During the fall semester, Chiang Mai USACers have the opportunity to go on a trip of a lifetime to the Phrae and Nan Province nestled in the beautiful mountains of Thailand.

Not only is this field trip included in your program fees, but here’s just a taste of what the experience will be like.

On the field trip, you’ll tour Khum Chao Luang Museum, in downtown Phrae, a historical house filled with a visual time capsule of Phraes history from a somewhat obscure and harsh point in time.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park, a geological curiosity. Some two million years of erosion have sculpted relatively soft red sandstone of the land into beautiful rock sculptures. Walking slowly while taking in the beautiful scenery, and of course lots of pictures, this trail only takes about 10-15 minutes.

In addition, this overnight trip includes an all you can eat breakfast at the Dhevaraj Hotel in Nan, and a visit to the Wat Prathat Chae Haeng; a sacred place of worship that features a gold bell-shaped Chedi (Buddhist stupa). Thai Lanna people believe that traveling to pay respect to the Prathat of their year of birth reaps great benefits. You also see Wat Prathat Khao Noi featuring a chedi made of bricks and cement reflecting a combination of Burmese and Lanna arts. It also contains the Lord Buddha’s hair. From Wat Prathat Khao Noi, the surrounding scenery of Nan can be seen. At the main viewpoint is Pra Phuttha Maha Udom Mongkhon Nanthaburi Si Nan, a 9-meter Buddha image in the posture meaning good blessings and standing on a Lotus base.

If all of that wasn’t enough, you’ll visit the House of Chao Fongkham, a spacious teak house constructed in the Northern Thai Style. This house was built over 150 years ago; such large teak houses at the time were reserved only for nobility. The house owner is even nice enough to provide some activities for the students to learn and immerse themselves in Northern Thai culture and history.

Not only will the tours be guided, but you’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own.

Group photo at Phaa Muang Phi

Group picture at Nobel House

Khum Chao Luang Museum

Learning the history of Khum Chao Luang Museum by local tour guide

Learning how to make Lanna flower cones

Learning how to write Lanna dialect

Learning the history of Novel house by the owner

Visiting Wat Phratat Kow Noi

Visiting Wat Phratat Chaa Hang

Wat Prathat Chae Haeng

Here’s a look at the additional field trips offered to students studying abroad in Chaing Mai, Thailand.

Explore Studying Abroad in Thailand