Northern Thailand Lanna Heritage: Lampang, Nan & Phayao (6D5N)

Itinerary

LANNA HERITAGE - LAMPHUN TEMPLES & LAMPANG

08.00 Hrs. Pick up from your hotel lobby and depart to Lamphun Town (45 minutes’ drive), dating back to 700 A.D. Visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, its tallest chedi standing 46 metres high and topped by a nine-tier umbrella crafted from 6.5 kg of gold.

Travel along the mountainous highway to Lampang Town, then visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the finest presentation of Lanna-style temple architecture in the North.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Visit the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum, telling the story of Lampang’s famed chicken-bowl ceramics and its manufacturing history, with a factory outlet shop.

Explore the city by colourful Horse Carriage, passing northern Thai and Burmese-style houses to visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, where the Emerald Buddha was enshrined for 32 years, and Wat Sri Rong Mueang, a Burmese-style temple built in 1904. Conclude at Wat Pong Sanuk, dating to the founding of Lampang in the year 680. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in and leisure time.

PHRAE TO NAN - TEAK ARCHITECTURE & ANCIENT TEMPLES

08.00 Hrs. Check out from your hotel and depart to Phrae Province (1½ hours’ drive). On the way, visit Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, home to the golden teak Suwan Ho Kham Museum built from 14 traditional houses.

Arrive at Phrae Town and visit Vongburi House, a two-story teak building from 1897 blending Thai and European architectural styles.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Visit Wat Phra That Cho Hae, among Phrae’s most sacred sites, home to a 33-metre Chiang Saen-style pagoda wrapped in brass sheets and enshrining relics of the Buddha.

Continue through rural villages to Phae Muang Phi (“Ghost City”), a landscape of strange eroded rock formations, sandstone canyons, and creeks. Depart for Nan Province (2 hours’ drive), a remote province known for its natural beauty and distinct ethnic communities. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in and leisure time.

NAN'S LIVING HERITAGE - TEMPLES, MURALS & CULTURE

08.00 Hrs. Pick up from your hotel lobby and depart to Wat Phumin, constructed in 1596, home to Thailand’s famous ancient wall murals depicting the Pu Man Ya Man folk tale in Tai Lue style.

Continue to Wat Phra That Chang Kham, built in 1406 as a Royal Temple for conducting Buddhist ceremonies and the Oath of Allegiance.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Depart for the Nan National Museum, built in 1903, home to historical artefacts including the distinguished Black Ivory.

Continue to Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, believed to house a relic of the Buddha, its Naga-shaped door frame considered among the finest examples of local architecture. Afterwards, return to your hotel for leisure time.

PHAYAO - LAKESIDE SERENITY & LANNA HERITAGE

08.00 Hrs. Check out from your hotel and depart to Phayao Province (3 hours’ drive), home to Kwan Phayao, the largest freshwater lake and fish habitat in the upper North, sustaining many local livelihoods. Relax at the lakeside setting against a mountain backdrop.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Visit Wat Sri Khom Kham, home to the 17-metre Phra Chao Ton Luang Buddha statue, a signature landmark of Phayao Province and a fine example of Lanna Thai style, with one of its halls standing directly in the lake. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in and leisure time.

RETURN TO CHIANG MAI - WIANG PA PAO & SACRED LANDMARKS

08.00 Hrs. Check out from your hotel and depart to Wiang Pa Pao Town (2 hours’ drive) along the mountainous highway. Visit Phra Chao Luang Temple (Wat Phra Chao Lai), “The Temple on the Mountain,” home to numerous Buddha images and ancient relics housed within the hillside.

Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Depart for Chiang Mai town (2 hours’ drive), arriving in the afternoon for hotel check-in and leisure time.

FAREWELL TO CHIANG MAI

Check out from your hotel and depart to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to the next destination.