3 unique incentive ideas in Thailand to engage teams

As the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers incentive groups a unique opportunity to blend meaningful experiences with corporate social responsibility, creating lasting memories while also fostering a deeper connection with the destination.

Here are three ways incentive groups can give back to the community, ensuring their visit leaves a legacy that extends far beyond their departure.

Walking with giants

First established in 1976, Mae Sa Elephant Camp firmly believes that elephants should live a natural life, free from chains and being made to perform as entertainment for tourists. The camp currently has 78 elephants in its care, who spend their days eating, taking mud baths, or foraging in the forest with their mahouts or caretakers.

In the age of conservation, guests to the camp can learn how to care for these gentle giants, preparing food and medicinal balls for the elephants’ diets, and make a splash while bathing them in the river. The camp can accommodate up to 120 visitors, splitting guests into groups of up to 15 to avoid stressing their mammoth residents.

From nature to fine art

Partake in an ancient art form with Vichaikul Lacquerware, which is part of a crafting community located in Wat Nantharam in Chiang Mai. Headed by national handicraft teacher Patchara Sirichancheun – who is the seventh generation of her family’s lacquerware makers – the community works with sustainably-sourced lacquer that comes from lacquer trees planted around Thailand during Bangkok’s bicentennial celebrations four decades ago.

Applying this lacquer – which is made from the black tree sap – in layers and finishing off with gold leaf allows for a beautifully unique handcrafted product to shine through. Blending traditional Thai motifs and design with modern functionality, guests can take home a little piece of Northern Thailand’s architecture in the form of a card holder, phone case or wireless charger.

The perfect brew from tree to cup

Nestled in the village of Baan Pok in the hills of Chiang Mai, Skugga Estate is an agricultural business that grows award-winning coffee and Assam tea, and has its very own cocoa bean plantation to boot.

The 40-hectare farm works with corporate groups of up to 200 people to develop tailored programmes that cater to their schedule and dietary requirements. Guests can learn more about the farm’s bean-to-bar operations, with experts walking them through each step of the process. Hands-on workshops are also available to teach groups how to expertly brew the perfect cup of coffee or tea – which they can then learn to pair with chocolate and taste the finished product.