| Virtually enveloped
by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a small peaceful province. Though
with only modest facilities and conveniences, it is an enchanting community
with delightful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating
back to more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with
its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in
mid-14th century.
Phayao is about 691
kilometres form Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres.
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Phayao
is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham,
Tai, Pong, Mae Chi, Phu Sang and Phu Kam Yao.
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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.
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is a scenic waterfall about 20 kilometres to the
north of the district town of Chiang Kham on Highway No.
1093. The surroundings are still in perfect natural condition.
Phu Sang is different than other waterfalls. It is fed by
a hot spring on the mountain which flows into the brook
before cascading over the fall.
Five kilometres
from Phu Sang waterfall is a village on the Thai Laotian
border. On the 10th and 30th of every month, Ban Huak
village hold a bazaar for Thais and Laotians to trade
and barter their products.
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An interesting
temple in Chiang Kham is Wat Nantaram a Burmese style
site built entirely with teak. The woodworks on the windows,
gables, corridors and other parts are beautifully chiseled
in elaborate designs. Another place of interest is Wat Phra
That Sop Waen with its 700 year old Lanna style Chedi.
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A small district,
Chiang Kham is home to many Thai Lu people, about
74 kilometres to the northeast of Payou on Highway No. 1021.
The Thai Lues originally were from the south of Yunan in
China and migrated to northern Thailand, particularly to
Nan and Phayao, some 200 years ago.
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is about 15 kilometres from the district
town of Dok Kham Tai on the way to Chiang Muan district.
It has a large collection of native agricultural tools and
implements as well as ancient objects from which the cultural
lifestyle of the Lanna people in the past can be studied.
One kilometre before the Centre is a park shaded by large
trees with caves of hanging and protruding rock deposits.
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is a beautiful and tall water fall amid natural
surroundings. It can be reached by taking the Phayao-Chiang
Rai route. After reaching Km. 7, take a turn and proceed
on for a further 16 kilometres.
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About
7 kilometres north of town on Highway No. 1 and further
9 kilometres after a left turn is a hilltop temple, Wat
Analyo. Covering an extensive area, cool and shady under
leafy canopies of large trees it features buildings and
sculptures of religion-based characters by contemporary
craftsmen of great skill. From here an expansive view of
Kwan Phayao, the fields and the town is visible.
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just opposite Wat Si Khom
Kham, can be reached by the 1.5-kilometre-long uphill road.
Surrounded by an arboretum, the temple offers a panoramic
view of the town and the lake.
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The Chiang Saen-style Chedi at Wat Si Umong Kham
is still in good condition. The Lanna-style Buddha statue,
Phra Chao Lan Tu, is regarded as the most beautiful anywhere.
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The Phayao fresh-water Fishery Station, on Highway
No.1 in town, is the first facility in the world to successfully
breed Pla Buk, the giant catfish. There is an aquarium displaying
many species of fish and water plants. Open during official
working hours.
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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.
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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 Ramkhamheang of Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and non-aggression.
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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.
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