As the cultural heart of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai incentive groups offer a unique opportunity to blend meaningful experiences with corporate social responsibility and create lasting memories while creating a deeper connection with the destination.
Here are three ways incentive groups can give back to the community and ensure their visit leaves a legacy that extends far beyond their departure.
Walk with giants
First established in 1976, Mae Sa Elephant Camp
strongly believes that elephants should live a natural life, free from chains and made to act as entertainment for tourists. The camp currently has 78 elephants in its care, who spend their days eating, taking mud baths or foraging in the forest with their mahouts or caretakers.
In the age of conservation, guests to the camp can learn to care for these gentle giants, prepare food and medicine balls for the elephants’ diet, and make a splash while bathing them in the river. The camp can accommodate up to 120 visitors, and divides guests into groups of up to 15 to avoid stressing their mammoth residents.
From nature to art
Take part in an ancient art form Vichaikul varnishwhich is part of an artisan community located in Wat Nantharam in Chiang Mai. Led by national crafts teacher Patchara Sirichancheun – who is the seventh generation of her family’s lacquer makers – the society works with sustainably produced lacquer that comes from lacquer trees planted around Thailand during Bangkok’s bicentennial celebrations four decades ago.
By applying this varnish – which is made from the black sap of trees – in layers and finishing with gold leaf, a beautifully unique handmade product can shine through. By mixing traditional Thai motifs and design with modern functionality, guests can take home a little piece of Northern Thailand’s architecture in the form of a card holder, phone case or wireless charger.
The perfect brew from tree to cup
Located in the village of Baan Pok in the hills of Chiang Mai, Shadow Estate is an agricultural company that grows award-winning coffee and Assam tea and has its very own cocoa bean plantation.
The 40-acre farm works with corporate groups of up to 200 people to develop customized programs that accommodate their schedule and dietary needs. Guests can learn more about the farm’s bean-to-bar operations, with experts walking them through each step of the process. Hands-on workshops are also available to teach groups how to expertly brew the perfect cup of coffee or tea – which they can then learn to combine with chocolate and taste the finished product.