Little Forest Chiang Mai, Thailand

Just outside Chiang Mai lies Little Forest Eco Retreat, a hand-built haven where time slows down and guests are welcomed like family.

Four clay-and-teak houses, crafted from reclaimed materials, nestle among gardens and hammocks, forming a little village embraced by nature. Step through the gate, and Aunty Orn, the heart of Little Forest, will likely greet you.

Guests often say she makes the retreat feel like home—whether by cooking comforting Thai meals, sharing stories of village life, or simply noticing when someone needs an extra blanket.

Her warmth and care create a space where visitors can truly unwind, recharge, and slip into the gentle rhythms of northern Thailand.

Life here unfolds at an easy pace: wake to birdsong, join a workshop with a local artisan, or soak in the heat of a herbal steam before cooling off with a fragrant herbal bath.

Four friendly cats and a good-natured dog keep watch over the gardens, never far from a hammock or a patch of sun.Evenings draw everyone together at the long wooden table, lanterns glowing as conversations stretch late into the night.

Little Forest is more than a retreat: it’s a home shaped by people, traditions, and the land—a place where every moment brings you closer to Thai culture, to nature, and to yourself.

What is special about Little Forest Eco Retreat?

Life here moves at a gentler pace: laughter drifts from the kitchen, meals linger at the long table, and afternoons invite naps in hammocks with a cat curled up beside you.

As night falls, frogs sing in the garden and lanterns cast a soft glow while conversations carry on into the evening.

With only four hand-built houses, Little Forest is intentionally small. Guests aren’t just visitors—they’re welcomed into a shared way of life that is simple, slow, and deeply connected.

More than any single feature, it’s this sense of belonging that guests remember most: the ease of being surrounded by nature, the joy of sharing food with new friends, and the comfort of knowing you’ve found a community that stays with you long after you leave.

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What unique features are incorporated in Little Forest Eco Retreat?

Little Forest was created for travellers who want their journey to matter. Houses built from raw clay and reclaimed wood stay cool without air-conditioning, while the permaculture garden supplies daily meals.

Everything, from furniture and bedding to hammocks and toiletries, is crafted locally by hand. Sustainability here is a way of life that supports both land and people. Every stay sustains the community through wages, sourcing, and workshops.

Guests experience Thai culture as a daily practice, shared with openness and care. The result is travel that gives back as much as it offers. With only four houses, each visit feels personal and close, a rare chance to live slowly and leave a lighter footprint.

What activities are being offered at Little Forest Eco Retreat?

Every stay at Little Forest includes one daily local experience, often Thai cooking or herbal wellness, with other workshops offered seasonally. Guests may learn mat weaving, woodcarving, clay building, or permaculture, depending on the time of year.

Yoga is often part of the morning routine, and free bicycles make it easy to explore the countryside. Some days include a short ride in the electric tuk-tuk to the village market, where guests can meet neighbours and try local foods.

Daily meals from the garden are shared family-style. Clay-cool rooms with ensuite bathrooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and convenient transport options keep the experience comfortable while staying true to its village roots.

The activities are part of everyday life here, passed on by neighbours and teachers who share their knowledge with generosity. Guests leave with more than new skills. They carry friendships, stories, and a connection that lasts long after the journey ends.

Reviews - Listen to some voices

Your kindness and heartfelt welcome will be a core memory

"The peace and serenity you and your village has given us is truly healing. Thank you for the authentic Chiang Mai experience and we will be back hopefully sooner than later. I have not had such a loving feeling from an absolute stranger ever.”
- Colby & Sarah

I feel lucky and privileged

I feel so lucky and privileged to have experienced all of this. Extending my stay was such an easy decision to make. This trip to Little Forest was one I never knew I needed. Thank you so much for the love and kindness you have shown me. I will definitely be back.”
- Kimberly

Amazing stays with relaxing hammocks

“Thank you for this amazing stay for letting us feel at home, for everyday cooking classes, for the most relaxing time in the hammocks, for showing us a little bit of the Thai way of living. and for being such a nice host to us.

This has been an amazing experience that we didn’t plan, but very much needed. We’ll remember this time for a long time, and we will thank you every time we try to cook some of the amazing food you prepared for us.”
- Johannes & Noemi

Experience Thai village life!