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The program is centred in picturesque North Thailand with very
hospitable people. An independent state until the late 18th century
true northerners still refer to themselves as "Khon Muang"
meaning "people of Lanna". In addition to the descendents
of Lanna, the region is noted for the six distinctly different Hilltribes
of the Golden Triangle area who have their origins in Southwest
and Central China.
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Our program visits several Hilltribes who are committed to
maintaining their traditional ways of life and communities.
They are interested in meeting alternative healers and travellers
open to sharing time and experiences.
Due to their respected position within their communities
you will be welcomed and introduced in a way where person-to-person
connections open doors otherwise you would never have seen.
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We will also be visiting Lanna Thai Traditional Healers who
are members of the Chiang Mai Traditional Healers Fellowship
(CTHF). They too are very interested to meet westerners who
appreciate and value their healing traditions.
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Program
The "North Thailand Healers" program is centred on
the traditional healers of the Lanna Thai, Hmong Hilltribe, Karen
Hilltribe, Lahu and Lisu Hilltribes.
Protective of their traditions, the Hilltribe Healers, are very
aware that their way of life is endangered, especially by outside
influences. However, they genuinely welcome visitors who appreciate
and value their traditional ways of living and healing. They look
forward to this opportunity for sharing and exchanging information
and experiences.
These Hilltribe Healers are willing to share what they know culturally,
intuitively and through their own lengthy personal experience. You
are invited to "look with them", ask questions and, where
appropriate, the healers will include you in sharing hands-on demonstrations
and inclusion in village celebrations and rituals.
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Travelling by four-wheel drive Landrover and minibus this
program visits many remote and "off the beaten track"
areas of North Thailand. These areas are away from the current
centres for trekking and afford a unique opportunity to explore
the landscape and experience the culture of the Hilltribe
people you will meet and spend time with.
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Mor Muang
Traditional Mor Muang healing is over 700 years old and includes
animism (belief that spirit is resident in everything around us)
which is comfortably incorporated and accepted by all Lanna Traditional
Healers regardless of their religious belief.
Traditional healing methods were the accepted Lanna healing practises
until the missionaries arrived around 200 years ago, subsequent
to which the Government was influenced to ban these traditional
practises. Although practised continually, it was technically illegal
to follow traditional healing methods until the ban was lifted in
1999.
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The tital of "Mor Muang" is given to a traditional
healer by the villagers. He or she is not formally educated
in an institution or program but rather receives knowledge
and wisdom over time by studying and working with the elder
healers within the community.
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On this journey we will meet and visit with Mor Muang, including
monks, who are experienced in:
- General disease.
- Terminal illnesses including AIDS and cancer.
- Paralysis and nerve damage.
- Addictions including opium, alcohol and amphetamines.
- Unorthedox massage techniques.
- Exorcisim of and protection from malevolent spirits.
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Hilltribes
During our visits to the different hilltribes there are
usually opportunities to meet with:
- Mor Ya - herbal medicinal specialist. Where possible we
will accompany them into the surrounding jungle whilst he
or she describes the plants and their use.
- Mor Tam Yae - a traditional midwife.
- Mor Nuad - masseuse.
- Mor Pao - a traditional healer who blows spirit into bruised
or broken bones or wounds.
- Mor Cao Baan - an astrologer, advisor of auspicious times
for events and healing rites.
- Mor Kwan - a soul healer and specialist in soul retrieval.
- Mor Pee - a village shaman. Chosen by the spirits he or
she is the connection with the underworld where spirits
and ancestors dwell. The Mor Pee often goes into a trance
to divine the cause of the patient's illness.
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Karen - Hilltribe
The Karen are animists who believe that spirits reside in everything
which are to be feared and appeased and they constantly strive to
reach a balance and harmony with their spirit world. Their most
powerful spirit, Bga, has to be constantly appeased with offerings
to ensure well being.
Black Lahu & Red Lahu - Hilltribe
The Black & Red Lahu are animists, however, influenced by messianic
cults, Buddhism and many have Christian influences also. They believe
in worldly spirits called "Ne" and an inner soul they
call "Aw Ha". They believe in a supreme being "Gui
Sha" who created the heavens and his wife "Ai Ma"
(the Great Mother) who created the earth.
Lisu - Hilltribe
The Lisu believe in various spirits including weretigers and vampires,
ancestral guardians and an all powerful being called "Wa Sa".
They also make apeals for healing to "Ida Ma", the Great
One.
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Hmong - Hilltribe
The Hmong world is full of spirits including household spirits
for protection against physical calamities and ancestral spirits
to safeguard them against evil. Traditionally they perform
numerous and varied ceremonies to ensure healing and well-being.
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Access/Getting There
The program commences in Chiang Mai - Thailand, the Northern Capital
of Thailand.
The most convenient access point is to fly into Bangkok,
Thailand's vibrant capital, and to connect with one of the many
daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Other options such as
via Singapore can also represent a convenient and often inexpensive
way to reach Chiang Mai.
A very wide variety of international airlines provide a regular
daily service to Bangkok from many countries and inexpensive fares
are often available from many different departure points.
Inner Journeys will be pleased to assist you with flight routing
recommendations to best suit your individual requirements.
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Itinerary
This is a summary of the of North Thailand Healers itinerary.
Due to the nature of our journey each experience is unique and this
itinerary is subject to change as circumstances warrant. The itinerary
will be followed as closely as practical.
Included meals are indicated by the legend B = Breakfast,
L = Lunch and D = Dinner.
| Day 01 |
- Arrive Chiang Mai (L, D)
- Arrival into Chiang Mai before lunchtime. We will meet
you at the airport or train station and transfer you to the
hotel.
- Lunch at organic farm restaurant.
- Afternoon orientation followed by a visit to Doi Suthep
temple (entrance fee not included).
- Dinner at Chiang Mai's famous night bazaar with free time
to shop.
- Overnight - Galare Guesthouse or similar.
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Day
02
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- Lanna Healers and Buddhist Wat (B,L,D)
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- Today we begin our journey at the San Puleui Clinic.
This is a Government run clinic that features traditional
medicine, massage and herbalism in addition to western
medicine and dental services.
Everybody will have the opportunity to experience a
traditional Thai Massage, great for ironing out the
kinks of travel, at this friendly clinic.
Lunch - "Rearn Pare" floating restaurant.
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- In the afternoon we continue to "Wat Pa Miang".
A most beautiful human being, Abbot "Pra Wichian",
founded this remote Wat. His radiance, warm welcome
and charismatic ways may truly be the most important
X factor in the free treatments he offers to all comers.
Specialising in treatment of people with chronic addictions,
including AIDS, he openly shares his treatment methods
and preparation of the herbal remedies he uses to treat
his clients.
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With no "official" support he and the few monks
who work with him depart early each day to walk the long road
to small local villages where the villagers support the Wat
and its work by daily donations of the necessities of life
to the monks' alms bowls.
Although now 73 years of age Pra Wichin sparkles with life
and takes a keen interest in all visitors to the Wat in addition
to his daily duties.
Time will be spent with Pra Wichian both formally and informally.
This is a very special experience with a very special healer.
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Overnight - Sleep on mats at the feet of the Buddha
at the village Wat.
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| Day
03 |
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Hilltribe Healers - Black Lahu (B, L, D)
AM -Visit the Black Lahu Village of Baan Saen Jaren.
Set high in the hills, the steep road up to the village
and the slow pace of our progress affords a fascinating
view of Hilltribe life.
Perched precariously on the hillside this village
looks physically very simple but soon we are immersed
into the village and the richness of the welcome and
sharing.
Each time we visit a village the experience differs.
Nothing about your visit is in any way contrived. Here
we have the opportunity to meet with herbalists, midwives,
spirit blowers and shaman to learn, share and exchange
experiences.
These may include an interesting herbal application,
a new type of massage or the way they approach the building
of a new house. A wonderful introduction to Hilltribe
life!
Lunch - "Wiang Pa Pao" hot springs.
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PM - Return to Wat Pa Miang for free time and later in the
afternoon an opportunity to talk with Pra Wichian about his
treatments and walk with him in his herb garden.
Dinner - In the Wat.
Overnight - Sleep on air mattresses in the Wat guesthouse.
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| Day 04 |
- Hilltribe Healers - Red Lahu(B, L, D)
AM - Taking our leave from Pra Wichian we drive to the resort
of Rim Doi.
Our drive today takes in some remote villages and affords
the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery
of Northern Thailand.
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Upon arrival at the resort there will be free time
to relax prior to lunch.
Lunch - At Rim Doi Resort
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PM - This afternoon we visit the Red Lahu village of Huai
Ja Khan. Arriving in the late afternoon there will be ample
time to walk the village and meet the villagers before joining
with the healers in the village square.
As we talk with the healers our staff will be preparing an
evening meal to share with the village chief and healers.
This is served "Khantok Style" on small low tables.
Also during this time the village Shaman will show us the
Village Wat (temple) and explain a little of the ceremonies
and objects you will see including this evening's "Full
Moon Ceremony".
As night falls and the full moon rises everybody is invited
into the Wat to firstly observe, and then participate in,
the Red Lahu's full moon ceremony for community health and
good luck.
The Red Lahu enjoy dancing and it is an important part of
each ceremonial occasion.
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Dinner - Red Lahu village.
Overnight - Rim Doi Resort
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| Day
05 |
- Hilltribe Healers - Lisu (B, L, D)
Breakfast - Rim Doi Resort.
AM - At leisure at the resort.
Lunch - At resort.
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PM - Drive to the Lisu Village of "Khun Khong".
This village is vibrant and has a young and well-educated
village chief. Its location is close to the Burmese
border and quite remote.
Welcomed warmly by the healers they include; midwives,
herbalists, bone setting specialists and shaman. During
the afternoon there are opportunities to talk with the
healers and walk around the visit. There may be opportunities
to visit with some of the people you meet in their homes.
The experiences we have shared with this Lisu village
have been very special indeed and result from a heartfelt
willingness of the villagers and visitors to share and
open their hearts as people.
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Dinner - Lisu village
Overnight - Rim Doi Resort.
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| Day 06 |
Elephant Riding, Buddhist Wat (B, L, D)
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Breakfast - Rim Doi Resort.
AM - Depart the resort for the drive to the Wat Tuang
Luang.
On route we stop and visit an Elephant Training Camp
where you will get the opportunity to experience a ride
on these magnificent animals.
Lunch - On route.
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PM - Continue on to Wat Tuang Luang.
After settling into the guest quarters at the Wat
there is time to explore the many temples and shrines
within the grounds before being invited to share a herbal
sauna.
The saunas are wet steam infused with a variety of
herbs. They are very invigorating and excellent at assisting
detoxification.
In the late afternoon we meet with Abbot Pra Kro Wisuthi,
visit the Wat dispensary and herb gardens. This Wat
specialises in herbal preparations that they supply
to other healers.
Dinner - At the Wat.
Overnight - On air mattresses in the Wat guesthouse
rooms.
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| Day 07 |
- Hilltribe Healers - Hmong (B, L, D)
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Breakfast - Wat.
AM - Drive to the Hmong Tribe village of Buang Jan.
En route we will stop and check into our resort, home
for the evening, and enjoy lunch and a little free time
before continuing.
Lunch - At the resort.
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PM - After lunch we continue to the village of Buang Jan
and meet the herbalists, bone blowers and shaman.
If at all possible we will also visit the oldest couple
in the village at their home. Jong Jiew and his wife Peng
are approximately 108 years old. Incredible, they are an amazing
couple. Their eldest child, of 12, is 80 years old and their
youngest 44-year-old Lah.
The Hmong are famous for their indigo Batik and also intricate
cross-stitching on their clothing. It is usually possible
to meet and talk with villagers working on these tasks whilst
visiting the village.
In the late afternoon we visit the village Wat on the outskirts
of the village and share some time with the resident Buddhist
Monk while watching the sunset before returning to the resort
for dinner.
Dinner - Resort.
Overnight - Local Thai Resort.
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| Day 08 |
- Hilltribe Healers - Karen (B, L, D)
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Breakfast - At the Resort.
AM - This morning we visit the Queen Sirikit Botanical
Gardens. Beautifully designed and maintained this is
an ideal place to explore the two pavilions of herbal
plants and visit some of the other excellent displays.
Lunch - On route.
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PM - This afternoon we drive through farmland countryside,
small villages and elephant centres to a remote Karen Village
Mae Sa Pok. We will overnight at the affiliated Kings Project,
set up to provide alternative agricultural income to replace
opium growing.
In a stunning location, nestling beside a river, a wonderful
waterfall is a short walk away and the fields are laid out
below the hostel.
Late this afternoon some of the healers from the village
will join us for dinner and a chance to introduce each other
whilst village musicians entertain. Of course there is always
a chance for a dance or two.
Overnight - Affiliated kings Project Hostel.
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| Day 09 |
Hilltribe Healers - Karen, River Rafting, Lanna Healers
(B, L, D)
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Breakfast - Kings Project Hostel.
AM - Visit the healers in their village before continuing
down the valley to the river-rafting river.
Time to relax and see the sights along the riverbank
as the bamboo raft leisurely makes its way down the
Mae Tamann River.
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PM - This afternoon we visit with a Lanna Healer,
Mor Boon.
Mor Boon is a trained Mor Ya (herbal pharmacologist)
and is currently treating over 500 people with AIDS, from
"orphaned elderly" to "orphaned children"
and all in between.
He is supported in part by small donations,
his local village, and his orchard and the herbal preparations
that he sells. He is an inspiration for all committed healers.
In the late afternoon we return to Chiang Mai and the Galare
Guesthouse.
Dinner - Farwell dinner in Chiang Mai Restaurant
Overnight - Galare Guesthouse.
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10 |
- Chiang Mai (B, L)
Breakfast - Guesthouse.
AM - Airport transfers throughout the day will be provided
as required. Depending on transfer commitments our staff will
assist you with any other requests you may have.
- Arrangements conclude.
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Extensions may be pre-arranged for a continued
stay at Chiang Mai.
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Cost and Inclusions
Australian dollars AUD$2,575.00 per person single room where applicable
- all payments are to be made in Australian Dollars.
Convert to your local currency by using the Universal
Currency Calculator. Click
here
Program price includes:
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Airport transfer on arrival and departure Chiang Mai for
persons travelling on the main program dates.
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Accommodation as per the itinerary.
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Meals as per itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
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Tours as detailed in the itinerary.
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Healer visits as detailed in the itinerary.
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All transportation by mini-bus, four wheel drive, river raft
and elephant as detailed in the itinerary.
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Tour fully escorted by local English speaking guide throughout
with dialect translators provided where required in villages.
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General Information
Accommodation
In Chiang Mai
Galare Guesthouse - comfortable air conditioned rooms with en-suite
bathroom. (5-star guesthouse)
In the Wats
Air mattresses and sleeping bags will be provided and where necessary
mosquito nets. Whilst clean, this accommodation is simple and no
western style bathroom facilities are available.
At Resorts
Comfortable air-conditioned rooms with an en-suite bathroom.
At the King's Project Hostel
Simple, clean accommodation, no western bathroom facilities.
Air mattresses and sleeping bags will be provided and where necessary
mosquito nets.
Food
Meals are all traditional Thai food altered to accommodate western
taste (mai sai prik - no chilli). The only exception to this is
breakfast, which is simple, nutritious and varied in a western style.
Filtered drinking water is provided throughout.
Weather
Varies depending on the season but tropical hot, not the real hot
season, with some light rain during late afternoon and evening.
Full information on what is best to bring will be
provided upon booking confirmation.
Go to our Booking Form
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