International Rural Tourism Development, An Asia-Pacific Perspective, United Nations World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO) publication with information published by the author, Scott Michael Smith, PhD

1. A Path to Community Based Tourism;
Asian Oasis Mythical Journeys in the
Hilltribe Villages of Northern Thailand

2. Introducing
Lisu Lodge Company
Lisu Lodge Lanjia Lodge
Chiang Mai Chiang Rai
Created by passionate travelers, Lisu Lodge Co. has worked closely
with local villagers in Northern Thailand to create sustainable comm
unity-based tourism products while conserving the natural surroundi
ngs.

3. e two lodges are now
zers in community-based t
in Thailand, having won lo
nd international awards.
Lisu and Lanjia Lodges are
located in remote hilltribe village
s of Northern Thailand which ar
e remarkably easy to access with
an hours flight from Bangkok, Th
ailand.

4. Meet Chananya Phataraprasit
Founder, Lisu Lodge Company

5. Chananya has deep roots in Thailand’s travel and tourism
industry. Her father, Peter Larsen, started one of
Thailand’s leading inbound tour operator’s, East West
Siam. In 1995, Chananya built a small lodge in the remote
hill tribe village of Lisu in Northern Thailand.

6. She wanted a place where visitors could
learn about local culture directly from th
eir hosts, the hilltribe villagers.

7. She also wanted the village to
earn income directly from tourism.

8. In 2005, this same model for sustainable development was also
adopted when she built Lanjia Lodge in the Hmong and Lahu hill
tribe village in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

9. Chananya and Lisu Lodge Company are driven by a
passion to sustain, protect and improve local culture
and the environment through economic growth, ed
ucation and employment opportunities.
.

10. • Preservation of culture, traditions and community
• Sustaining the livelihood of the community
• Building strong and vibrant communities.
• Delivering the authentic experience to the visitors

11. Chiang Mai

12. Named after the Lisu hill tribe village located
nearby and comprised of villagers that migrated
to Northern Thailand from southern China and
Tibet in the early 20th century.

13. Baan Chang, Chiang Mai
Lisu Lodge is part of a community-based project that
aims to conserve the natural heritage of the hill tribes
of Northern Thailand.

14. Lisu Lodge
‣ Located in the community
‣ 4 homes, each with 6 bedrooms.
‣ Common dining room & living area at each home
‣ Central bar area, steam bath and gift shop
‣ Market area for the community
‣ Environmental concern for the buildings and the
grounds
‣ Energy consumption concerns : solar heating &
lighting
‣ Employ 19 Lisu people from the village to work at
the lodge
‣ Engage local suppliers for all activities

15. Chiang Rai

16. Kiew Karn, Chiang
Rai
Lanjia or 'peaceful' in Hmong language.

17. Lanjia Lodge delivers a total experience, one that is tailored
to meet the needs and expectations of the guests and comm
unities involved, going far beyond just booking rooms, by cr
eating unique, complete travel experiences.

18. Lanjia Lodge
‣ Collaboration with the Population and
Development Association (PDA)
‣ Located in the community
‣ 4 homes, each with 4 bedrooms
‣ Common dining room & living area at each
home
‣ Presentation area introducing the work of PDA
‣ Environmental concern for the building & the
grounds
‣ Energy Consumption concerns : lighting & gas
water heater
‣ Employ 15 Hmong & Lahu people from the
village to work at the lodge
‣ Batik making area in the community

19. Lisu Lodge Co. has embraced many of the design
elements of the Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong people. T
he lodges have incorporated many design features that
reflect the rich traditions of the remarkable hilltribe co
mmunities in which they are located.

20. Part of the income earned at the lodge goes towards the village
fund to support educational, cultural and economic projects to im
prove the quality of life of hundreds of villagers.

21. The Hmong, Akha and Lahu hilltribe’s participate in all aspect
of delivering this unique experience which is sure to leave the
traveler with a greater understanding of, and appreciation for,
these unique communities.

22. The local community speaks (thru a translator) of their life
experiences to the guests, explaining their beliefs, and why t
hey believe that way.

23. Lisu Lodge Company’s path
to
Community Based
Sustainable Tourism

24. • Preservation of culture, traditions and community
• Sustaining the livelihood of the community
• Building strong and vibrant communities, with opportunities
• Delivering the authentic experience to the visitors

25. Lisu Lodge Company works with the local villagers to
preserve their culture, revive local customs and cele
brate traditions such as New Year celebrations, birth r
ituals, wedding ceremonies and auspicious days.

26. Working with the local community
Regular health checks are provided for all members of the
community and vaccinations are sponsored by the lodge.

27. Preservation of Traditions
Creating understanding between
• Community and Lisu Lodge
• Lisu Lodge and the Visitors
• Visitor and community

28. Sustaining
Creating Long term Opportunities & Economic Prosperity
16 years ago there were only 16 households, today there
are over 300 households.

29. Building a bond : Lisu Lodge is part of the community and
the community is part of Lisu Lodge. Everyone is entitled to
opportunities to grow.

30. Delivering the Experience

31. All food supplies are
purchased from the local co
mmunity, construction and m
aintenance is provided by loc
al villager using natural resour
ces.

32. Create space and time where exchanges are done in
the a natural setting

33. Experiences : performances, excursions : biking,
rafting, trekking, elephant rides and handicraft makin
g

34. Activities are low carbon energy consumption

35. The EarthCare Program

36. EarthCare was created for those seeking to learn
more about the community & environment. By study
ing the impacts on the environment and communiti
es with goals of creating a positive outcome. The ou
tcomes involves active participation in activities suc
h as environmental clean up, building schools, buildi
ng dams and teaching.

37. ‣ Learning: Community and
Environment
‣ Discovery: New culture and self
‣ Awareness: traditions, communities
issues and environment.
EarthCare Students

38. ‣ Team Building; environment &
community interaction
‣ Leadership
‣ Bonding & Cultural Exchange
‣ Retreat
‣ Self Awareness & Balance
EarthCare Corporate

39. Himmapaan Foundation

40. Himmapaan Foundation is a network of organizations, individuals
and companies in the travel-related industry. Working together to su
pport sustainable tourism in areas where tourism has had an impact
on the environment and local traditions.
It strives to encourage travelers to take part in activities to restore or
improve the quality of life of local people in their communities and e
nvironmental protection projects.

41. Issues for Reflection and Discussion

42. Pictured above is a tourist’s visit to the local leader
where travelers share a welcome drink.
Why do you think all of the bamboo cups
have a semicircle carved off the top?

43. What are the children in the photo wearing?
Possible answer include;
a uniform, a costume, or their clothes.

44. Would you like to ride an elephant?

45. What are some of the threats
to sustainability seen in the
photos above?

46. What do these tourist
activities have in common?

47. What rules would you create regarding
the responsibilities of the tourist?
How would you communicate this message?

48. Management Dilemmas

49. Corporate Social Responsibility
Consider the following opinions from different perspectives;
1.0% should be allocated for CSR efforts. Companies have
no social responsibility, only people do. Return 100% of the p
rofits to the investor and allow them to decide what to do w
ith the return on investment.
2.10% of revenue should be allocated to CSR efforts.
3.30% of profits should be allocated for CSR efforts.

50. Considering CSR
A percentage of the income
earned at the lodge goes toward
s the village fund to support educ
ational, cultural and economic pr
ojects to improve the quality of lif
e of hundreds of villagers.
What percentage of income
would you suggest Asian Oasis co
ntribute to the village bank?

51. Animal Rights
Asian Oasis has removed
elephant rides from all its it
ineraries.
The decision marks part of
a major recent shift in the
industry away from
elephant rides.

52. Debate the merits of
providing elephant rides co
nsidering various stakehold
ers.
Consider perspectives from;
1.The international tour
operators that supply custo
mers
2.Local tour operators such
as Asian Oasis
3.The business providing
elephant rides
4.The local community
5.Animal rights activists

53. Complete the following passages regarding Asian Oasis's
community based tourism development efforts
1.Preserving ________________________?
2. Sustaining ________________________?
3. Building ________________________?
4. Protecting ________________________?
5. Delivering ________________________?
Review of Learning Outcomes

54. Provide examples of how Asian Oasis is;
Preserving culture, traditions and community
Sustaining the livelihood of the community
Building strong and vibrant communities.
Protecting the natural environment
Delivering authentic experiences to visitors

55. Thank You