Local Community

Asian Oasis prioritizes giving back. We believe our success depends on the health of the communities we work in. That's why we have supported them through various impactful projects over the years. 

We go beyond what's expected in the travel industry by being ethical and socially responsible. We aim to inspire others to do the same. At Asian Oasis, giving back is not just a mission—it is a fundamental part of who we are.

Village Bank

At the heart of our community projects is our monthly contribution to the Village Bank, which is owned and operated by the community exclusively.

The fund from the village bank, which ranges from $20,000 to 40,000 USD a year depending on a number of guests, is used to support community projects that aim at improving the quality of lives and the villagers' livelihood such as small business loan, agriculture projects, education (school bus) and health care (vaccination).

The management from the lodge attends the local community development meetings as an advisor and observer, not to decide how the funds are to be prioritized or dispersed. Training is provided regarding food safety and village sanitation. Lisu Lodge sponsors annual health check ups for all community members, in addition to, access to education and training opportunities.

Working with Organizations

We actively work with a variety of local governments, universities and organizations to share and bring in their knowledge to improve our services and the livelihood of the villagers.

  • The Forest Restoration Research Unit, Chiang Mai University

  • The Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA)

  • The Himmapaan Foundation

Small Business Opportunities

A designated area in the lodge is provided for the villagers to display and sell their handicraft products to our guests. Many of the hill tribe women earn extra income by sewing and handicraft production. There is no charge for the rent and the villagers can keep all of their sales. Now the Ton Loong Village is one of the largest local supplier and exporter of handicrafts in the region.

Improved Standard of Living

Lisu Lodge and Lanjia Lodge team members are comprised of local village members who are compensated with a monthly salary, a share of the guest service charges and contributions to social security, exceeding the basic requirements of the Thai labor standards. Lodge staffs receive necessary vaccinations and regular health checks. Uniforms and meals are provided to all team members.

It is our policy that all staff members at each of our experiences are local residents from the communities in the area. We work towards building the next generation of managers from the local community. Since the village’s main source of income has traditionally been from agricultural production, all staffs have time away from work to assist their families with the harvests. Asian Oasis personnel and Lodge staff receive regular training by professionals in related fields.​

Job Opportunities & Training for Local Community Residents

Distribution of Income: Outsourcing Local Activity 

It would be easier for us to operate everything but we believe in strengthening the local economy. Therefore, activities related to guest experiences are operated by local operators.​ These include white water rafting, trekking, batik-making lessons, long tail cruise in Phang Nga bay, ox cart tour, Massage, transfers to and from the boats or lodge, and local guides.

Through extensive and yearly training, we encourage our suppliers to maintain the standard required for our services. This way, every one in the community understands the needs to protect and build their community and environment they live in. It is important to create a sense of ownership and belonging.

Preserving Traditions

Junk Cruise

In Phuket, the crew of June Bahtra and Suwan Macha come from local fishing villages around Phang Nga Bay. With their expertise in the area, we work with them to ensure that our excursions do not impact marine life, rock formations and water conditions.

Traditional Rice Barge Cruise

In Bangkok, our cruise experiences are on traditional rice barges. We work with local communities to preserve these vessels since they are diminishing from our waterways. Our teak barges, the Mekhala, are operated by people from communities living along the Chao Phraya River. We support an ethnic Mon minority community that moved from Burma to Bangkok more than a century ago. This small riverside community won awards for maintaining their traditions and practicing green activities within their village.

When you travel with Asian Oasis, you're not just visiting—you’re traveling with purpose and contributing to the thriving of local communities through sustainable, responsible tourism.

Travel with purpose with us and discover our initiatives: