"Phrao" in Chiang Mai is a hidden mountain town that will make you fall in love with its simple charm completely and wholeheartedly.
On days when Chiang Mai bustles with crowds, there is a small district located on the border between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach from the city center, yet it feels like stepping back in time to a place of traditional tranquility.
This is Phrao District, a town embraced by complex mountain ranges and fresh new images that travelers are just beginning to discover through their camera lenses. Here, three locations transform an ordinary trip into unforgettable memories.
This check-in spot is arguably one of today’s Unseen Thailand locations. The majestic Chancha tree, decades old, does not stand on land as we usually see but rises proudly in the middle of a vast body of water. In the early morning, when mist gently floats above the water and golden sunlight filters through its branches,
the scene before you looks as if it has stepped out of a dream painting. It’s a moment worth waking early to experience, perfectly arranged by nature itself.
Moving from natural beauty to inner peace, Wat Tham Dok Kham is a place filled with spiritual energy and faith. Originally, it was a meditation retreat of the highly respected Vipassana master, Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta. Paying respects at the stupa amid lush trees and mountains will offer you a calmness rarely found in the city.
End your trip with a gentle challenge on a beginner-friendly trail leading to Moai Peak, one of the most talked-about sunset viewpoints in Chiang Mai, located in Sri Lanna National Park. The trail is about 1.3 kilometers long, with eight resting points, taking around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the summit. As the day's last light fades beyond the horizon, the land of Phrao below is bathed in orange and purple hues. Climbing here is not just about the view; it’s a reward of a panoramic vista stretching as far as the eye can see.
Phrao District may no longer just be a pass-through town; it has become a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and simple smiles. If you are looking for a place where time slows down,this is the place to be.
For visiting the Chancha tree in the water, it’s best to arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. for the softest light. Wat Tham Dok Kham is a peaceful spot suitable for walking meditation and mindfulness practice.
Finish with Moai Peak, a location for hikers. Prepare your sneakers and start your ascent around 4:30 p.m. to catch the Magic Hour sunset.
Information and images from: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1672 Travel Buddy, Chiang Mai Public Radio, and Sri Lanna National Park