Review Author: Arinchaya Preedawan

Review Date: 31 mei 2025

Review Body: Absolutely amazing! 👍👍 10/10 This is hands down the best concept for a workshop I’ve ever seen. Huge respect to the owner — they’re a city person who’s fallen deeply in love with nature, truly understands it, and knows how to connect with it on every level. As someone who also loves cooking, they’ve opened up my kitchen — and my worldview — so much more. Their care for knowing the source of every ingredient, how it’s prepared, and their curiosity to learn and share with others can be felt in every single activity and every step they guide you through. I’m genuinely in love with their mindset and way of life. The best learning setting ever — the atmosphere, the nature — it’s all incredible. A simple classroom in the mountains, where you get to chat with the village elder who actually makes tea up on the hill, and even hike up to see cinnamon trees I never thought I’d get to see in my life. The best stay, too — the simple, raw design is filled with thoughtful touches. I can’t really put it into words, but you can just feel how good it is. Waking up to million-dollar views you’ll never find in the city — right in front of you is Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The air is 18 degrees, no air-con, just a small fan — and it’s more than enough. When you bring yourself back to nature like this, this stay is more than enough — not fancy, but it makes you so happy. The message the owner sends really reaches you. And I will definitely come back… without a doubt.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Arinchaya Preedawan

Review Date: 31 jan 2019

Review Body: Absolutely amazing, my friend! 👍👍👍 10/10 This course is the pinnacle of thoughtful design. I have so much respect for the host. He’s a city guy who has fallen in love with nature, truly understands it, and connects with it deeply. As someone who also loves cooking, he expanded not only my kitchen skills but also my worldview. His care in understanding ingredients, preparation, and his genuine desire for others to learn is evident in every activity and every step he guided us through. I really admire his philosophy and way of life. The location is incredible. the learning space is simple, right in the mountains, surrounded by nature. We learned and had conversations with the local tea master on the mountain, and even hiked to see cinnamon trees I never thought I’d get to see. The accommodation is simple and raw in design, yet every detail shows thoughtfulness. I can’t describe it exactly, but it just feels right. Waking up to million-dollar views you can’t find in the city, Doi Luang Chiang Dao right in front of you, with 18°C air—no air conditioning, just a small fan, which is more than enough. Being back in nature, this place feels more than enough. Not luxurious, but so deeply satisfying. The messages the host shared with us really resonated. And we will definitely come back… without a doubt.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: F.

Review Date: 31 mei 2025

Review Body: I had an amazing 2-day, 1-night experience at the Homemade Cheese Workshop. Our host, Job, was fantastic. He started by teaching us the fascinating history of cheese, then guided us step by step on how to make cheese from scratch. With the right equipment and setup at home, this class even makes it possible to turn supermarket milk into your own fresh cheese! One of the highlights was when Job took us to explore and harvest plants, fruits, and vegetables that can be used to create natural acids to separate the cheese from the whey he explained it so clearly, and I now feel confident trying it myself. Over the two days, I learned so much, not just about cheese-making but also about natural ingredients and traditional techniques. The location was super cozy and beautiful, with amazing views of Doi Luang from the tent. The homemade breakfast was absolutely delicious and served in generous portions... definitely a great start to the day! Overall, this workshop is a must for anyone curious about cheese-making, nature, and immersive culinary experiences.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Joy Kiatpokai

Review Date: 30 nov 2019

Review Body: My first time tasting mountain rice. What an eye-opening experience! Thank you to our host for wholeheartedly sharing knowledge and guiding us through hands-on activities right in the local area. The accommodation was comfortable, and the views both at the lodge and during activities were stunning. The night sky was full of stars, the food was delicious, and the drinks were amazing! What I loved the most was that throughout the activities, as far as I can remember, no single-use plastic was used (except for the water bottle we brought). 🌿 The rice wrapped in banana leaves, bamboo cups, and bowls and spoons made from coconut shells—can’t wait to go again! 🥰🥰🥰

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jongdee Piaprasoet

Review Date: 30 nov 2019

Review Body: Every time I come, I’m impressed. I love how it blends conservation with the preservation of local culture. I’m grateful for the effort to keep the mountain rice that should have been harvested so we could participate in the activities. This shows how skillfully the organizers collaborate with the tribal elders. This place isn’t just great because of the activities, accommodation, food, or drinks. It’s everything provided while maintaining the authentic local way of life. Thank you for your vision and for continuing this work… keep it going! I’m sure we’ll meet again next time. #MountainRice, the charm of Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kandy Kanthong

Review Date: 31 okt 2019

Review Body: Overall, it’s absolutely wonderful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The workshop was fun, the food was delicious, and the activities are nature- and eco-friendly while supporting the local community 👍👍👍

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tippawan Jarukipisan

Review Date: 30 jun 2019

Review Body: It was fun and provided a good basic knowledge that you can take home and use in your own kitchen.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Itonn Iaosanurak

Review Date: 31 mei 2025

Review Body: Great experience to learn about how to create the everyday sustainability. Thanks to the team...

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Au Salinee

Review Date: 31 dec 2022

Review Body: I really liked the variety of activities and the many options to choose.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Luktarn W. Jantaramard

Review Date: 31 mei 2025

Review Body: Everything is more than great!!! 😍

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Arrival & explore cacao/coffee/vanilla gardens with hands-on processing & local dinner

Itinerary Description: 08:00 Arrive at Chiang Dao Bus Station; your host will pick you up 08:15 Check in to your room and have fresh sandwitches before your journey start 09:30 - 18:00 Day 1: Arrival and Hands-On Discovery Morning: Arrive at Charoenwan Garden, Chiang Dao. Meet Job and Pook and settle into your accommodation. Explore the Garden: Wander through shaded cacao gardens, coffee terraces, or vanilla groves, depending on your chosen workshop. Learn how each plant is cared for and nurtured by local farmers and Job & Pook’s organic methods. Processing Begins: Cacao: Peel, ferment, and dry the beans, then roast them to unlock their flavor. Coffee: Pick berries and learn basic processing and roasting techniques. Vanilla: Harvest pods, ferment, and learn extraction methods. Evening: Relax over a house/table dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy stories from Job and Pook about the land, the seasons, and the traditions behind each ingredien

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Craft cacao, coffee, or vanilla; make treats; taste creations; take home handmade products

Itinerary Description: 09:30 – 13:00 Morning: Dive deeper into the hands-on craft of your chosen ingredient. Cacao: Grind roasted beans into cocoa mass, temper chocolate, and create your own craft chocolate bars. Make “bean-to-brownies” for a delicious finale. Coffee: Brew and extract coffee in various ways, experiment with cold brew and coffee-based beverages like tonic or liqueur. Vanilla: Extract pure vanilla essence, and make syrup or paste to take home. Sharing the Experience: Learn how the seasonal harvest influences flavors, and how local methods preserve aroma, texture, and richness. Farewell: Conclude the workshop by tasting your creations, taking home your handmade cacao, coffee, or vanilla products, and reflecting on the rhythms of the land you’ve experienced.