Loading…

Chiang Rai's Cultural Diversity Awaits


Rural View from Lanna Thai Villa of local mountains and a Northern Thai temple.	Northern Thai rice fields.	Experience the mountain landscapes of Northern Thailand.

Enjoy horizon to horizon views from Phu Chi Fah .	Trek Chiang Rai's jungle with a Hmong Hill Tribe guide.	Experience the tranquility of the Mekong River.

Whether your vacation in Northern Thailand is long or short, Lanna Thai Villa will help you design an activity program suited to your interests enabling you to truly experience Chiang Rai's culture and beauty. Lanna Thai Villa's home stay gives you the chance to sample Thai cooking in leisure.


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.

Preparing rice seedlings for transplanting.	Becoming novices in honor of the King.	The hard work of hand threshing.

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.


Hmong child in a pensive moment.	Decked out for Hmong New Years celebration.	Closing moments of a typical Northern dance.

Village dancers arrive at temple celebration.	Merit making gifts for temple.	Enjoying a smoke on the veranda.

Thailand's annual agricultural cycle sees rice planting in July and August. The broad plains of Thailand fill with seas of green. Maturing in November and December the paddies turn a vibrant gold as rice harvest time approaches. The Thai countryside thus presents an ever changing palette of colors whether from changes in crops or flowering trees and vegetation in the surrounding mountains.


Photo op for guest and Hmong child.	Pahmi Akha guide.	Mien woman wearing traditional clothing.

Hmong silver work for sale at Valentines celebration.	Ulo Akha singing with bamboo percussion.	Ulo Akha Women in ethnic costume.

Some Thai and Hill tribe cultural events occur on a predictable schedule while others like weddings, house warmings and special temple events are more spontaneous. Lanna Thai Villa's Thoeng District is rich in cultural diversity. Predominately Northern Thai or Lanna culture is interspersed with a variety of ethnic groups including Tai Lue, Hmong, Iu-mien, Haw Chinese and Khmu. Additionally the in migration of many people from Thailand's Northesatern or Esarn region contribute a fun and interesting dimension to the annual cycle of events in Northern Thailand.


Akha women holding hands for dancing and friendship.	Tai Lue women at cultural festival.	Lue women parading with ceremonial flags.

A Tai Lue hand loom artisan.	Giving it their all in annual boat races.	Songkran - the worlds largest water fight.

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 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 costumes worn by the participants and its interesting Hmong 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 Tai Lue festival drawing Lue from both Thailand, Laos and China who demonstrate crafts, cooking, music and dance. Travelling a bit further afield it is possible to immerse oneself in the customs and traditions of the Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Karen ethnic groups.


Wet smiles at Songkran.	Friendly punch up at village water sports day.	Learning the finer points of rocketing.

Heaven bound in hopes of bringing rain.	Guests launching hot air lantern.	Guest participating in soul calling ceremony.

The real richness of Thailand's Chiang Rai Province 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. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about sites to visit in Northern Thailand.