Feel the Meaning of "Small is Beautiful" — An Eco Tour from Chiang Mai

Leisurely cycling through town, picking vegetables from the garden, cooking and eating together. Why not spend some time in Chiang Mai doing things that feel ordinary — yet somehow a little extraordinary?

Your host is Sawan, a free spirit who travels the world practising the “Small is Beautiful” way of life. Step away from efficiency and speed — this is a journey that invites you to reflect on what truly matters to you.

■ Tour Overview

■ Meet Your Host — Sawan

Sawan'sInstagram
an article about Sawanbelowas well

チェンマイでカフェを営むサワンさんのコーヒー農園視察

チェンマイでユニークなカフェを営むサワンさんにコーヒー農園へ連れて行ってもらいました。 その時の視察メモを備忘録として残します。 目次サワンさんとは？サワンさん…

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■ Tour Highlights

① Experience Sawan's Philosophy of "Small is Beautiful"

After journeying through many countries, Sawan arrived at a way of living:「Small is beautiful」. Not about scale or speed, but about living true to your own values. His stories will open up a quiet space within you.

② Savor a "Slow" Journey by Bicycle

Hop on a bicycle with Sawan and ride into the local landscapes of Chiang Mai. You'll discover scenes that typical tourism rarely reveals.

③ Cook and Taste "Simple" Thai Dishes with Organic Ingredients

Harvest Sawan's carefully grown organic, regenerative produce with your own hands, cook it, and sit down together to enjoy the meal.

Using uniquely Thai ingredients like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, you'll cook a Thai dish that celebrates whatever is in season.

■ Tour Schedule (Tentative)

Schedule at a Glance

8:00 AM — Central Chiang Mai Meetup & Transfer
8:30 AM — Meet Sawan & Coffee
9:00 AM — Local Cycling Tour
9:30 AM — Garden Harvest & Hands-On Lunch
12:30 PM Cycle Back
1:00 PM Van Back to Central Chiang Mai
1:45 PM Farewell in Central Chiang Mai

Detailed Schedule

8:00 AM Meet in Central Chiang Mai & Transfer

After meeting at the gathering point in central Chiang Mai, travel by private van to the peaceful countryside (about 30 minutes). You'll head to a quiet area where the local atmosphere unfolds around you.

8:30 AM Meet Sawan & Coffee Time

Meet your host Sawan at his place. Over a cup of his own coffee, you'll introduce yourselves and ease into the experience.

9:00 AM Local Cycling Tour

Set off on bicycles together with Sawan.

Pedal past rice fields and soak in the “everyday landscapes” of local life — the kind you rarely encounter on a typical tour.

9:30 AM Garden Harvest & Hands-On Lunch

You arrive at Sawan's garden.

Sawan's home is quite striking when you see it for the first time. The electricity comes from solar panels on the roof, rainwater is used for daily life, and his bedroom is a tent on the second floor.

Harvest vegetables that Sawan has grown using organic, regenerative farming methods.

Pick lemongrass, kaffir lime, turmeric and other ingredients that are staples in Thai cooking but that most people rarely handle with their own hands.

Use the freshly harvested ingredients — along with organic produce from a neighbour — to prepare the meal together.

You'll also use a traditional Thai mortar and pestle.

We enjoyed pork and morning glory curry, Thai-style omelette, and butterfly pea-tinted jasmine rice. The menu changes with the seasons.

While listening to Sawan's stories, surrounded by local nature's bountyand savor it together.

LunchAfter that,Relaxing in a Hammockも◎

12:30 PM Cycle Back

After lunch, cycle leisurely back to the meeting point. With different feelings and scenery on the return, it's a pleasant, unhurried wind-down.

On the way back you'll stop by a church — a glimpse into Thai life beyond Buddhism. (Mass is held on Sundays only.)

1:00 PM Van Back to Central Chiang Mai

Return to central Chiang Mai by van.

1:45 PM Farewell in Central Chiang Mai

After arriving back in central Chiang Mai, the tour concludes.

■ Participant Reviews

■ Additional Information

Important Notes

• In light rain, participants will wear raincoats and continue cycling.
• In heavy rain, safety comes first — cycling will be cancelled and a private van will take you directly to Sawan's garden instead.
• As the tour involves cycling, please wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty.
• Most activities take place outdoors, so please take measures against heat, sun exposure, and insect bites.
• As Sawan also runs a café on an irregular schedule, we will confirm tour availability each time upon enquiry.
• Tours are generally held in the morning, but afternoon arrangements can also be made. Please enquire for details.

What to Bring

beloware recommended for the day —What to BringFeel free to bring anything else you might need.

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Small towel
• Sunglasses
• Water (bottled or similar)
• Insect repellent
• A small backpack or shoulder bag (handy when cycling)

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A day spent a little away from efficiency and speed — at your own pace. This tour, where you step into Sawan's way of life, gently reminds you of what you truly want to hold dear.

Why not let the breeze of Chiang Mai carry you through a day that refreshes both body and mind?

To join, please contact us via the belowenquiry form below、or via our OfficialLINEto get in touch。

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