Lisu Lodge and Khum Lanna

Award-winning eco lodges set in the hills above Chiang Mai, with a variety of treks, hill-tribe tours and cookery courses on offer

Hill treks and activity tours are two-a-baht in Chiang Mai. But the ones run by Asian Oasis are a cut above the rest. Like their imitations, they offer 1- to 5-day combinations of trekking, elephant rides, white water rafting, visits to hill tribes, cycle rides and cookery. But what sets them apart are their two flagship lodges, Lisu Lodge and Khum Lanna, built in differing architectural styles and set in the lush countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. You can expect sunset drinks, tasty and lovingly cooked Thai food, woven walls and floors, mosquito nets and simple bathrooms.

Or you can get well off the beaten track by hiking 5 hours up to their Lahu Outpost, perched on a hilltop with early-morning panoramas over endless jungle-covered ridges. Even here, bedding and basic ablutions are provided, and locals stir-fry your dinner in front of you while you sip chilled beer and get your tired limbs expertly massaged. This is roughing it with the edges smoothed off.

Why we chose this partner

• We liked their low-key approach, with limited group numbers (often only 4-6)
• There's an amazing range of activities on offer, from cycling around a peanut plantation to lurching across a river on an elephant (or a raft)
• The obvious experience and professionalism of the guides, some of whom are native hilltribe villagers, means guests are welcomed as friends rather than as gawpers
• We were impressed by their commitment to eco and social issues (more)
• We also loved their Lanjia Lodge near the Laos border - see our separate review

We've tried out 2 of their trips:

• Read our account of a 2-day trek
• Read our account of a 4-day multi-activity