Huay Pu Keng

Huay Pu Keng

Experience Karenni culture through community-led stays and workshops that keep tourism benefits local and protect heritage.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Visitors to Huay Pu Keng engage directly with five Karenni subgroups in Thailand’s first community-led Karenni community-based tourism village. Experiences include weaving, bamboo and wood carving, brass bracelet making, cooking, traditional dance, medicinal plant hikes, tree planting, rice pounding, and forest foraging. Guests stay in family homestays and enjoy authentic Karenni meals. Community members design and lead every experience. Volunteering opportunities are available for people with expertise in community-based tourism capacity building, marketing, and impact measurement.

ABOUT US

Huay Pu Keng is a Karenni village in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, that has adopted community-based tourism to improve economic conditions while preserving its culture and environment. Tourism is owned and controlled by the community, generating fair, lasting benefits through regenerative practices. The village is developing its tourism initiatives in collaboration with Fair Tourism, a Netherlands-based nonprofit organization.

IMPACT

Huay Pu Keng is a Karenni village in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, reached by boat. Since 2019, after years of preparation, the community has run its own community-based tourism initiative to earn a fair income while protecting its culture and natural environment. Previously, most tourism income left the village.

Visitors stay in homestays and join workshops. Villagers design and lead every experience, and women lead across workshops, homestays, and facilitation. 100% of entrance fees go into community funds managed by elected village groups, keeping benefits local.

Visitor numbers grew 77.95% over four years, and the experiences feature in more than 25 responsible travel itineraries. The low-volume, regenerative model protects the village and its surroundings, and the community plants trees year-round.

Preparation began in 2013, and more than 40 community members have been trained. Human rights modules are delivered through the Travelife network.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: charlotte@fairtourism.nl

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?

Minimum 1; maximum 25.

Do you require visitors to pre-book?

Yes, pre-booking is required.

Do you have group rates?

Yes.

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?

No.

What languages do you offer your services in?

English, Burmese, and Thai. Community guides also use Karenni languages.

When are you open?

Open year-round. Peak season is December to January. Boat access may be limited from July to October.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?

The village is not currently wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility considerations are advised to contact the organization in advance so suitable arrangements can be discussed.