Cost
9,500 THB per person for shared twin room; 10,700 THB for single room
Description
This three-day, two-night excursion will offer participants the opportunity to see and learn from Lanna scholar and professor, Dr. Ratanaporn Sethakul Ph.D., about the history, culture, architecture, and way of life of the people in Phayao, a charming city located 3 hours drive north of Chiang Mai by beautiful Phayao Lake.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, Feb. 6
9:00 Leave from the LLL Center by minivan for the 3 hour drive to Phayao, making at least one stop along the way so you can use the restroom facilities and purchase coffee and/or snacks.
Noon Arrive in Phayao and eat lunch in a restaurant near Phayao Lake.
Afternoon Visit Wat Sri Khom Kham which is loacted in the heart of the city by the lake. The local people know this as Wat Phrachao Ton Luang after the huge Buddha image situated there. This Buddha image, with a lap width of 14 meters, is in the Chiang Saen style and was cast between 1491 and 1524. We will then visit the museum in the temple compound before continuing to the hotel to check in and relax.
18:00 Transfer to dinner at a restaurant near Phayao Lake.
Day 2: Friday, Feb. 7
8:30 Leave the hotel for Chiang Kham in the southern district of Phayao.
Morning Visit Wat Nataram, a Burmese style temple which is entirely constructed of teak with fine carving. The temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful Burmese temples in Thailand. Then visit the Tai Lue Cultural Center where we will learn about the history of this group who migrated from Yunnan Province in China hundreds of years ago. The cotton weaving of the Tai Lue is highly prized.
Afternoon and evening After lunch at a Thai restaurant in Chiang Kham, we return to the hotel in Phayao city. Then we transfer in the early evening to see the sunset at the Skywalk Viewpoint. Dinner will be at a restaurant with a lakeside view.
Day 3: Saturday, Feb. 8
8:30 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Wat Phrathat Chom Thong which is located on Doi Chom Thong. The chedi, with its height of 30 meters, sits on a three layered square base. Relics of the Lord Buddha are enshrined inside. Before leaving Phayao we will visit a family who make crafts from hyacinth. Lunch will be at a restaurant in Wiang Papao on the way back to Chiang Mai.
16:30 Anticipated arrival at the LLL Center
*Itinerary may be altered slightly if necessary, or if requested by faculty guide
Faculty Guide
Dr Ratanaporn Sethakul, Associate Professor of History, Emerita, Payap University taught Thai and Lanna history at Payap University for over 40 years and was a researcher of the history and culture of Tai peoples. She has led many excursions for LLL, including the recent excursions to Lamphun and to visit Tai communities in Chiang Mai.
Cost Includes
Two nights accommodation with daily breakfast at the Gateway Hotel, transportation in comfortable air conditioned minivans, all meals (food only, drinks other than water excluded), admission fees, insurance, faculty guide with expertise on Lanna history and culture, licensed tour guide, drinking water while touring
Payment must be paid in full by January 24, 2025. Please provide a copy of your passport front page at the time of payment for insurance purposes.