This small market town has few sites to offer travellers but the surrounding area is full of interesting villages that can be explored at a relaxed pace. Set in a stunning wide valley, Phrao is reminiscent of Pai in years gone by, particularly when the rice is just about to be harvested, giving the valley an emerald green sheen. Very few tourists visit and it's difficult to understand why. You can walk or cycle from village to village, tour a smattering of small wats and hike up to great hilltop viewpoints.

A highly underrated destination.