Phayao Northern Adventure

If you're seeking to explore Northern Thailand beyond the well-trodden paths of Chiang Mai, consider the quiet charm of Phayao Province. With few foreign visitors, Phayao offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Northern Thai culture and connect deeply with local communities. Friendly villages and welcoming homestays invite you into daily life, where traditions are still lovingly preserved.

Add in gentle trekking routes through teak forests, visits to serene Shan-style temples, and a tranquil boat ride across Phayao Lake—and you have the makings of an unforgettable journey. Whether you're watching sunrise over Phu Langka or sharing 

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, begin your journey to the Thai Lue community of Baan That Sob Van, nestled in the quiet hills of Chiang Kham District. The scenic drive takes approximately 2½ hours, winding through forested landscapes and rural villages.

The Thai Lue, an ethnic minority originally from southern China, are known for their graceful textiles, gentle hospitality, and deep-rooted traditions. On arrival, meet your host family and settle into your village homestay, a warm and welcoming space that reflects the community’s way of life.

Take time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before sharing a home-cooked dinner with your host family and other villagers—a chance to connect, exchange stories, and begin your immersion into Thai Lue culture.

After breakfast, take a walking tour to explore the Thai Lue village and discover the daily rhythms of local life. The Thai Lue are known for their traditional lifestyle, preserving age-old customs and maintaining exceptional cleanliness in their homes and surroundings

Share in hands-on experiences with your host family—such as preparing Khao Khuob, a fragrant sticky rice and coconut treat wrapped in banana leaves. This local dessert is a beloved specialty and reflects the community’s connection to nature and tradition.

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After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family and travel to Phayao Province, a scenic drive of about 1½ hours. En route, stop to visit Wat Huai Pha Kiang (Thumninit Temple), where Buddha images in the main postures are carved directly into the cliffside—a striking example of spiritual art in nature.

Arrive in Phayao and check in at Cozy Nest, a family-owned hotel located near the peaceful shores of Kwan Phayao Lake. In the evening, just before sunset, enjoy a tranquil cruise on a Thai-style punt across the lake, soaking in the golden light and mountain reflections.

Afterwards, savor a flavorful Thai-Chinese dinner at a local restaurant opposite the hotel—a perfect end to a day of cultural discovery and lakeside serenity.

After breakfast, drive to the village of Ban Dok Bua, recipient of a national award for self-sufficiency. En route, stop at Wat Analayo Thipphayaram, where the temple grounds feature Sukhothai-style Buddha images in reclining, walking, and seated postures. Mythical seven-headed Nagas guard several sacred statues, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Arrive in Ban Dok Bua and check into your homestay, where daily life is guided by principles of economic independence and organic farming. Visit a unique stag beetle composting enterprise set in a lush tropical garden, showcasing the community’s ingenuity and ecological values.

Enjoy dinner with your host family and learn how they maintain their self-sufficient lifestyle, blending tradition, sustainability, and quiet resilience.

After breakfast at your homestay, set off for a day of easy walking through the countryside around Ban Dok Bua. Pass small villages and bamboo plantations, stopping to learn about local agriculture and daily life. The bamboo is used to craft a variety of handicraft products such as boxes, trays, and kitchen items. You may even try your hand at basket weaving.

Hop aboard a Thai-style farm trailer for a ride to Lake Toon, where you’ll enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. In the afternoon, hike into Doi Luang National Park, visiting a forest waterfall before continuing to a viewpoint overlooking Ban Dok Bua.

Throughout the day, there are chances to observe local wildlife, especially the birds that thrive in the bamboo forests. Return to your homestay for a peaceful overnight stay.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village, soaking in the final moments of your homestay experience. After lunch with your host family, take the 2½-hour drive to Chiang Mai and check in at Thapae Garden Guesthouse, a cozy retreat near the city center.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure—explore nearby cafés or simply relax in the garden.

Enjoy breakfast before the end of services and tour conclusion.

• Accommodation in guesthouse and homestay as mentioned in the programme
• Activities as specified in the programme
• Local  English-speaking guide
• Meals as mentioned in the programme
• All entrance fees for visits included in the programme

• Additional soft drinks/alcohol
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• Domestic and international flights
• Travel insurance

For our confidential prices or additional information about any of our services,

please contact us at:  info@nutty-adventures.com 

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