Our Adventures in Thailand

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Cost $285US/pp Extra night - $30US/pp

Hanging at Highland

Founded by Pharanee (Thai) and William Deters (American), Highland Farm (HF) sprang to life in 1991 while building their dream retirement property. Having lived and worked in the US for many years, the Deters wanted a ‘quiet’ place to enjoy their post-career years in Pharanee’s native Thailand. They purchased 35 acres of deforested land 42km south of Mae Sot, in Tak province, a mountainous region along the Thai-Myanmar border and began to reforest it with native vegetation.

One day while developing their farm, a local hunter brought an injured, infant gibbon he had taken from its mother after shooting her from a tree. The Deters decided to take her in, purchasing the ape for 500 Baht ($US14 - the only animal they have ever paid for), named her Chester and learned how to care for this new and interesting family member. Initially thought to be male, Chester is now ‘Miss Chester’ and was the inspiration for Highland Farm (HF). The sanctuary is now home to more than 40 gibbons from three different species, one sub-species and a host of other monkeys, peacocks, geese and other creatures. Highland, you could say, has grown by apes and bounds!
Highland Farm is a lifetime refuge for abandoned, mistreated, and/or physically injured gibbons and other creatures in need, as once they are removed from their natural environments they quickly forget how to forge on their own and can never be returned to the wild.

Simon and Pharanee hosting Scott

Get up close and personal

Highland Farm operates entirely on private funds and donations and continues to rescue and receive gibbons from government officials, monks, missionaries, bars and Thai citizens on a daily basis. After the sudden passing of her husband in May 2002, Pharanee now operates HF with the help of a handful of dedicated staff and generous donations from people around the world.

This unescorted homestay includes return airfare from Bangkok to Mae Sot, a short vehicle transfer (1 hour) to Highland Farm where you’ll spend three wonderful nights enjoying this incredible sanctuary, the great outdoors and the singing sounds of gibbon apes (get ready to be woken early!). Accommodation is simple, but clean, comfortable and charming. You’ll also be provided with three very tasty meals per day and the perfect environment to relax, learn, reflect and help out if you like. Please keep in mind HF is quite remote; there’s no phone or internet at the farm, providing the perfect escape from the digital world for a few days! We’ll also provide you with our handy Smiling Albino Adventure Kit full of tips to help you make the most of your time.

This is one of the most amazing places in Thailand and Khun Pharanee is without a doubt THE most incredible person we know.