Set in amidst Chiang Rai’s Doi Mae Salong mountain range, over 2,000 m above sea level, the Lo Yo community still stands today as a truly authentic Akha village. The group of people called “Lo Mia Akha” named their village “Lo Yo” after the present chief. Most notably, entire lifestyle, beliefs and traditions are all – in one way or another – linked to nature. This has helped the community to prosper, surrounded by the lush forest, rich green fields and fresh, pollution-free air; all the remedies visitors from big cities need!Staying at the community’s comfortable mudhouse homestay, visitors’ can enjoy the misty morning air which usually lingers until for quite a while, especially in winter. This is the perfect time to get up, have breakfast, and take part in a range of community-based activities – with the chance to don a traditional hand-woven Akha dress (a great way to blend in). Learning simple Akha words with senior villagers naturally might help you in the day’s cooking class with local chefs; you’ll be preparing some chili paste to be served with fried vegetables, as well as clear soup and omelet with herbs as part of a traditional Khan Tok dinner. One can also take a walk into the forest and follow the nature trail, stopping off to hand-pick coffee cherries from villagers’ plantation. There are many traditional toys to test your coordination skills, such as wooden tops, stilts and wooden downhill race carts, all guaranteed fun for all abilities! Alongside a traditional welcome dance performed by the villagers, you might find their hospitality and simple lifestyle so appealing that it’s hard to leave.