Price: $400 per person
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Best Time to Visit: November to March for cool weather, ideal for cycling and village life. Rainy season (June–October) can make roads muddy and cycling tricky.
Group Size: Small, max 6 people to keep it personal and immersive.
What’s Included: Transport, English-speaking guide, 1 night in a Phayao guesthouse, 1 night homestay in Ban Dok Bua, 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, bike rental, boat ride, workshop fees, and all entrance fees.
What to Bring: Comfy cycling clothes, sturdy shoes, bug spray, light scarf for temples, small backpack, and a reusable water bottle.
About Phayao’s Rural Charm
Phayao province is Northern Thailand’s hidden treasure, where life slows down and nature takes center stage. This 3-day tour dives into the heart of Phayao’s countryside, blending the serene beauty of Kwan Phayao lake with the authentic pulse of village life. You’ll pedal along the lake’s edge, sleep in a traditional homestay, and explore ancient ruins and forest temples. It’s a chance to connect with locals, learn their crafts, and feel the soul of a place that’s stayed true to its roots. From fresh tilapia to handwoven baskets, Phayao’s rural charm will steal your heart.
Tour Program
Day 1: Lake Adventures and Cycling
8:00 AM – Pick-Up and Intro
We’ll snag you from your Phayao hotel or a central meeting point. Your guide will give a quick lowdown on the tour as we head to Kwan Phayao, the massive freshwater lake that’s the heart of the province. It’s a short drive, so you’ll be by the water in no time.
8:30 AM – Boat Ride to Wat Tilok Aram
We kick things off with a boat trip to Wat Tilok Aram, a 15th-century temple half-submerged in Kwan Phayao. The ride’s about 20 minutes, and you’ll see the temple’s chedi poking out of the water like a relic from a lost world. If the water’s low, you might spot old brick walls too. Your guide will share stories about how the lake swallowed the temple over time. The lake’s framed by mountains—perfect for photos.
Neat Tidbit: Locals believe the temple’s still blessed, and fishermen drop by to pray for luck.
10:30 AM – Cycling Around Kwan Phayao
Next, we grab bikes (mountain or hybrid, your pick) and hit the trails around the lake. The route’s about 20-25 km, mostly flat, with views of water, fields, and maybe some curious cows. You’ll pedal past small villages and wave at kids playing by the road. We’ll stop for water breaks and a quick lookout point where the lake sparkles. Don’t worry—a support van’s nearby if your legs need a rest.
12:30 PM – Lakeside Lunch
We’ll roll up to a local restaurant by Kwan Phayao for lunch. Expect fresh tilapia grilled with herbs, spicy som tam (papaya salad), and sticky rice. Veggie or vegan options? Just let us know. You’ll eat with a view of the lake, maybe spotting boats or birds while you dig in.
3:00 PM – Check-In and Evening
After cycling, we’ll head to a cozy guesthouse in Phayao town for check-in. You’ll have some downtime to shower or nap before dinner at a nearby spot. Think Northern Thai dishes like khao soi (curry noodles) and mango sticky rice for dessert. If you’re up for it, stroll Phayao’s night market for snacks or souvenirs.
Day 2: Village Life in Ban Dok Bua
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Departure
Start with a simple breakfast at the guesthouse—rice porridge, boiled eggs, and Thai tea. Then we drive about 40 minutes to Ban Dok Bua, a traditional village known for its tight-knit community and crafty vibes.
8:30 AM – Ban Dok Bua Village Tour
Welcome to Ban Dok Bua, where life moves slow and everyone knows each other. Your guide and a local host will show you around, pointing out rice fields, wooden houses, and maybe a loom or two. You’ll learn how the village keeps old traditions alive, like growing their own food and weaving. It’s a chill walk, with chances to chat with locals (your guide will translate).
11:00 AM – Basket-Weaving Workshop
Time to get hands-on! You’ll join a basket-weaving workshop led by a village artisan. They’ll teach you how to weave bamboo or rattan into small baskets or mats, a skill passed down for generations. It’s trickier than it looks, but super rewarding. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here and get to keep your creation as a souvenir.
1:00 PM – Village Lunch
Lunch is at a villager’s home, served family-style. Think home-cooked dishes like stir-fried veggies, chicken curry, and fresh herbs from the garden. It’s a chance to taste real rural Thai food and hear stories from your hosts. The setting’s simple but warm, with chickens clucking nearby.
3:00 PM – Free Time and Homestay Prep
The afternoon’s yours to relax in Ban Dok Bua. Wander the village, try your hand at fishing in a local pond (gear provided), or just chill with a coconut. As evening hits, you’ll settle into your homestay—basic but clean, with a mattress, mosquito net, and shared bathroom. Dinner’s another home-cooked feast, maybe with grilled pork and chili dip. Afterward, swap stories with your hosts or stargaze in the quiet night.
Pro Tip: The homestay’s rustic—no AC or Wi-Fi—so bring a book or journal for downtime.
Day 3: Temples and Ancient Ruins
6:30 AM – Breakfast and Farewell
Wake up to a village breakfast—sticky rice, fried eggs, and fruit. Say goodbye to your hosts and drive about an hour to Wat Analayo Thipphayaram.
8:00 AM – Wat Analayo Thipphayaram
This forest temple is straight-up magical. Wat Analayo Thipphayaram is tucked in the hills, with golden Buddhas, colorful pagodas, and quirky statues scattered through the trees. You’ll wander the grounds, checking out meditation huts and intricate shrines. Your guide will explain the temple’s peaceful vibe and its role as a monk retreat. If you’re quiet, you might spot a peacock strutting around.
11:00 AM – Phra That Bunnak Ruins
Next, we visit the Phra That Bunnak ruins, an ancient site with weathered brick structures from Phayao’s early Buddhist days. It’s not flashy, but the crumbling relics and lonely setting give it a haunting charm. Your guide will share what historians think this place was—maybe a monastery or shrine. Look out for tiny pottery bits in the dirt (don’t take them!).
12:30 PM – Final Lunch
We’ll wrap up with lunch at a local spot near Phayao town, serving up classics like larb (spicy meat salad) and fried bananas. It’s a relaxed meal, with time to reflect on the tour and swap pics with your group.
2:00 PM – Return to Phayao
We’ll drive you back to your hotel or the meeting point, arriving around 2:30 PM. You’ll have the afternoon free to chill by Kwan Phayao or explore more of Phayao town.
Pro Tip: Bring a small gift for your homestay hosts—like candy or a postcard from home. It’s a sweet gesture.
Cool Fact: Ban Dok Bua’s weaving tradition goes back centuries, and some families still sell their crafts at Phayao markets.
What’s Not Included: Extra drinks or personal buys. Budget 300-400 baht ($9-12) for snacks, souvenirs, or tips.
Heads-Up: The homestay’s basic, so pack light and be ready for a real village experience. Let us know if you need a private room (extra cost).
Why This Tour’s Special: It’s a rare chance to live like a local, learn a craft, and see Phayao’s natural and spiritual sides. You’ll leave feeling connected to this quiet corner of Thailand.
