Chiang Rai: Two Nights in Pha Ngao on the Mekong
Two nights in Pha Ngao, a village community on the Mekong near the Golden Triangle: a skywalk above the river, teak temple halls, four village crafts and meals with the people who live here.
Tour overview
Pha Ngao is the community around Wat Phra That Pha Ngao in Ban Sop Kham, in the historic area of old Chiang Saen on the bank of the Mekong, about an hour from Chiang Rai. Its families descend from Tai Lao, Tai Yuan and Tai Lue peoples. The white chedi of the temple stands on a great rock, and the village is known for its Lanna weaving, its Mekong cooking and its quiet temple life. You walk the glass skywalk with views over the river to Laos and Myanmar, join the morning almsgiving, make herbal compresses, chilli paste and sweets wrapped in banana leaf with the village groups, and watch the sunset over the Mekong before a khantoke dinner. You sleep in a wooden homestay on stilts, with a private bathroom in each room. Your licensed English-speaking guide stays with you and translates.
Scheduled stops
- •Pha Ngao skywalk above the Mekong
- •Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and its teak halls
- •Lanna Textile Museum and village weaving
- •Morning almsgiving and meditation
- •Herbal, chilli paste and sweets workshops
- •Sunset on the Mekong and khantoke dinner
Three-day programme
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Pickup in Chiang Rai
Pickup at about 08:30 and a drive of about an hour to Chiang Saen.
Skywalk and temple
The Pha Ngao glass skywalk, 486 metres above sea level, with views over the Mekong, the Golden Triangle, Laos and Myanmar; then the temple and its teak ordination hall in the Luang Prabang style.
Lanna textiles
Lunch in the village, the Lanna Textile Museum of Chiang Saen and a weaving session at a village learning base.
Homestay
Check-in at the wooden homestay and dinner with the community.
Almsgiving and meditation
Join the morning almsgiving and a short meditation at the temple, then breakfast.
Herbs and old chedis
Make herbal balms and compresses with the village herbal group; visit the teak Tripitaka hall and walk up to Phra That Chom Chan and Phra That Chet Yot.
Chilli paste or basketry
Lunch in the village, then make nam prik (chilli paste) or try basketry.
Sunset and khantoke
Sunset at the Mekong riverside viewpoint and a khantoke dinner with the community.
Sweets and farewell
Make khao tom (sticky rice sweets) in banana leaf, visit Wat Sop Kham and the village shop, lunch with your hosts and drive back to Chiang Rai, arriving around 14:00.
Photo gallery
Photos: Pha Ngao Community
Frequently asked questions
Is the stay private?
Yes. The guide, the car and the programme are only for your group (1–8 people). The homestay may also host other guests in other rooms.
What is the price?
17,500 THB for 1 guest, 19,300 THB for 2, 25,200 THB for 4 and 37,100 THB for 8, for the whole private group with VAT and insurance included. Children under 10 sharing their parents' room: 1,800 THB each. Choose your group size in the form to see your price.
What are the rooms like?
Simple rooms in a wooden house on stilts, each with a private bathroom; breakfast is included. Two guests share a room; a single traveller has the room to themselves.
Is the guide licensed?
Yes. A licensed English-speaking guide from Chiang Rai stays with you for the three days and translates at the village workshops.
Can we combine it with Chiang Mai?
Yes. Chiang Rai is three hours by road from Chiang Mai, or a short flight. We can add a Chiang Mai stay before or after.
What is included
- Licensed English-speaking guide for the three days.
- Private car with driver from and to Chiang Rai, fuel, tolls and parking, and local transport in the village.
- Two nights in a wooden homestay, private bathroom, breakfast included.
- Lunch and dinner on days 1 and 2 (khantoke dinner on day 2) and lunch on day 3.
- Skywalk ticket and four village workshops: weaving, herbal compresses, chilli paste or basketry, sweets in banana leaf.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- Price for the whole private group, VAT and insurance included.
- Children under 10 sharing their parents' room: 1,800 THB per child.
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses are not included.
Your private transport
Private air-conditioned van with your local driver.
Practical tips
- Bring modest clothes for the temple (shoulders and knees covered) and a light jacket: mornings by the Mekong are cool from November to February.
- Take your shoes off in homes and temple halls, and ask before photographing people.
- Keep quiet in the temple, especially during the morning meditation.