The Hilltribe Museum is a public-benefit organization which aims to help educate local and foreign tourists about Hilltribes' fast disappearing culture. The Museum aims to preserve artifacts and to provide information to tourists and tour operators so that responsible tourism can occur. When people are informed about Hilltribe culture, it is hope that negative impact of tourism on Hilltribe life will be minimized.
The Hilltribe Museum is under the supervision of the Population and Community Development Association.
The Hilltribe Museum: is conveniently located near the center of Chiang-Rai. It is walking distance from major hotels like the Wiang Inn and Wangcome Hotels as well as the Golden Triangle Inn.
History And Trade Of Opium:
The Museum shows information about the 5,500 year history of opium, how it reached Asia and its impact on Hilltribe people. This section will broaden your perspective opium and its abuse.
The Hilltribe Museum and Education Center : has just gotten BIGGER. We have moved to the new Building of the Population and Community Development Association in Chiang- Rai province, which is adjacent to the Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant.
The Hilltribe Museum: is conveniently located near the center of Chiang-Rai. It is walking distance from major hotels like the Wiang Inn and Wangcome Hotels as well as the Golden Triangle Inn.
Scholarships Donations to the Hilltribe Museum: are used to support higher education of Hilltribe students. As of the end of December 2000, a total of 200 students have already been supported. The education of female Hilltribe students is our priority as many end up in the commercial sex industry.
Alternative Tourism: The Hilltribe Museum along with the PDA Tour Office is pioneering in a project on alternative tourism wherein Hilltribe Village receive move benefit from the tourism activity. This project called the Lorcha Project will be a community-based tourism project which is being supported by the Association of Thai Tourist Agencies (ATTA) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Blanket and Sweater Donation: During the winter months, (November to mid-March) temperatures often drops to the low 10's especially in the hilly areas. The Hilltribe Museum has launched a new project to assist hilltribe families provide for warm clothing for young children aged 4 to10 year old. Funds are raised through donations to purchase sweaters for hilltribe children.
Water Resource Development: In cooperation with the PDA, income from the Hilltribe Museum supports activities such as the construction of piped water systems in Hilltribe village to improve their access to clean and potable water supply. These facilities have reduced time required for collecting water as well as improved the sanitation condition in villages.
Address: 620/25 Thanalai Rd.
Population and Community Development Association Chiang Rai
Thailand
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre in Chiang Rai
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
In Chiang Rai, a Restaurant and Museum is Helping Family Planning.
In the Northern Mountains of Thailand, the non-profit arm of the PDA has opened a remarkable restaurant and Museum called Cabbages and Condoms which is helping the locals
Light years away from the mass tourism areas of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, lies Chiang Rai, in Northern Thailand, where the Aka, Karen and Lisu Hill Tribes eke out a spartan existence, in many cases with one foot still in the stone-age.
Now it's alcohol, before it was Opium.
Some people believe that visiting them is exploitation, citing the fondness for alcohol that has developed in some villages, but twenty years ago the dependency was on opium. Exchanging one addiction for another may not be an improvement, but I can’t help feeling that the cash cow that is tourism can only better their life.
Non-Profit Cabbages and Condoms Outfil.
To the rescue comes a remarkable outfit called Cabbages and Condoms, the non-profit arm of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) of Thailand, an organization that encourages the villagers to make the best use of both the cabbages which grow freely in the mountains, and condoms which the PDA supplies. It also runs the most culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible treks in Chiang Rai, contributes to community development programmes and helps preserve the culture and lifestyle of the Hill tribes. It has opened restaurants and drop-in cafes in cities like Chiang Rai, Pattaya and Bangkok, where people can pick up information about the hill tribes and enjoy some local food, like roasted duck curry, steamed cottonfish with condom salad, and Thai Green Mango salad. The small Museum in the Chiang Rai outlet is a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of an opium addict.
On site is a handicraft shop which sells a variety of condom related memorabilia as well as village handicrafts like woven silk, carved wood figurines and embroideries, the profits from which all go back to the villages.
Support needed for Hill Tribe people
Despite their charmingly unaffected lifestyle, life is harsh for the Hill Tribe people whose life, in many cases, is one of exploitation by smooth talking men who lure them deeper into debt.
Cabbages and Condoms tries to help but it needs support. Next time you are near one of their restaurants in Bangkok, Pattaya or Chiang Rai, drop in for a meal and buy a little something. Without the tourists to purchase souvenirs from them, the life of the hill tribes would be even harsher.
· Cabbages and Condoms, Chiangrai: 620/25 Tanarai Rd, Muang District Chiangrai 57000. (053) 719167,
Chiangrai 57000. (053) 719167,
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Thailand Travel
Thailand is nestled between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is exotic yet accessible, with something for every visitor. Relax on white sand beaches, hike through vast areas of tropical forest, or live it up in the humming capital of Bangkok.
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The country offers a huge range of new experiences in sights, sounds, tastes, and outlook. But different as it may be from your home, Thailand is probably the easiest exotic country for visitors. The people are friendly, leisure activities are well organized, the food is great and you receive excellent value for money.
Thailand is nestled between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is exotic yet accessible, with something for every visitor. Relax on white sand beaches, hike through vast areas of tropical forest, or live it up in the humming capital of Bangkok.
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The country offers a huge range of new experiences in sights, sounds, tastes, and outlook. But different as it may be from your home, Thailand is probably the easiest exotic country for visitors. The people are friendly, leisure activities are well organized, the food is great and you receive excellent value for money.
One of the great things about Thailand for the traveller is the variety of places to visit. From the urban chaos of Bangkok, to the beautiful mountains of the north, to the amazing beaches and islands of the coast Thailand offers the visitor a wide range of alternatives when choosing a vacation.
Most visitors arrive first in Bangkok. Despite the heat, traffic, pollution and crowds Bangkok has a lot to offer in the way of tourist attractions. The old town around the Royal Palace is the cultural heart of Thailand and is full of temples markets and traditional shop house architecture. The centre of Bangkok with its towering skyscrapers, gleaming department stores and luxury hotels is not only the business district but also the main entertainment area. Bangkok is a truly cosmopolitan city fueled by an unparalleled energy.
The north of Thailand is very different. Ancient and beautiful towns dotted with the golden roofs of ancient temples lie in the valleys and plains flanked by tree lined mountains populated, not only by northern Thais, but also by ethnic minorities with their own languages, dress and traditions. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the two most visited towns and both serve as a good base to explore this beautiful and remote part of Asia.
At the other end of the country along the miles and miles of coastline you can find some of the best beaches in the world. There are choices for all tastes and budgets. Phuket is sophisticated and developed with not only great beaches but also a plethora of opportunities for sailing, diving, golf and fishing. Whether you want peace and quiet or music and action, in Phuket it's always only a short distance away. Nearby Krabi is perfect for a family holiday with beautiful white sand and dramatic limestone scenery.
In the Gulf of Thailand Koh Samui provides a world class alternative with a wider range of cheaper accommodation. Nearby Koh Phangan is still comparatively basic and budget travelers enjoy the peace and quiet of what, at times, resembles paradise. Further away, near Cambodia, Koh Chang is also very quiet. If you want a beach resort with attitude, then head to Pattaya. Some love it, some hate it but it is never short of energy.
Throughout Thailand one is never far away from history and its legacy. The ancient capitals of Sukothai and Ayuthaya are both remnants of a glorious past. Through Isaan there are hundreds of examples of the power of the Khmer empire of Angkor. Both Phanam Rung in Buriram and Phimai in Korat are as good examples of Angkorian architecture as one can find.
West of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi and the famous, if tragic, Bridge over the River Kwai. Built by slave labour and allied prisoners during the Japanese occupation of World War II, it is a somber reminder of recent history and the suffering of war. Around Kanchanaburi there is also beautiful mountain countryside and waterfalls.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a water baby, a party animal or just in need of peace and quiet the odds are in your favour that somewhere in Thailand you can find what you want.
Author: Daniel Jowssey
