Unplug and unwind on a different note this holiday season, by venturing up North to give back to the communities that have blessed us with some of the country’s best coffee, tea and handicrafts. Offbeat trip organizer Local Alike (www.localalike.com) is offering two community-based trips up to visit Akha hilltribe villages this Christmas (Dec 24-26) and New Year's (Dec 30-Jan 1).

The itinerary skips the exploitative "long-necked villages" in favor of stops at Hloyo and Mae Salong where you can ride horses around the massive coffee and tea plantations, and hike through barely-touched jungles and waterfalls. You can also immerse yourself in the sustainable Akha culture by learning how to cook their food, weaving baskets, making outfits using their needlework techniques and enjoying their cultural performances.

Trips are B5,200 for two days, inclusive of housing, food and beverages. Pack lots of warm clothes.