Things To Do In Thailand

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, ornate temples, and delicious cuisine. It's a popular tourist destination with a rich history, blending modernity with tradition.

Thailand

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand beckons with its enchanting blend of cultural opulence and natural splendor, making it an irresistible haven for travelers. Renowned for its captivating contrasts, this land embraces both ancient traditions and modern marvels, creating a tapestry that captivates the senses and lures adventurers from across the globe.

Discover a realm where glistening temples stand as testaments to Thailand's spiritual heritage, each adorned with intricate designs that narrate stories of centuries gone by. The Grand Palace in Bangkok, a true architectural gem, and the serene beauty of Wat Pho with its colossal Reclining Buddha, are but a glimpse into this world of reverent grandeur.

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Phayao Northern Thai Adventure

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If you want to explore Northern Thailand but get away from the crowds in Chiang Mai, try Phayao Province. It gets very few foreign visitors but offers great opportunities to experience the Northern culture and get close to the local people with some wonderful homestays and friendly communities to explore. Add some light trekking, ancient temples and a boat trip on Phayao Lake and you have an unforgettable holiday experience.

Day 1: Chiang Rai Airport transfer – Baan That Sob Van in Chiang Kham District (-/L/D)

Pick up from Chiang Rai airport and transfer to the Thai Lue community of Baan That Sob Van in Chiang Kham District. The Thai Lue are an ethnic minority Thai people from southern China. The drive takes about 2 ½ hours. On arrival at the village meet your host family and check into your homestay or to the villagers’ community lodge. Time to relax before enjoying a local dinner with your host family and other members of the community.

Day 2: Baan That Sob Van - Walking tour & making local dessert (B/L/D)

After breakfast take a tour on foot to explore the village and learn about the way of life of the local people. The Thai Lua are noted for their adherence to a traditional lifestyle and the old ways of doing things. They are also meticulous about cleanliness. Enjoy some shared experiences, for example by helping to make Khao Khuob, sticky rice with coconut wrapped in banana leave; a famous local dessert.

Day 3: Baan That Sob Van – Phayao (B/L/D)

Say goodbye to your host family after breakfast in and travel to Phayao province, a drive of about 1½ hours. On the way stop to see the rock carvings of the Buddha in the main Buddhist postures in the cliffs at Wat Huai Pha Kiang (Thumninit Temple). Check-in at ‘Cozy Nest’ family-owned hotel near Phayao Lake. In the evening, before sunset, take a cruise on a Thai-style punt on the Kwan Phayao lake. Afterwards have a Thai-Chinese dinner at a local restaurant, opposite hotel.

Day 4: Phayao – Ban Dok Bua (B/L/D)

After breakfast take the drive to the village of Ban Dok Bua, winner of a national award for self-sufficiency. On the way visit Wat Analayo Thipphayaram, the grounds of which are replete with Sukhothai-style Buddha images in a variety of postures: reclining, walking, and seated. Mythical seven-headed Nagas, or sea serpents, guard some of the cherished statues. Overnight at a homestay in Ban Dok Bua, a community where peoples’ lives are guided by the principle of being economically self-sufficient and organic farming is practised. Take a walk around the village and see examples of the community’s self-sufficient way of life. Enjoy dinner with your homestay host family and learn how they maintain their self-sufficient lifestyle in the face of the pressures of modern life.

Day 5: Ban Dok Bua – walks in Doi Luang Hills (B/L/D)

After breakfast at your homestay, set off for a day of easy walking through the local countryside. Pass small villages and bamboo plantations, stopping along the way to learn about the local agriculture and way of life of the local people. The bamboo is mainly used to make a variety of handicraft products such as boxes, trays and kitchen items. Maybe try your hand at basket weaving. Take a Thai-style farm trailer ride to Lake Toon. After a picnic lunch, walk up the mountain in Doi Luang National Park to a waterfall and then continue up to a view point of Ban Dok Bua. During the day’s walk there will be opportunities to observe local wildlife, particularly the birds that live around the bamboo forests. Overnight at the homestay.

Day 6: Ban Dok Bua – Chiang Mai (B/L/-).

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village and after a final lunch with your host family take the-2 ½-drive to Chiang Mai and check in to a family run guesthouse. Rest of the day at leisure to explore Chiang Mai.