We have planned our visit to Thailand last year by googling the internet. We were looking for detox programs near Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) and came across the Lisu homestay website (www.LisuHillTribe.com). This could be a hidden gem. We did not want a luxury and expensive spa and Lisu Homestay is no such place. We have booked the program for a week by email. The travelling was quite easy. We went by bus from Chiang Mai to Pai and changed bus towards Mae Hong Son and dropped off at Soppong village. There we have called Albert, our landlord, host and guide in detox and he fetched us with his motorcycle to the Lisu vilage.
The village is very cosy and we took a walk through it every morning. The tradition of the Lisu hilltribe is different from Thai. Our room is located on the first floor, next to the yoga and meditation, massage hall, just above the home of the family. There we were, in the middle of the country side, completely relaxed. We followed the detox program, as already said, but you can also stay for a couple of nights, do some workshops (Lisu craft, jewelery, lisu massage, herb walk, meditation). We felt very much at home and tasted a great deal of Lisu culture, while we were cleansing our body and mind. Although our bathroom has been "upgraded", do not expect any luxury. There is a couch where you can relax thoughout the day, but that is about it. It is not quiet, you hear lots of village noice, roosters calling and pigs oinking. When there is a funeral next door, you can easily be disturbed by fireworks and festivities in the middle of the night. When power is off, this can easily happen during the rainy season, you have good opportunity to encounter fireflies.
The detox program was also very inspiring. At home in Amsterdam we still incorporate the changes in lifestyle in our daily food pattern and feeling good about it.
So to come short, I surely would like to recommend the Lisu homestay for everyone who is not seeking for luxury and being pampered, but for those who are willing to undergo a wonderful experience, which besides is good for you.

Daniel and Joe Ay