Guiding over 3,000 travelers on over 300 treks and tours.

Your Guide - Yao

Yao has been a Tour and Trek Guide for almost ten years.  He speaks Thai, English, Japanese, and various Hill Tribe languages.  He also knows a handful of German, Italian, Hebrew, and French.  Over the years, Yao has been on over 300 treks guiding over 3,000 travelers.

Yao as a monk in a poppy field in 1990

Yao was born in a small village in Chiang Rai.  After finishing primary school, he became a novice and lived at the village monestary for six years.  There he continued his studies and learned more about Buddhism and meditation.  He then completed secondary school before becoming a monk.  After spending three months as a monk at Wat Prasing in Chiang Mai, Yao decided to become a Tour Guide leading travelers around Thailand. Yao served as a Tour Guide for two years before completing a course at the University of Chiang Mai to become a certified Trekking Guide.  Being a Guide has allowed Yao to meet people and make friends around the world.  In addition, Yao has also been a traveler and has explored Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.  Furthermore, Yao has traveled and spent close to two years in the United States visiting Detroit, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans.  Yao now calls both Chicago and Chiang Mai, Thailand his home.

Yao's guide certificate and license

1000 Smiles

Travel Thailand Your Guide - Yao Why 1000 Smiles? Travel Itinerary Travel FAQ Travel Contract Recommendations Things to Pack How to Sign Up

Taste Thailand Your Chef - Yao Rice in Thailand Herbs and Spices Thai Ingredients Thai Recipes

Learn about Thailand Thai Culture Map of Thailand Thai Language Facts on Thailand Thai Festivals For more information, email Yao@1000Smiles.com