Chiang Rai: Two Nights with a Tai Lue Family on the Mekong
Live for two days at the rhythm of a Tai Lue village on the Mekong: a family home, the dawn food offering at the temple and an afternoon at the looms with the village weavers.
Tour overview
The Tai Lue came to northern Thailand from Sipsongpanna in southern China and kept their language, dress and customs. In this village on the Mekong, in Chiang Rai province, a community known for keeping its Tai Lue culture alive, you stay with a local family in a raised wooden house. Before sunrise you walk with the families to the temple to offer food from tiffin boxes. You learn how cotton is spun and dyed and try the Tai Lue 'flowing water' pattern with the weavers, eat Tai Lue khao soi and share a khantoke dinner of northern dishes. Rooms are simple and clean; the experience is the people. Your English-speaking guide stays with you and translates.
Scheduled stops
- •Drive to the Mekong
- •Tai Lue cultural centre and a 100-year-old house
- •Homestay with a Tai Lue family
- •Dawn food offering at the village temple
- •Weaving with the village women
- •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
About two hours to the Mekong, with a stop on the way.
Tai Lue khao soi
Lunch of the village's own noodle soup.
The village and its history
The Tai Lue cultural centre and a 100-year-old wooden house, then check-in with your host family.
Khantoke dinner
A low-table dinner of northern dishes with your hosts.
Dawn food offering
Walk with the families to the temple before sunrise, then breakfast at home.
At the looms
Spinning, natural dyeing and a first try at Tai Lue weaving with the village women.
Afternoon by the river
The temple's ordination hall on the water and a walk along the Mekong; free time.
Breakfast and farewell
Time with your hosts, then the drive back to Chiang Rai, arriving around 13:00.
Photo gallery
Photos: Chainwit. (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Adam Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Chainwit. (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Chainwit. (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Frequently asked questions
Is the stay private?
Yes. The guide, the car and the programme are only for your group (1–8 people). In the village you stay with a local family who may also host other guests in other rooms.
What is the price?
The price depends on the season, the number of guests and the rooms available in the village. Send us your dates and group size and we will send you a personalised offer.
What are the rooms like?
Simple rooms in a family house, with a mattress on a raised floor or a bed, mosquito net and fan; bathroom facilities can be shared. Tell us if you need air conditioning or a private bathroom.
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 local English-speaking guide for the three days.
- Private car with driver from and to Chiang Rai, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Two nights with a Tai Lue family, breakfast included.
- Weaving session, khantoke dinner and Tai Lue khao soi lunch.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- Price on request: we send you a personalised offer for your dates and group.
- Other meals and drinks are not included.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Practical tips
- Bring modest clothes for the temple and a light jacket: mornings by the Mekong are cool from November to February.
- Bring a small torch and flip-flops for the house.
- A small gift from home is a nice way to thank your hosts.