Price: $280 per person
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler temps and clear hiking trails. Avoid rainy season (June–October) as the cliff trail can get slick.
Group Size: Small, max 8 people for a relaxed, personal vibe.
What’s Included: Transport, English-speaking guide, 1 night in a Phayao guesthouse (twin-share rooms), 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner, entrance fees, and bottled water.
What to Bring: Hiking shoes, bug spray, hat, light raincoat, camera, and a small daypack for the trail.
About Phayao’s Nature and History
Phayao province is like Northern Thailand’s best-kept secret, blending wild landscapes with whispers of the past. From rugged cliffs to ancient ruins, this 2-day tour mixes outdoor thrills with cultural dives. You’ll hike to jaw-dropping viewpoints, wander quirky temple grounds, and uncover Phayao’s history at archaeological sites and museums. It’s perfect for folks who want to stretch their legs and their minds while soaking up the chill, authentic vibe of this underrated region.
Tour Program
Day 1: Cliffs and Quirky Temples
7:30 AM – Pick-Up and Briefing
We’ll grab you from your Phayao hotel or a central meeting point. Your guide will give a quick spiel about the day’s plan as we pile into a comfy van. First stop’s about an hour away, so settle in and enjoy the views of rice paddies and distant hills.
8:30 AM – Hike to Ship’s Prow Cliff (Bo Sip Song)
Get ready for a morning adventure! We’re hiking to the Ship’s Prow Cliff at Bo Sip Song, a rock formation that juts out like a boat’s bow over a sea of green. The trail’s about 2-3 km round trip, with some uphill bits but nothing too crazy—moderate fitness is fine. At the top, you’ll get epic 360-degree views of Phayao’s forests and mountains. Your guide will share local lore about the cliff, maybe even a tale about spirits living in the rocks. Bring your camera—these views are Instagram gold.
Fun Fact: Locals call the cliff “Pha Ruea” because it looks like a ship ready to sail into the sky.
11:30 AM – Lunch in the Countryside
Post-hike, we’ll head to a nearby village eatery for a hearty lunch. Think Northern Thai classics like sai ua (herb sausage), sticky rice, and nam prik ong (tomato-chili dip). Veggie options are on deck—just let us know. You’ll eat under a shady roof with a breeze, perfect for chilling after the hike.
1:00 PM – Wat Huai Pha Khiang
Next up, we visit Wat Huai Pha Khiang, a Buddhist art park that’s equal parts spiritual and wild. This temple’s got sprawling grounds with massive Buddha statues, vivid murals, and sculptures of dragons and mythical creatures. It’s like walking through a Buddhist fairy tale. You’ll spend about an hour exploring, with your guide explaining the stories behind the art. If you’re lucky, you might spot a monk tending the grounds or locals praying.
4:00 PM – Check-In and Evening
We’ll drive back to Phayao town and check you into a cozy guesthouse. After freshening up, dinner’s at a local spot serving up grilled fish, green curry, and mango sticky rice for dessert. Afterward, you can wander Phayao’s night market for snacks or souvenirs or just crash early to recharge for day 2.
Day 2: Ancient Sites and Cultural Gems
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Start
Kick off with a simple breakfast at the guesthouse—think rice soup, toast, and Thai coffee. Then we’re off for a day of history, starting with a short drive to the Ban Rong Hai Archaeological Site.
8:00 AM – Ban Rong Hai Archaeological Site
This site’s a window into Phayao’s prehistoric past, with pottery shards and tools from a 2,000-year-old settlement. It’s not a glossy ruin, but the scattered relics and quiet setting make it feel like you’re uncovering secrets. Your guide will walk you through what archaeologists know—like how folks here traded with ancient China. You’ll spend about 45 minutes poking around and checking out a small display of finds.
Neat Tidbit: Some of the pottery patterns at Ban Rong Hai are still used by local artisans today.
10:00 AM – Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument
Next, we head to the Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument, a statue honoring a 13th-century Phayao king known for his wisdom. The monument’s in a shady park by Kwan Phayao lake, and your guide will dish out stories about his reign. It’s a quick stop, but the lake views and calm vibe make it a nice breather.
11:30 AM – Lunch by Kwan Phayao
We’ll eat at a lakeside restaurant, digging into fresh tilapia, spicy papaya salad, and maybe some fried bananas for dessert. The open-air setup lets you watch boats and birds while you eat. It’s a great spot to swap stories with your group or just zone out by the water.
1:00 PM – Phayao Cultural Museum
Last stop: the Phayao Cultural Museum, a small but packed spot showcasing the province’s history. You’ll see Lanna artifacts, old photos, and exhibits on local tribes like the Pa-O. It’s a chill way to tie together the tour’s history bits, and your guide will highlight the best displays. You’ll have about an hour to browse, with time for questions or souvenir shopping at the museum’s tiny gift stall.
3:00 PM – Return to Phayao
We’ll drive back to your hotel or the meeting point, wrapping up around 3:30 PM. You’ll have the rest of the day free—maybe check out Phayao’s lakefront for sunset or grab a coffee at a local cafe.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the cliff hike—flip-flops won’t cut it. A walking stick helps if you’re wobbly on uneven trails.
Cool Fact: Wat Huai Pha Khiang’s sculptures were made by local artists to teach Buddhist values, but they sneak in some cheeky humor too.
What’s Not Included: Extra drinks or personal buys. Bring 200-300 baht ($6-9) for snacks, souvenirs, or a beer.
Heads-Up: The museum’s signage is mostly Thai, but your guide will translate the good stuff. If you’re a history nerd, bring a notebook!
Why This Tour’s Awesome: It’s got the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and chill time. You’ll see Phayao’s wild side and its deep history without feeling rushed.
