Marvel Overland Holiday

To the east over the ranges lies Chiang Rai’s Wiang Pa Pao District; to the north lies Fang, west is Chiang Dao whilst south there’s little more than hills and forest until you reach Chiang Mai’s northern suburbs. Yet despite a convenient and central position in the province, the tiny town sees relatively few foreign visitors.

Admittedly Phrao isn’t blessed with many tourist destinations as such but wonderful scenic views and bucolic countryside abound. The valley has rice paddy-fields on the flatlands to the east and orchards on the western side’s more undulating terrain, interspersed with still largely traditional farming communities. The surrounding picturesque hills are forested and inhabited mainly by people of the Lisu ethnic group while the rugged summit of Doi Chiang Dao provides a dramatic western backdrop to the farmland.