Price: $260 per person
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Best Time to Visit: October to March, when it’s cool and dry, perfect for temple hopping. June to September can be rainy, and some temple paths get slippery.
Group Size: Small, up to 8 people for a relaxed, spiritual 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: Light scarf or shawl for temple dress code, comfy shoes, sunscreen, small notebook for jotting down thoughts, and a camera.
About Phayao’s Spiritual Heart
Phayao province, nestled in Northern Thailand, is a haven of sacred sites that blend Buddhist tradition with local flavor. From a temple submerged in a lake to hilltop pagodas and ethnic Pa-O shrines, this 2-day tour takes you deep into Phayao’s religious soul. You’ll explore places that locals cherish, each with its own story, art, and vibe. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about feeling the calm and history of a region that’s stayed true to its roots, far from the tourist crowds.
Tour Program
Day 1: Submerged Temple and Hilltop Views
7:30 AM – Pick-Up and Get Started
We’ll grab you from your Phayao hotel or a central spot. Your guide, likely a local who knows Phayao’s spiritual stories inside out, will give a quick intro as we hop in a comfy van and head toward Kwan Phayao, the province’s massive lake.
8:00 AM – Boat to Wat Tilok Aram
First up, we’re taking a boat to Wat Tilok Aram, a 500-year-old temple half-underwater in Kwan Phayao. The 20-minute ride is peaceful, with mountains framing the lake. You’ll see the temple’s chedi sticking out, and if the water’s low, maybe some old walls too. Your guide will tell you how the lake rose and claimed the temple, turning it into a sacred oddity. It’s a surreal spot—perfect for pics and quiet moments.
Cool Fact: Fishermen still pray at Wat Tilok Aram for safe trips and good catches.
10:30 AM – Wat Phra That Chom Thong
Next, we drive to Wat Phra That Chom Thong, a Lanna-style temple perched on a hill with epic views of Kwan Phayao and beyond. The white chedi gleams in the sun, and the temple’s carvings are packed with ancient craftsmanship. Your guide will walk you through its history, tied to Phayao’s old kings, and point out the intricate details. You’ll spend about an hour here, soaking in the serenity and snapping shots of the panorama.
12:30 PM – Lunch by the Lake
We’ll hit a lakeside eatery for a spread of Northern Thai goodies—grilled tilapia, spicy larb (minced meat salad), and fresh veggies with chili dip. The open-air setup lets you watch the lake while you eat. Got dietary needs? Let us know for veggie or gluten-free options.
2:30 PM – Free Time and Check-In
After lunch, we’ll head to a cozy guesthouse in Phayao town for check-in. You’ll have a couple of hours to relax, shower, or wander the nearby lakefront. Dinner’s at a local restaurant, serving up classics like green curry and mango sticky rice. If you’re feeling lively, check out Phayao’s night market for some street food or trinkets.
Day 2: Pa-O Heritage and Buddhist Art
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Off to Chiang Kham
Start with a quick breakfast at the guesthouse—think rice soup, toast, and Thai coffee. Then we’re driving about an hour to Chiang Kham, a district with a strong Pa-O community and some unique temples.
8:30 AM – Wat Nantaram
Welcome to Wat Nantaram, a Pa-O temple that’s a total standout. Unlike Thai temples, this one’s got Burmese and Shan vibes—teak wood panels, red-and-gold decor, and a huge seated Buddha. The Pa-O, an ethnic group with their own customs, use this temple as a community hub. Your guide will explain their traditions and show you the small museum inside with Pa-O artifacts. If there’s a ceremony, you might see locals in vibrant traditional outfits.
Fun Tidbit: The temple’s wooden carvings were done by Pa-O craftsmen, and some are over a century old.
11:00 AM – Wat Huai Pha Khiang
Next, we head to Wat Huai Pha Khiang, a Buddhist art park that’s as quirky as it is spiritual. The grounds are packed with giant Buddha statues, colorful murals, and sculptures of dragons, nagas, and mythical beasts. It’s like stepping into a Buddhist storybook. You’ll wander for about an hour, with your guide decoding the art’s hidden meanings. The place is calm but bold, and you might catch a monk tending the gardens.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Chiang Kham
We’ll grab lunch at a local spot, likely dishing up khanom jeen (rice noodles with curry), fresh fruit, and iced tea. It’s a laid-back place where you can watch Chiang Kham’s daily rhythm—vendors haggling, kids zipping by on bikes.
3:00 PM – Return to Phayao
We’ll drive back to Phayao town, dropping you at your hotel or the meeting point by 4:00 PM. You’ll have the evening free—maybe hit Kwan Phayao for a sunset stroll or sip a coffee at a local cafe.
Pro Tip: Bring a light scarf to cover shoulders at temples—it’s respectful and handy for sun protection. Socks are good too, since you’ll slip off shoes a lot.
Neat Fact: Wat Huai Pha Khiang’s sculptures are meant to teach Buddhist lessons, but some have a playful vibe, like they’re winking at you.
What’s Not Included: Extra drinks or souvenirs. Budget 200-300 baht ($6-9) for small buys like postcards or a soda.
Heads-Up: The boat to Wat Tilok Aram is small but stable. If you’re nervous about water, tell your guide, and they’ll keep it quick.
Why This Tour’s a Gem: It’s a deep dive into Phayao’s spiritual diversity, from ancient Thai temples to Pa-O treasures. You’ll leave feeling calm and a little wiser about this quiet region.
