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| Typical rural view surrounding Lanna Thai Villa. |
Rice carpets the lowlands. |
Enchanting mountain views await. |
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| Guests enjoying a horizon to horizon view. |
Into the jungle with a Hmong guide. |
The Mekong in a quiet mood. |
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| Here at Lanna Thai Villa let the sun and moon be your timepiece as you relax poolside, journey through scenic valleys of emerald rice paddies or explore windswept ridges with enchanting views of the distant Mekong River. Instead of just passing through, come experience traditional Thai culture from the inside via food, festivals and contact with friendly and fun loving villagers. You can learn to prepare tasty Thai dishes or observe village weavers, blacksmiths and potters. For exercise you can enjoy swimming, hiking or biking the many back roads which course through farm fields and forest all with mountain views. |
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| Ever present Thai smile at harvest time. |
Entering the monkhood -
an auspicious time for all concerned. |
Part of the send off ceremonies
for a departed temple abbot. |
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| Preparing rice seedlings for transplanting. |
Becoming novices in honor of the King. |
The hard work of hand threshing. |
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| Either coming for a short stay or longer vacation you can structure the holiday best suited to your interests whether focusing on peaceful rest or getting out and meeting the people. Our fully catered home stay gives you the chance to sample Thai cooking at its homemade best without the worry of buying provisions or cleaning up after meals thus freeing you to fully relax and enjoy the vacation you have structured. |
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| Hmong child in a pensive moment. |
Decked out for
Hmong New Years celebration. |
Closing moments of a typical Northern dance. |
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| Village dancers arrive at temple celebration. |
Merit making gifts for temple. |
Enjoying a smoke on the veranda. |
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| The annual agricultural cycle sees rice planting in July/August filling the flat plains with seas of green. Maturing in November/December the paddies turn a vibrant gold as harvest time approaches. The countryside thus presents an ever changing palette of colors whether from changes in crops or flowering trees and vegetation in the surrounding mountains. |
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| Photo op for guest and Hmong child. |
Pahmi Akha guide. |
Mien woman wearing traditional clothing. |
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Hmong silver work for sale at
Valentines celebration. |
Ulo Akha singing with bamboo percussion. |
Ulo finery |
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| Some events occur on a fairly predictable schedule while others like weddings, house warmings and special temple events may appear more spontaneous. The area surrounding Lanna Thai Villa is rich in its cultural diversity. Overlain on the base of Northern Thai or Lanna culture are a variety of ethnic groups including Lue, Hmong, Mien, Haw Chinese and Khmu. Additionally the in migration of many people from Thailand’s Northesatern or Esarn region provides an additional fun and interesting dimension to the annual cycle of events. |
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| Interlocking arms for dancing and friendship. |
Lue women at cultural festival. |
Lue women parading with ceremonial flags. |
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| A Lue hand loom artisan. |
Giving it their all in annual boat races. |
Songkran - the worlds largest water fight. |
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| Whether you attend a northern soul calling (Baci) ceremony, temple event, traditional boat race (September) or an Esarn rocket festival (May) you can be guaranteed of an interesting and enriching experience. The annual Thai New Years (Songkran) held in April is known for its riotous water throwing and respect for family elders. Equally interesting is the annual Hmong New Years in December noted for the exquisite finery worn by the participants and its interesting courting rituals. The Hmong also hold a large festivity around Valentines Day featuring various contests and the participation of Hmong people from all over Thailand and neighboring Laos. March sees the large Lue festival drawing Lue from both Thailand and China who demonstrate crafts, cooking, music and dance. Travelling a bit further a field it is possible to immerse oneself in the customs and traditions of the Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Karen ethnic groups. |
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| The real richness of Chiang Rai lies in the articulation of its peoples with the natural environment and the diverse array of cultures that have developed to guide that articulation and their spiritual life. We are happy to lead or facilitate your observation and participation and are ready to answer any questions you may have on the above and other events and off the beaten track sites to visit. |
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