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Thailand’s Chai Lai Orchid ecolodge, nestled in the lush foothills of the Himalayas, proudly introduces Tang Mo, the youngest member of a herd of 20 rescued elephants. With her playful spirit, Tang Mo is quickly becoming a symbol of hope and transformation, attracting visitors from around the world to experience ethical tourism while supporting meaningful causes. Chai Lai Orchid, an eco-friendly sanctuary, is not just a haven for elephants but also a social business dedicated to empowering marginalized women and promoting sustainable tourism.
At its core, Chai Lai Orchid offers travelers an extraordinary opportunity to interact with elephants in an ethical, humane way. Located in the homeland of the Pga k’ nyau, also known as the Karen hill tribe, the ecolodge provides guests with unforgettable experiences amidst scenic jungle landscapes and vibrant rice fields. But Chai Lai Orchid is more than just a place to stay; it’s a powerful advocate for social change. The lodge employs and trains indigenous Karen women, helping them build skills and secure a future in the hospitality industry. Revenue from the ecolodge funds Daughters Rising, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors.
“We believe that travel should be a force for good,” says Alexa Pham, Founder of Chai Lai Orchid. “Our ecolodge not only minimizes its environmental impact but also supports the local community. We are committed to sustainable practices that protect the beauty of our environment while providing unforgettable elephant experiences for our guests.”
The birth of Tang Mo adds another dimension to Chai Lai Orchid’s mission. Tang Mo, who has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors, is a reminder of the importance of compassionate care for animals and ethical tourism. Her presence reinforces the sanctuary’s commitment to improving the lives of elephants and fostering harmonious relationships between elephants and their caretakers. Chai Lai Orchid’s founders believe that tourism, often associated with exploitation, can instead be a catalyst for positive community impact. Unlike other tourism ventures that have perpetuated exploitative practices, Chai Lai Orchid uses its proceeds to fund full scholarships for young women, particularly refugees from Myanmar, to pursue university education in Thailand.
The Chai Lai Orchid team has faced numerous challenges on their journey, from navigating the complexities of ethical elephant care to overcoming the logistical hurdles of running a social business in Thailand’s remote mountain areas. Despite these challenges, the ecolodge has thrived, enabling Chai Lai Orchid to sponsor over 60 students each year, providing them with opportunities to build better futures.
For more information, please visit https://chailaiorchid.com/.
About Chai Lai Orchid
Founded by anti-trafficking activist, Alexandra Pham, who moved from New York City to Thailand in 2013, and artist Johannah Herr, Chai Lai Orchid is an ecolodge and elephant sanctuary with a mission to end trafficking and exploitation in the community. In partnership with the Karen hill tribe and their elephants, Chai Lai Orchid provides a safe space for rescued elephants and empowers women through employment and education. Alexandra’s journey from a New York-based photographer and anti-trafficking activist to a social entrepreneur in Thailand reflects her commitment to making a difference. Today, Chai Lai Orchid stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how tourism can be reimagined to protect the environment, uplift marginalized communities, and promote ethical animal care.
About Daughters Rising
Daughters Rising is a non-profit organization co-founded by Alexa Pham and Johannah Herr, dedicated to empowering at-risk girls and women from ethnic minority and refugee communities in Thailand. The organization seeks to prevent human trafficking and end cycles of exploitation and poverty by providing education, mentorship, and vocational training. Johannah Herr, an interdisciplinary artist based between Brooklyn and Mae Wang, Thailand, brings her background in anti-trafficking work and her critical exploration of state-sanctioned violence into her role with Daughters Rising. With a shared vision, Alexa and Johannah leverage initiatives like Chai Lai Orchid to fund scholarships for marginalized girls, support ethical tourism, and advocate for women's rights and safety across Thailand. Daughters Rising operates with a strong commitment to social justice, challenging structures of exploitation and creating sustainable change for women and communities in need.
Contact Info:
Name: Alexa Pham
Email: Send Email
Organization: Chai Lai Orchid
Website: https://chailaiorchid.com/
Release ID: 89145997
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