indigenous peoples around the world.”

This year the focus is on indigenous designs – celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future. According to the UN, it “highlights the need for preservation and revitalisation of indigenous cultures, including their art and intellectual property…. It is also a reminder of the responsibility of individuals as consumers, to understand that there is a story and a personal experience behind every piece of cloth, textile or artwork from an indigenous individual or community.”

In Support of Indigenous Culture

On this special day an in keeping with this year’s particular focus, The Travel Word is very proud to join the world in saluting the cultural roots from which we have all sprung, roots that remain robust but require our admiration, care and protection.

To this end, and given the broad reach of the WHL Group community, of which The Travel Word is a part, we have concentrated for the last two weeks on sharing word from the indigenous people and native communities in our network. Our posts have examined indigenous culture and travel as it relates to:

• an Aboriginal tour guide in Cooktown, Australia
• the indigenous shea-butter-producing communities on the fringe of Mole National Park in northern Ghana
• an arts and ethnography museum in Laos that provides important information about the country’s ethnic groups
• the indigenous Rungus tribes of northern Borneo, Malaysia
• the Tzotzil indigenous people of Chamula, Mexico
• the Maori on the North Island of New Zealand
• the Embera indigenous community of Panama
• the Sámi indigenous people of northern Scandinavia
• the Bassari villages of rural Senegal
• the hill tribes of northern Thailand
• in Vanuatu, a Yakel village on the island of Tanna and the Namba population of Malekula Island
• the aboriginal Pemon people of Canaima National Park in Venezuela

We also have older articles about indigenous culture that explore Bhutan, Colombia, Georgia, Malawi, Mexico, Pakistan and Peru.

Poster announcing Indigenous People's Week, August 8-12, 2011. By planeta.com

There’s More: Indigenous People’s Week

In extended appreciation of indigenous people, The Travel Word is also throwing its weight behind Indigenous People’s Week, which takes place from August 8 to 12, 2011.

According to Ron Mader of Planeta.com, one of the week’s co-organisers, Indigenous People’s Week is “an innovative and fun ‘unconference’ ” that calls for recommendations of educational and engaging videos, podcasts, websites and online resources as part of “a wonderful mixing of cultures – indigenous and non-indigenous – as well as cyber-savvy and friends who simply don’t want a smartphone. We don’t all have to do the same thing or have the same background to contribute to a win-win effort.”

Please start adding links or questions now to the Indigenous People’s Week event pages on Facebook and LinkedIn. When tweeting about this topic, please include the hashtags #indigenous and #ipw.

In 1993, the surrounding region was declared the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area, and since then, streams of tourists plan treks to enjoy the outdoors of Nam Ha and the culture of Laos’ ethnic groups.

Traditional farmers plant rice outside Ban Nam Lue, a small village about 15 kilometres west of Luang Namtha town in northern Laos. Photo courtesy of Kees Sprengers

Conservation efforts and ecotourism projects in the area aim to pass the benefits of tourism on to the local people, yet finding the right way to moderate contact between Lao subsistence farmers and westernised tourists is not easy. Travellers want to understand and appreciate the distinct practices and customs of ethnic groups like the Akha, Khmu, Hmong and Lahu, but oftentimes they lack a solid cultural context. Of course, language too is a big barrier.

In response to this, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang provides all visitors with the kind of well-grounded insight they seek.

Beginnings of the TAEC

The two founders of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), Tara Gujadhur and Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, recognised a need for more easily accessible information about Laos’ diversity of cultures and ethnic groups. They began TAEC as a project in 2005 and opened doors to the public in 2007. Tara’s background in sustainable tourism development and anthropology complemented Thongkhoun’s 10 years of experience as Collection Manager at the Luang Prabang National Museum.

Inside the TAEC in Luang Namtha Laos, the local dress of the area's traditional ethnic groups and other aspects of their culture are displayed. Photo courtesy of TAEC/Kees Sprengers

More than five years later, Tara is pleased to report that support for TAEC has grown healthily. Word is spreading and now the ethnography museum is included in most guidebooks and itineraries. “Visitors are very appreciative to be learning more information about the country and people, and they’re often interested in hearing about our school activities, outreach and livelihoods work,” says Tara.

Complex Impacts

When asked about the positive effects of tourism on Laos’ ethnic groups, Tara readily lists several. She has seen how tourists can help create interest in the cultures and traditions of ethnic groups, a point of real pride within the communities. This is an important cue to the government about the importance of safeguarding ethnic heritage.

In the Hmong village of Ban Tha Luang in northern Laos, girls dress in traditional costume, play games and sing songs to celebrate the Hmong New Year. Photo courtesy of Kees Sprengers

Tourists also create demand for traditional crafts such as weaving, basketry, natural dying and woodcarving, which might otherwise slowly die out. Currently, the TAEC Museum Shop supports over 500 ethnic artisans from 12 provinces in Laos. Additionally, museum donations have gone to ethnic youth internships, village research funds and developing handicrafts with rural minority communities.

Unless programs are careful planned, however, there can be some negative consequences for tourism’s main stakeholders: the ethnic groups themselves. “Uncontrolled or poorly managed tourism and a rapid influx of new wealth can create community tension and hasten the erosion of social structures and community ties,” observes Tara. “Sometimes tourism also can exoticise, commodify or compartmentalise ethnic minorities, making villages into attractions rather than vibrant living cultures.”

The father of a Khmu family in Laos eats with his children inside their home in Ban Sopsim on the Nam Tha river. Photo courtesy of Kees Sprengers

Keeping it Positive

So how can travellers to Luang Namtha ensure that their presence is beneficial to local communities? First, you are encouraged to gain a little bit of understanding about the ethnic groups by visiting the TAEC or at least doing some background reading about local Lao cultures and traditions. Secondly, you can contribute to the economy as locally as possibly. You are strongly encouraged to buy new and locally produced handicrafts (as opposed to antiques or factory-produced souvenirs) directly from communities, small markets or fair trade stores.

It is also important to arrange tours through operators with good records. Look for agencies with solid community partnerships or those that have been designated as ‘responsible’ by independent third parties. Tours in which ethnic minorities are made to ‘dress up’ or are photographed and visited without being compensated should be avoided. Also, any tour guides who do not speak or behave respectfully to local people should be reported to their tour companies.

In many of the ethnic villages of northern Laos, the traditional housing style is a stilted hut with thatched grass roof. Photo courtesy of Kees Sprengers

Unfortunately, bad behaviour sometimes comes from locals because they think that’s what tourists want. Try not to reinforce this pattern.

Looking Ahead

As in the rest of the world, the lives of indigenous ethnic groups are changing rapidly. In Laos, faced with the forces of globalisation, subsistence farmers in rural areas often choose to leave their traditional ways of life in search of better opportunities in urban areas or abroad. Local, responsible tourism in these areas can provide them with opportunities in their home villages that impart the value of their unique cultural heritage.

What will the village life of Laos’ ethnic groups look like 50 years from now? Tara is optimistic. “These are vibrant cultures, and though they will change and evolve and perhaps be almost unrecognisable in 50 years, for the most part they will remain intact. Tourism can help to celebrate culture and create an appreciation for ethnic diversity.”

In villages such as Tai Dam, Laos, young girls learn the craft of weaving at an early age. Tourists can help maintain a demand for traditional handicrafts such as this, keeping new generations interested in learning. Photo courtesy of Kees Sprengers

Looking for a responsible trekking tour in Luang Namtha? Try a two-day or a three-day trek in the Nam Ha forests, where you’ll encounter the Akha and Khmu ethnic groups. Book through responsible tourism experts Teamworkz, the whl.travel local partner in Luang Namtha. Of course, when in Luang Prabang, be sure to visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnography Centre.

As the UN’s World Tourism Organization has acknowledged, tourism can play a vital role in promoting cultural understanding, tolerance and respect, which is why the theme “linking cultures” has been chosen for the 2011 World Tourism Day (to be celebrated on September 27). Often, in an area with indigenous populations, or people who are original to the land, one of the greatest assets is traditional culture. Through mindfully operated cultural tours, indigenous groups have something a great deal to offer – and to gain! – from exchanges with tourists.

Here we share a roundup of some of our favourite indigenous culture tours found in the whl.travel network of local tour operators.

In the Embera indigenous communities of Panama, women wear a traditional headpiece of tropical flowers and use corporal paint. Photo courtesy of Panama Tourism Authority

Visit the Embera Indigenous Community of Panama

In a world faced by rapidly paced globalisation, sometimes it becomes necessary to take a moment, close your eyes and just breathe. If you are searching for a place that lends itself to breaths of truly fresh air, a place where you can break from modernity and ‘progress’, you will have much to learn from contact with the traditional Embera indigenous tribes and their playful children. In Panama, the Embera maintain a careful distance from global influences and a deep respect for their environment. They use palm trees and natural fibres as construction material; they wear only simple multicoloured woven cloth garments; they practice corporal painting and have dances for all occasions. Complete with flowers in their hair, they are just as their ancestors before them were.

To start a memorable day with the Embera, your hosts paddle you down a river in a traditional dugout canoe to their community, where the village warmly welcomes you. During your day, you witness traditional dances, feast on typical foods and learn local crafts. A walk through the village and the botanical surroundings further helps you understand the wild diversity of their natural environment. At the end of the day, you leave with tender memories of a remarkable cultural exchange with the indigenous Embera, a uniquely beautiful community.

Two local girls on Malekula Island in Vanuatu greet visitors with shy smiles. Untouched by the forces of globalisation, their curiosity about foreign cultures matches outsider's intrigue about Makekula daily life. Photo courtesy of John Nicholls

Explore the Malekula Island People of Vanuatu

Visitors to the Malekula Island of Vanuatu are always intrigued by the history of cannibalism on the island. The belief system of the island’s indigenous Namba population included cannibalism until about 100 years ago, when the practice became obsolete (on the Malekula). These days, however, among the indigenous Namba, other tribal practices continue to thrive in full colour, such as matting, dancing, face painting and vibrant costumes.

As part of a special seven-day island safari, whl.travel local partners John and Silvana Nicholls include a visit to Malekula and a taste of life with the local Namba people. The tour begins in the capital city of Port Vila and then proceeds to Malekula, where you stay in the locally operated Nawori Seaview Bungalows for three nights. During that time, you follow local guides on excursions to nearby tribal villages and even take a canoe trip to ex-cannibal Rano Island. Another highlight is a visit to the Big Nambas tribe, which is distinct from all other tribes in Vanuatu; their red-dyed textiles are a highly prized and much photographed artifact of indigenous Vanuatu island life.

An Akha woman smiles warmly. The Akha are one of the five main indigenous hill tribes of northern Thailand. Photo courtesy of flickr/AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker

Trekking to the Hilltribes of Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand and part of the Golden Triangle travel loop of Southeast Asia. It is also the gateway for tours of the hilltribes of northern Thailand, fascinating encounters in sharp juxtaposition with the pace of contemporary urban life. On a trip into the lush scenery of rural northern Thailand, you reach the mountainous region near the border of Myanmar and encounter the small communities of several different tribes, like the Lahu, the Karen, the Hmong (or Meo), the Lisu and the Akha, each with its own distinct costumes, language, traditions and livelihoods.

You can arrange a trip to the hilltribes of northern Thailand through Hilltribe Holidays, a tour operator dedicated to exploring areas near Chiang Mai in a respectful, culturally sensitive and sustainable way that creates enriching and mutually beneficial exchanges for everyone. You can take in the scenic mountain passages, waterfalls, breathtaking views and local tribal ways of life. Sharing home-cooked meals and ancient customs with the local communities is one powerful way Hilltribe Holidays creates a safe and constructive context for cross-cultural understanding.

In Venezuela's Canaima Nationnal Park, an indigenous guide of the Pemon tribe leads tourists through the protected area of the park and to the main attraction: Angel Falls. Photo courtesy of flickr/whl.travel

Discover Angel Falls with a Pemon Guide in Canaima Park, Venezuela

As one of the highest waterfalls in the world, Angels Falls is the major attraction at Canaima National Park in Venezuela. The waters of Angels Falls plunge 2,648 feet (807 metres) from top to bottom, inspiring photographers and filmmakers alike with its roar and mists set against lush green forests and glistening gray rock faces. Because of its remote location, though, reaching the famous cataract takes some doing. One travel option is a five-hour upstream trip in a traditional dugout canoe.

If you’re looking to experience Canaima Park beyond a glimpse of Angel Falls, a two-day tour led by an aboriginal Pemon guide takes you deep into the natural wonders and everyday customs of the indigenous populations. (The local language of the Pemon people is Cariban, spoken only by an estimated 15,000 people.) During the tour, the Pemon guide explains the indigenous people’s symbiotic relationship to the land. Over dinner, he shares some of the myths and beliefs of the tribe before you retire to sleep in hammocks under a brilliantly starlit sky and within earshot of the roar of the Angel.

The Bassari people of Senegal practice subsistence farming in their remote villages and celebrate their rites of passage with decoration and fanfare. Photo courtesy of Association ACoSTE

Experiencing the ‘Teranga’ of the Bassari People of Senegal

In Senegal, the Wolof word teranga describes the warm welcome that Senegalese people are known to bestow upon their guests, something the whl.travel local partners in Senegal are determined to share. One way of doing so is to lead you outside the hustle and bustle of the country’s urban areas and head straight into the heart of its local villages, some of which are inhabited by people indigenous to the land.

Tours like the 12-day Great Unknown Senegal or the nine-day trip to Park Niokolo Koba  and the surrounding area take you inside the daily life of several villages in Bassari country near the border with Guinea. The Bassari are subsistence farmers who speak a local language from the Tenda family and adhere to a belief system that is, at its root, animist.

Both tours, run by Réalirêves, the whl.travel local partner in Senegal, spend several days in remote villages outside Niokolo Koba National Park. Lodging is taken in a village encampment and the daily activities focus on time spent with the people. Lucky visitors arrive in time for to witness an initiation ceremony, the most common kind of Bassari celebration. On the way out of the area, the tour passes through a Bedick village, home to another tribe similar to the Bassari.

Hikers in Tiger Leaping Gorge near Lijiang, China, enjoy the views of the snow mountains. Photo courtesy of Lily Zhang

As a Lijiang local, Lily shares the top 5 things to do in Lijiang while on a Lijiang holiday.

1. Hike around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Baoshan Stone Town

Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 50 kilometres from the World Heritage site of Lijiang’s Old Town. Roughly 15 kilometres in length, the gorge was carved by a river passing between the massive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (which reaches up to 5,596 metres) on the Lijiang side and Haba Snow Mountain (5,396 metres) on the Shangri-La side. The stunning result is a series of rapids at the foot of steep 4,000-metre cliffs, making it a contender for the world’s deepest river canyon.

Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at the narrowest point (still 25 metres wide), hence the name of the gorge. There is nothing I like better than hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Baoshan, also known as Stone Town, is located about 110 kilometres north of Lijiang. It was built in the late 13th century, when the Naxi Yu Clan (ancestors of the Mu families) first lived and flourished here, before migrating down into the Lijiang plain.

Stone Town is a truly special place, where 108 Naxi families live on huge rocks that look like mushrooms. There are only two entrances into the Stone Town, front and back gates set in a surrounding 1.7-metre-high stone wall. Throughout history, when these two doors were firmly shut, attacking armies could not enter because the town was easily guarded.

Strikingly, like the area around Stone Town, which is a landscape of steep cliffs and high mountains, the town itself has an elevation variation of 3,000 metres between its highest point (4,600 metres) and its lowest (1,600 metres). Scattered at the foot of the mountains lie small villages and terraced fields with different crops. Stone Town is bordered to the east by the Golden Sand River, which feeds into the mighty Yangt-ze River.

On a tour of Baoshan, travellers can stay with local families, listen to the stories and legends about this old town, watch the stars and fireflies shining in the sky, drink beer and chat with everyone until it gets cool, and then have sweet dreams in the quiet night.

2. Take a Nature and Culture Tour in Lashi Lake Nature Reserve and Wehai Lake

Lashi Lake lies at the centre of the Lashihai Watersheld Nature Reserve. Covering a land area of 265.6 square metres, it is a haven for 30,000 migratory birds (70 species) that come here to escape winter from the end of October to early April. It is therefore a superb place for birdwatching in Lijiang. As an abundant nature and culture resource, Lashi Lake boldly proves that nature and humanity can come together in harmony.

In the springtime, azaleas bloom everywhere in the mountains west of Lashi Lake near Lijiang, China. Photo by Chris, courtesy of Xintuo Ecotourism Company

Nearby Wenhai is a village that lies at an elevation of 3,100 metres in the area northwest of Lijiang City. It is located on the southern slope of Yulong (another name for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) and is a part of the Lashihai provincial Alpine Wetlands Nature Reserve. The unique climate and soil in the area nourish a unique variety of plant species, including century-old forests, shrubs and meadows. There are also unique wildflowers that bloom throughout the year, including over 20 species of rhododendrons, as well as a variety of economically viable mushrooms and precious medicinal herbs.

In the Lashihai and Wenhai area, in addition to animals, plants, forests and water resources, there is a wide variety of indigenous cultures. About 30 village tribes reside here, like the Naxi, Yi, Han and a few Tibetans. The Tibetans mostly live in one of the largest Tibetan Buddhism temples in Lijiang – the Zhiyun Temple. Although the lives of these locals have been affected by the outside world, they hold tight to their traditional customs and culture.

You can bicycle, ride horses and row boats around Lashi Lake, or you can hike for 2-3 days in the area. That’s what I often did when I was little, all pleasures that never disappointed me.

The Mosuo people who live on Lugu Lake near Lijiang, China, are a Naxi minority live in a unique 'matriarchal society.' They have their own language and way of dressing. Photo courtesy of Lily Zhang

3. Experience the Matriarchal Way of Life of the Mosuo People in Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake lies 200 kilometres from the centre of Lijiang City, on the border between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province. Mystery and charm surround the lake, partly because it was once an unspoiled place and still retains much of its totally natural beauty, but mostly because of the unique culture of the resident Mosuo people.

Mosuo society is matriarchal and marriage doesn’t exist. Men stay in the women’s homes as mates called Axia and the intimate relationships last only as long as they like. Children are brought up by the women, use the surnames of their mothers and are part of families composed of matrilineal kin. Women are in charge of production and management, and hold the principal position in the society, forming a modern day ‘woman’s kingdom.’

Experience this cultural awakening on a tour of Lugu Lake. Ladies will love this place because the women are in charge, and men will like this place because there is no marriage. As for me, I like this place because of the clear blue water and the beautiful songs sung by Mosuo girls when boating on the lake.

The bars along a river in Lijiang Old Town, China, are a very nice place to just relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery. It gets busier in the late afternoon, when many people play music, sing and dance in bars. Photo courtesy of Lily Zhang

4. Go Bar-hopping in Lijiang Old Town

Bars in Lijiang Old Town are famous around China. Bar-hopping has always been a part of my life. My friends and I usually start after 9 p.m. and I always choose to go first to Sakura bar, which is the biggest bar in Lijiang. No matter what you like, be it dancing or watching shows, there’s a bar for everyone in Lijiang. There are even Thai “lady-man” shows and cultural performances by local minorities.

Of course, drinking is always an option. Cocktails, brandy, whisky, vodka, rum – you name it, Lijiang bars probably have it! Personally I like Sakura Bar the most because the DJ is amazing. Other famous bars are Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles and A Meter Sunshine.

Another famous type of bar in Lijiang Old Town is the huotang. These bars are a little quieter, where you normally find folk singers playing guitars. In winter there are braziers inside the bars, so people can keep warm while they drink and talk. These bars are in Wuyi street, where beer is generally cheaper. Usually I like to go there after a loud bar to enjoy quietly singing along and whispering with my friends. A great end to a perfect bar night.

The Impression Lijiang show at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an amazing spectacle, especially on a perfect day with blue skies and white clouds. All the performers are locals, showcasing the local culture in Lijiang, China. Photo courtesy of Li Yuanqi

5. Enjoy a Cultural Show in Lijiang City

Impression Lijiang is a cultural show of the traditions and lifestyles of the area’s Naxi, Yi and Bai people. It takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park in an outdoor theatre specifically designed to showcase the mist-shrouded mountain, a breathtaking natural backdrop. The show aims to provide insight into the lives of the region’s ethnic groups through song and dance. Five hundred locals wearing the costumes of 10 ethnic groups, as well as 100 horses, have been selected from 16 towns and villages in Lijiang for the daily performances of folk songs, dances and rituals for tourists. I’ve seen many people moved to tears when watching the show.

The Mountains & Rivers Show is another ethnic dancing and singing show. The Yi people’s Fire Touch Festival, Naxi People’s Stick Festival, the Bai boy’s handsome dance and the Tibetan waving girls all interpret the art of the ethnic people who have resided in these mountains for centuries. The performance is very bright and colourful, with dancing and fancy ethnic costumes. The atmosphere is very happy and light. It is my favourite show.

Travellers who make it there, specifically to the lesser-known Lao province of Champasak, are always wowed by the region’s attractions and wonders, the first often being the phenomenal World Heritage site of Wat Phou.

Beyond these ancient Khmer temples however, are the region’s extensive undisturbed landscapes and spectacular national parks. From the thunderous waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau and the wetlands and wildlife of the Xe Pian Conservation Area to the quiet pace of life in the Four Thousand Islands – Champasak’s abundance of natural thrills will keep even the most ardent eco-adventurers entertained.

Treks for Eco-Enthusiasts

Located on the Bolaven Plateau, the 120-metre waterfall of Tad Fane is the tallest in Laos

Hikers of all skill levels often head straight to the Bolaven Plateau, the uplands in the northeast of the province, which is bordered by the Mekong River and the Annamite Mountain Range. Site of many of the area’s most stunning waterfalls, sweeping coffee plantations and many ethnic minority villages, this area has seen tourism find a solid foothold and given a great boost to the local economy.

Any walk through the beautiful scenery is a highlight for travellers in the area and guided tours can sharpen one’s grasp of the region’s unique natural history and culture. The two-day loop offered through Teamworkz, your whl.travel local connection, takes in several hilltribe villages, visits the spectacular 120-metre Tad Fane waterfall – the tallest in Laos – and stops at a swimming hole and for some local coffee tasting. Travellers with less time can see the essentials on a day tour.

Experienced hikers are sure to be drawn to a two-day trek through the Xe Pian Conservation Area, one of the most important protected areas in Laos and one well known for its incredible biodiversity. The trip includes canoe rides, treks through dense jungle and a homestay in a local ethnic village. Along the way, the local guide points out the park’s native medicinal plants and wildlife, a special sharp eye out for the endangered yellow-cheeked gibbon.

Other excursions within Xe Pian are the climb to the top of Mount Asa, during which a half-day elephant ride takes you through the forest and up to the summit, site of a pretty ruined fort.

Scenic Cycling Excursions

Cycling is always an engaging way to enjoy the scenery and interact with the locals. In Champasak, Teamworkz’ extended four-day cycling tour is ideal for physically fit travellers looking to make the most of their time. Departing from Pakse, the provincial capital, famous for its hand-woven cottons and silks, the trip includes visits to coffee plantations and waterfalls along the Bolaven Plateau, small forest trails throughout Xe Pian and several local ethnic villages. The distances covered each day range from 40 to 90 kilometres; bikers bed down at local homestays and ecolodges, where there is time to relax in the evenings and sample the local fare.

A gentle 90-minute ride on the back of an elephant takes travellers to the summit of Mount Asa, located in the Xe Pian Conservation Area of Champasak, Laos. Photo courtesy of Stanislas Fradelizi in Flickr/whltravel

The saddle of a bike is also the perfect perch from which to explore the sleepy islands of Si Phan Don, also known as the Four Thousand Islands – where the Mekong is up to 18 kilometres wide and encompasses thousands of small islands. The largest island, Don Khong, is just a short ferry ride from the mainland and has plenty of comfortable guesthouses, many of which have bikes for rent to travellers for around 10,000 KIP (US$1). It’s the best budget way to pedal around and enjoy the laid-back riverside scenery.

Teamworkz also has a full-day bicycle tour to an abandoned French railway that once linked Cambodia and Laos across a different island, called Don Khone. The day trip departs from Pakse and includes a stop at the stunning emerald green Liphii waterfalls, close to the Cambodia border.

Zip-line Jungle Jaunts

Thrill seekers longing for the ultimate adventure are sure to find it in Champasak. Just one hour by car from Pakse, the small village of Ban Nongluang is the launching pad for a heart-stopping and high-flying jungle excursion by zip line.

The adventure is offered in two- and three-day packages, both of which also begin with a breathtaking canopy walk across a steep river valley. Continuing past plunging waterfalls, travellers receive a zip-line safety briefing before blasting off through the treetops. Speeding through the jungle, they savour phenomenal views from above the dense forest, an elevation kept even at bedtime, as lodging is in tree houses.

Real adrenaline junkies may prefer the three-day adventure; day two features extended zips of up to 400 metres at daredevil speeds through the forest’s upper stratum.

Real thrills await everyone on the final day for both tours: the ultimate highlight is the steep bolted rock climb up one of the highest peaks in the area. At the summit, the impressive views take in nearby waterfalls, the mighty Mekong and even neighbouring Thailand.

One major destination in the Golden Triangle is the historic city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The second-largest city in the country, it is a vibrant gateway to the spectacular northern region. Sitting comfortably at 316 metres above sea level, it is also a vital hub at the heart of a mountainous territory perfect for anyone seeking a cooler climate and opportunities to experience the rich and diverse cultures of the many ethnic minorities who reside in these hills.

Bamboo rafts along the river are one of the many modes of transport offered on tours around Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hilltribe Holidays

As the number of visitors to the Chiang Mai region grows, though, the availability of responsible and sustainable travel options – those looking out for the welfare of local cultures and environments – is a growing concern. Fortunately, there is a broad selection of hotels and a number of tours in Chiang Mai available to conscientious travellers who really want to travel locally.

One such outfit, Thailand Hilltribe Holidays, was established in 2007 by partners Pat and Mel to meet the needs of mindful visitors keen to step into the lives of the tribes that have resided in the area since 300 AD… and to do so in a way that both is an enriching experience for the visitor and makes a beneficial contribution to the local communities.

Pat and Mel (centre), the cofounders of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays, pose with a couple of volunteers

The Thailand Hilltribe Holidays tour along the Mae Song Hon Loop, for example, is a five-day four-night journey that hits the highest point in Thailand and takes in the remote villages of the Lawa and Karen hill tribes. Other highlights include the ancient pagodas and sacred sites of Vispasana and Theravada Buddhism, home-cooked Thai meals, several waterfalls and breathtaking views of the region.

Alternatively, those with less time can indulge in a two-day Undiscovered Hilltribes of Chiang Mai tour, during which travellers live with a hill tribe and visit the amazing sites that form part of the culture.

For travellers passing through the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai, perhaps en route to Laos, the Real Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai tour covers the distance by 4WD, elephant, bamboo raft and ox-driven cart. In the span of only three days, journeyers make their way through scenic mountains, pause at an opium museum and learn about local culture during visits to the towns bordering Myanmar and at an Akha hill tribe community-based tourism project.

Beautiful sunsets like this are part of the daily routine in the mountain hills around Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sustainable Adventures

Just as important as the tours offered by Thailand Hilltribe Holidays is their proven commitment to giving back to the local communities. Care is taken to ensure that every trip makes a positive impact on the places they visit – purchasing locally made products and educating travellers about proper cultural and environmental practices – and several programs are now in place to support the tribes’ own sustainable tourism initiatives, all of which are important additional sources of income for the locals, the poorest of which have particularly enjoyed a marked increase in living standards as a direct result.

Through Hilltribe Homestays, for example, many village families now welcome visitors to stay with them. Their guests become truly immersed in their everyday lives as part of a cultural exchange that is immensely rewarding to both visitors and hosts. Pat and Mel of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays have also organised a Local Youth Tour Guide program through which young aspiring tour guides accompany experienced leaders and learn the values of responsible tourism.

A volunteer English teacher in northern Thailand has a great time at a local school with his eager students

On top of these worthwhile undertakings, Thailand Hilltribe Holidays can organise volunteer opportunities for travellers who wish to work as English teachers in local schools. The children benefit immensely from their exposure to other cultures and a chance to practice their English. Through the growing network of former volunteers and tour guests, the company has even raised funds for rural kids to continue their education.

When asked why they do all this, Mel simply says: “Because we have both experienced how tourism can negatively impact locals and communities. As tourism brings with it tourism dollars, the traditional values of once-peaceful communities started to erode. In particular Pat has seen these negative impacts on northern Thailand, his homeland, and this inspired him to try and change this. We saw how tourism, if managed responsibly, could be channelled in such a way that it would positively and directly help local communities. We are proud of northern Thailand and its beauty and aim to share with travellers this warm and friendly way of life.”

Visit the Thailand Hilltribe Holidays website for more information about their tours and sustainable travel programs in and around Chiang Mai. For accommodation and tour bookings, as well as more information about Chiang Mai, check out www.chiang-mai-hotel-link.com.

A young lady from the Akha hill tribe (Thailand) sports a traditional head-dress

As idyllic as it sounds, we believe that there is more to the experience of Thailand than your snapshot taken beside a giant Buddha or a secluded beach, no matter how stunning they may be. In each destination, our local partners connect travellers with a selection of socially conscious tours and experiences designed for real immersion in Thai history and culture. It’s the difference between “I was there” and “I was there and did this… and by doing this I was able to help!”

Consider these alternative tour options around Thailand, all able to deliver an experience that is unforgettable and possibly life-changing, not just for you, but for the communities you visit.

Bangkok: A Trip to the Floating Market and Jim Thompson’s House

Instead of shopping in Bangkok’s modern malls, try visiting the famous, traditional floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, 50 miles west of the city. Unlike most tours to the floating market, this one starts at 6:45am, so you see what happens before the bulk of tourists arrive. A small boat gets you up close to the action, so you can explore the commerce of this colourful and bustling daily gathering. On the way back to Bangkok, you stop at the 127-metre-high Chedi at Nakhon Pathom – the tallest stupa in the world – and then enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the house (now a national museum) of Jim Thompson, the renowned 20th-century American designer who revitalised Thailand’s silk industry.

The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, 50 miles west of Bangkok, have been a popular tourist destination since featuring in the 1974 James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. Photo by Teamworkz

Chiang Rai: Hill Tribe Excursion

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is home to a variety of ethnic minority groups. The hill tribes of today living peacefully in the highlands of northern Thailand are the descendants of groups who migrated from China and Tibet centuries ago. On this tour near Chiang Rai, you get an inside look at the traditional culture of the Akha tribes (see photo at top) in the villages of Santikhiri, Therd Thai and Laoma. You also pass through an extensive tea plantation and even visit the former headquarters of notorious drug baron Khun Sa! There’s no better way to immerse yourself in remote village life than this.

Chiang Mai: At the Crack of Dawn

This unique tour sees you start the day in Chiang Mai at sunrise when there’s much more happening than you might have thought. On the grounds of an ancient temple, you get introduced to Buddhism ritual by witnessing the monks embark on their daily morning prayers and food offerings. Then it’s off to the market to purchase freshly delivered goods, followed by a morning rickshaw ride around town.

At the Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai, morning alms collection is a tradition dating back to the days of Lord Buddha. Photo by Asia World

Phuket: All-in-One Safari and Sunset Cruise

This action-packed and highly educational tour of Phuket Island begins in the Chalong Highlands, where you meet and greet the gentle beasts of the Siam Safari Elephant Camp. You climb aboard your favourite pachyderm and then trek across the highlands, learning how rubber latex is extracted from rubber trees, and watching how trained monkeys pick coconuts that are harvested for milk and oil. The trip concludes with a sunset dinner cruise of Chalong Bay on a traditional Thai boat. Even better, your tour fees help cover elephant vet fees and contribute to a fund for supplies at underprivileged schools in the area.

Elephant trekking with Siam Safari is a great way to see Phuket from a different angle - that of the back of an elephant! Photo by Siam Safari

Ayutthaya: Not Your Everyday Cruise

After time spent exploring Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand (for 417 years and more than 30 kings), this truly unusual cruise experience awaits you aboard the 12-passenger Thanantharee Rice Barge, when it makes the three-day trip down the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. Stopping regularly along the way, it allows you to hop on a bike and ride through rural villages to visit famous temples, watch monks on their morning alms rounds and meet the hill-tribe children in a local orphanage. You can even accompany your cook to a local market to shop for the ingredients for your on-board meals. You learn about Thai cuisine, local life, drum making and even pottery – part of a journey of mind as well as body. In Bangkok, you’re dropped off at your hotel.

A Buddha statue at the Sukhothai Historical Park is just one reminder of why Sukhothai is considered the foundation of Thai culture. Photo by Thin Lei Win

Sukhothai: Reliving Grand History

Sukhothai is a must-see if you’re keen to explore the ancient past of Southeast Asia. As the first state and former capital of Thailand, this historic city boasts numerous monuments and temples from Thailand’s Golden Age. On this Sukhothai tour, you spend a full day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park by foot or bicycle. You not only get an intimate look at Thailand’s history, but your fees support an orphanage in Luang Prabang (Laos) and the Aspara Arts Association in Phnom Penh (Cambodia).

These are just some of the many experiential tour options awaiting you in Thailand. For more alternatives throughout this captivating country, visit the whl.travel portals in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and Sukhothai.