No surprise there is nothing about houses for rent in Phrao online. We plan to head up and ask our future neighbors and see if we can find a place this way.

We need a house for rent for 6 months to 1 year while we are building our own place.

Any recommendations or ideas how to find a decent place up there would be awesome!

You said it; take your time and drive around, asking people. That's the best way. Also state your budget, and people will come up with some options.