Phayao

While little of its historic heritage remains for visitors to see, Phayao was once an independent kingdom nearly 1000 years ago. While the capital has developed into a charming, relatively modern town, much of Phayao remains unchanged; the province retains its greatly unspoiled natural beauty, featuring both rice growing lowlands and substantial mountains where many hill tribe villages continue to live traditional lifestyles. Phayao town, which is situated beside picturesque Lake Phayao, features ornate gardens and parks that are popular picnicking grounds ideal for watching the fading sunset’s light reflecting upon the lake. The small city exudes a relaxing vibe, although Chai Kwan Road, which runs along the lakeside, features a respectable variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. A reasonable selection of accommodation is also available as the region is popular with Thai visitors from other provinces. Aside from the large lake and a number of charming temples however, there is little to do in Phayao except relax and plan for explorations of the countryside and neighboring provinces. Nonetheless, few who make the journey to Phayao have any regrets about visiting this stunningly beautiful province.

Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though it has only modest facilities and conveniences, Phayao is an enchanting community with outstanding natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back more than 900 years, Phayao used to be an independent state before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. Today, Phayao is a laid-back town surrounded by lush natural beauty. The lakeside strip of bars and restaurants is a perfect place to unwind and plan journeys into the countryside, within which many hill tribe communities retain much of their traditional lifestyles.

Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial

Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 24 Hour
Category : Landmarks and Memorials
Attraction Details : The Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial, located in the public park on the bank of Kwan Phayao, commemorates a former king of Phayao, or Phu Kam Yao, who was in power some 700 years ago. During his reign, the state prospered and expanded its territory. As a close ally of King Mengrai, the ruler of Chiang Rai, and King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and non-aggression.


Ho Watanatham Nithat

Operating day : Wednesday - Sunday
Operating time: 09.00 - 16.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Next to Wat Si Koam Kam is Ho Watanatham Nithat. The indigenous museum deals with the history and ancient relics of Phayao, including native culture and traditions and creativity. Open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon.

Wat Analayo Thipphayaram

Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 17.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Analayo Thipphayaram is situated on Doi Butsarakham, Ban San Pa Muang, Mu 6, San Pa Muang Sub-district, 20 kilometres from the centre of the province in the north along the Highway No. 1 Phayao – Chiang Rai route. At Km. 743, proceed for approximately 7 kilometres and turn left into Highway 1127 - 1193 for 9 kilometres. Within the compound of the temple is enshrined a beautiful Buddha image in the Sukhothai style of art, as well as, other images in various postures such as the reclining, walking, seated and protected by a seven-headed Naga one. They were deliberately cast. The Rattana Chedi is in the Indian Bodh Gaya style of art. There is also a Chinese pavilion housing Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, a Buddha image hall where a golden replica of the Emerald Buddha image is enshrined, as well as those made of topaz, silver, gold, and gold-silver-copper alloy. From the summit of the mountain, the atmosphere of Kwan Phayao and Mueang Phayao can be clearly admired. There are both steps and a path for vehicles up to the top. Contact Tel. 0 5448 2226.

Wat Ananlayo

Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 18.00

Attraction Details : About 7 kilometres north of town on Highway No.1 and further 9 kilometres after a left turn is a hilltop temple, Wat Ananlayo. Covering an extensive area,

Wat Si Khom Kham

Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 18.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Si Khom Kham is a temple located in the centre of Mueang Phayao by Kwan Phayao. It is a 3rd class royal temple and selected model of a developed one. Local people call it “Wat Phrachao Ton Luang”, after the largest Buddha image in the Chiang Saen style of art in the Lanna Thai Kingdom. It is a Buddha image with a lap width of 14 metres and height of 16 metres, and was cast during 1491-1524. Phrachao Ton Luang or Phrachao Ong Luang is not only a signature Buddha image of Phayao, but also one of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. During Visakha Puja Day of every year, there is a ceremony to pay respect to Phrachao Ton Luang, called “The Ceremony to Pay Respect to Phrachao Ong Luang in the 8th Northern Lunar Month”. Moreover, within the compound of the temple stands an ubosot in the water by the bank of Kwan Phayao, where there are mural paintings in elaborate designs by Achan Angkarn Kalayaanapong, a National Artist of Thailand.

Kwan Phayao

Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 24 Hour
Category : Dam,Reservoir, Lake
Attraction Details : An extensively fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao is the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North which provides the livelihood of many of the local people. The surrounding scenery, particularly at dusk, is stunning. Along the banks are located food-shops and recreation sites.

Thai Lue Cultural Centre



Operating day :Daily
Operating time : 09.00 - 16.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Thai Lue Cultural Centre is located at Wat Yuan. The Thai Lue people are peaceful, diligent, patient, and conservative in their culture and traditions such as costumes, housing style, culinary matters, etc. This centre has been established to display the pieces of arts and culture, especially the colourful and elaborately designed Thai Lue fabrics in various patterns such as Lai Dok Kho Khruea, Lai Dok Kho, Lai Ma and Lai Dok Tang, as well as, to professionally train the Thai Lue people.