Organic pursuits in Thailand
Organic pursuits in Thailand
Four years ago when Tanin and Usanee Niyom bought Chiang Dao Story Camp, it was nothing but an empty lot, about 1.5 acres (almost 3 rai) in size. Today it is a garden oasis. Their vision; an organic farm with tourist accommodation and a restaurant.
The main city of Chiang Dao, has over 15 000 people (2005 figures) and is the service hub for neighbouring villages. The Tuesday market, which happens twice a month attracts people from the region's numerous hill tribes to sell and buy goods. The Chiang Dao Story Camp is about 8 kilometres from the bustle of the city, in the village of Chiang Dao Cave and is nestled against Dio Chiang Dao, Thailand's third highest peak. The sleepy community is named after a cave system used by Buddhist monks for centuries.
"We are from Bangkok. My husband visited Chiang Dao 30 years ago and loved it," says Usanee Niyom, co-owner Chiang Dao Story Camp. "We wanted to relax."
The two ran a textile import business in Bangkok.
They built their home, rental huts and restaurant quite quickly, it is the organic farming part of their dream that has not been without its challenges. They are new to farming, let alone organic. Right now they have a few fruit trees (such as papaya and lime), a large patch of gooseberries, a greenhouse full of strawberries and their grounds are covered with beautiful flowers and tropical greenery.
"It is hard," says Tanin Niyom, co-owner Chiang Dao Story Camp. "No chemical is good... but it does not always grow well." Especially their strawberries, which are prized by Thai people and many tourists. The plant is not native to Thailand, so Tanin says most people are growing it with chemical support.
Usanee isn't giving up. "I try different things," she says. As she shrugs her shoulders then tilts her head, she walks me over to her liquid composting barrel and lifts the lid. "I pour it on the plants." She also points out, her papaya tree next to their rabbit's pen (animal fertilizer) is producing well.
Tanin says you still can 't call their farm 100% organic, but the duo feels they are doing their best. In addition to the crops, they operate the accommodation (huts, camping a-frames and tents) and restaurant, primarily on their own.
In fact, Usanee admits the farm is not as relaxing as she thought it would be, but says, "life here is better than Bangkok."
For someone who thoroughly enjoyed staying at their place, I appreciate the beauty they have created and applaud their organic pursuit.
Chiang Dao is located about 70 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, the main tourist stop in northern Thailand. You can connect with Tanin and Usanee on Facebook @ChiangDaoStoryCamp or emailing liningpioud@hotmail.coth .
