Tucked away in the mountains of Chiang Dao, this farm stay is more than a destination — it is a living, breathing community. Established by a Chinese volunteer who traded city life in China for the Thai countryside, the farm is a self-sustaining, off-grid co-living village that values creativity, connection, and care for the earth. It is home to goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, and people who share a passion for sustainable living.
This project was recently featured on Channel 5’s Lives in the Wild in Thailand, where Ben Fogle spent time with Yihan, learning about her journey to create a self-sufficient farm. Volunteers experience a slower, intentional way of life, participating in food cultivation, home building, and community activities. The farm encourages hands-on learning, communal meals, storytelling under the stars, and a space where diversity is celebrated. Builders, gardeners, artists, free spirits, or anyone seeking a meaningful and grounded experience are welcome. Open communication and flexibility are central to daily life, allowing volunteers to fully engage with the land, community, and themselves.
Lives in the Wild in Thailand: Tasks & Roles
Volunteers can choose from several programmes depending on their level of engagement. Short-term volunteers, committing a minimum of three weeks, take part in daily farm activities, including preparing meals, caring for animals, gardening, building and maintaining structures, and supporting community projects. Cultural exchanges, permaculture or sustainable building sessions, and creative workshops are also included, with one free day per week for rest or exploration.
Long-term volunteers, staying for at least two months, contribute more deeply to farm life, participating in design projects, workshops, and local connections. They have access to art tools, musical instruments, and camera equipment for personal or collaborative projects, and are supported in settling into Chiang Dao with guidance on local suppliers and networks.
Training volunteers, committing to at least two weeks, receive hands-on instruction in permaculture and natural building through structured workshops, personal project mentorship, and discounted access to other farm programmes, along with a certificate of participation. All volunteers are encouraged to be proactive, adaptable, and collaborative. Prior experience is not required; willingness to learn and contribute is the most valued quality.
Lives in the Wild in Thailand: Living & Getting There
Accommodation is shared in volunteer housing, a single large room divided into sleeping zones. Rooms are equipped with fans, and the climate is generally cool at night. Meals are communal but flexible, with volunteers able to help themselves to rice, fresh vegetables, and organic eggs grown on-site. A local market five minutes by bike provides additional supplies.
Travel to the farm is typically via bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao. Volunteers may be collected from Chiang Dao bus station, or they can take a local Songthaew taxi. Private car service from Chiang Mai is available with advance notice. Within Chiang Dao, public transport is limited, but the farm provides scooters for short trips, with rentals available for longer excursions.
Lives in the Wild in Thailand: What Else
Volunteers should be prepared for outdoor work and life in a rural setting. Comfortable clothing and a flexible mindset are recommended. Free time can be spent relaxing, pursuing personal projects, visiting the nearby village, or swimming in the local pool. The farm encourages mindful, sustainable living, cultural and language exchange, and participation in community activities such as weekly gatherings, movie nights, and story circles.
This Lives in the Wild in Thailand volunteer opportunity offers hands-on experience in permaculture, animal care, building, and creative projects while fostering meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and the local community. Participants leave having contributed to a unique mountain farm community while learning sustainable living practices in one of Thailand’s most serene and inspiring locations.
Accommodation for Before and After Your Stay
Your trip may not be all about a work exchange – you might want to spend some time exploring the country. You may need to book accommodation either before you arrive on site with your host, or after your stay with them ends. Whatever the reason, check out some independent accommodation options on the map below.
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