Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Northern Thailand

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.

Phayao is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Tai, Pong, Mae Chi, Phu Sang and Phu Kam Yao. Book your hotel in Phayao before you leave home and save money! If you have already visited this Northern province, please share your highlights with other visitors to Thailand Guidebook.

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.

The Pho Khun Ngam Muang 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 Ramkhamheang of Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and non-aggression.

Wat Si Khom Kham is a temple located on the bank of Kwan Phayao. It houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, a sitting Buddha with a Iap width of 14 metres and height of 16 metres. It is said that it took no Iess than 33 years to complete it. Celebrations are held every May.

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.

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.

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.

Wat Phra That Chomthong, 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.

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.

Nam Tok Champa Thong 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.

Ban Tham Indigenous Cultural Center 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.

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.

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.

Nam Tok Phu Sang 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.

Products made from water hyacinths are made mainly in Ban San Pa Muang, about 15 kilometres from town on the route to Wat Analyo. Hand-made Cotton is a handicraft of the Thai Lues and found mostly in Chiang Kham district.

COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.