Chocolate & Culture: The Secret of the Lisu Tribe
チェンマイ坂田Discover Lisu village life and cacao in the hills of Chiang Rai.
Meet the Lisu people and learn how cacao becomes chocolate, while seeing how many cultures live side by side in Thailand.
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3 Highlights of This Tour
1. Differences and Similarities
The Lisu trace their origins to Tibet. They wear colorful clothes and dance for a whole week at New Year — yet, like the Japanese, they eat rice cakes and use chopsticks.
2. From Cacao to Chocolate
Walk the cacao farm with Lisu farmers and learn how chocolate is made — and how they live in harmony with nature.
3. Thailand's Diversity
Not only Buddhism: Islam, animism and other beliefs coexist in Thailand. Explore this diversity on a village walk and a mosque visit.
Your Host: Jahe
Supo Lija, known as Jahe, is both a keeper of Lisu culture and a cacao farmer.
Asking "Which crop protects nature and is economically valuable?", he chose cacao instead of trendy coffee. At village festivals he leads young people in passing on Lisu culture. His son Win also guides you around the village.
Sample Itinerary (2 Days 1 Night)
* We recommend 2 nights if possible, for a relaxed pace. We will adjust the plan to your wishes.
Day 1
7:00 / 10:00
Meet in Chiang Mai (7:00) or Chiang Rai airport/city (10:00)
The village is about 4 hours from Chiang Mai and about 1 hour from Chiang Rai by private van.
11:00
Arrive and introductions
A short Lisu language lesson and introductions. Try cacao juice — once said to be an elixir of immortality for kings — as a welcome drink.
12:00
Lunch and village introduction
Home cooking by Jahe's wife. Please tell us in advance about allergies or if you don't eat spicy food.
13:30
Cacao harvest
Harvest cacao pods at a farm 1 km from the village and taste the fresh seeds.
15:00
Chocolate-making workshop
See fermentation, drying, roasting and grinding, and make your own chocolate bar.
18:00
Dinner and rice-cake pounding
After a Lisu dinner, pound rice cakes the traditional way, shape them by hand and wrap them in banana leaves. Depending on the day, there may be a campfire or traditional Lisu dancing.
21:00
Bedtime
Instagram 
Day 2
7:30
Breakfast
Traditional village food.
8:30
Photos in traditional dress and a village walk
Dress in colorful Lisu clothes for photos, then walk the village with villagers and our guide, including a visit to the village mosque.
11:00
Leave the village
12:00
Myanmar border and Mae Sai market
About an hour's drive to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. See the border and Thailand's northernmost point, then browse a market full of goods from Myanmar.
14:30
Leave Mae Sai
16:00 / 19:00
Finish at Chiang Rai airport/city (16:00) or Chiang Mai (19:00)
Usually we finish where we started; starting in Chiang Mai and finishing in Chiang Rai is also possible.
Prefer email? Use our inquiry form →
Guest Reviews
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M.T.
"A real cultural experience beyond the everyday." I blended into village life in a way sightseeing never allows.
M.I.
"Reliable support — highly recommended!" I could enjoy meeting locals in places I couldn't reach on my own.
Y.N.
"A trip that reminded me of something I'd forgotten." I felt as close to the villagers as to distant relatives.
K.K.
"Moved by Lisu wisdom and cacao." The fresh cacao pulp amazed me, and I learned about Lisu history and shamans.
Price & Tour Details
| Price | From 8,600 THB per person (2 days 1 night)Please ask us about the price for 3 days 2 nights. |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days 1 night to 3 days 2 nights (we adjust to your plans) Example: meet 7:00 in Chiang Mai (10:00 in Chiang Rai) on day 1 → finish 16:00 in Chiang Rai / 19:00 in Chiang Mai on day 2 |
| Minimum group size | 4 people |
| Meeting point | Meet in Chiang Mai, or at Chiang Rai Airport / Chiang Rai city, and travel by private vanStarting in Chiang Mai and finishing in Chiang Rai is also possible. |
| Included |
|
| Not included |
|
Cancellation Policy
| Before the deposit is paid | No charge |
|---|---|
| After the deposit, up to 21 days before the tour | 50% of the tour price |
| 20 to 7 days before the tour | 75% of the tour price |
| 6 days before the tour or no-show | 100% of the tour price |
Bank transfer and remittance fees are non-refundable.
See our Travel Terms and Conditions for details.
What to Bring & Accommodation
Must-have
- Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Long sleeves and long pants (cool mornings and evenings; we cross a stream on the way to the farm, so pants you can roll up are best)
- Personal medicine
- Sneakers you don't mind getting dirty (ants may bite in sandals)
- Sandals and a toothbrush
Useful
Sunscreen / hat / small towel / small bag / sunglasses / shampoo and conditioner if you have preferences
You stay at a guesthouse in the village with hot showers (no bathtub). Towels, shampoo, conditioner and body soap are provided.
Notes
Program changes
The program may change with the weather and conditions.
Chocolate process
The farm does not process large amounts of cacao every day, so you may not see every step on site. We will explain them all.
Traditional dress
Villagers may not be wearing traditional dress. Older people often do every day; young people usually wear it for events.
Upcoming Dates
- November 10 (Tue) – 11 (Wed), 2026: 2 days 1 night
- February 4 (Thu) – 6 (Sat), 2027: 3 days 2 nights
Other dates are possible — just ask.
Booking & Questions
Just curious? That is perfectly fine.
Questions, dates, group size — send us a message on WhatsApp or use the inquiry form.
Message us on WhatsAppWe reply personally — questions are welcome
