Phayao General Information Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a 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 from Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres. Administrative, it is divided into the following districts: Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Khamtai, Pong, Mae Chai, Phu Sang, and Phu Kam Yao.
Phayao Festival Information - Tai Lue World Heritage Festival A concerning to pay homage to the guardian spirits of the kingdom is performed at Wat Phrathat Sob Van. Tai Lue ritual for longevity. Bai Sri Su Kwan blessing ceremony is performed to welcome Tai Lue ethnic descendants from around the world. A cultural presentation of the Tai Lue way of life, culture and folk knowledge Shop at the Kad mua krua laeng, a traditional Northern Thai open-air market demonstration of a Tai Lue wedding ceremony. Tai Lue performance, Tai Lue tung (sacred flag) merit-making ceremony at wat Saenmuang Ma.
Phayao Attactions Information - Chiang Kham Chiang Kham district is home to many Thai Lue people, about 74 kilometres to the northeast of Phayao on Highway No. 1021. The Thai Lues originally were from the south of Yunnan in China and migrated to northern Thailand, particularly to Nan and Phayao, some 200 years ago. - Wat Nantaram 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. - Wat Phra That Sop Waen Another place of interest in Chiang Kham is Wat Phra That Sop Waen. The temple houses a 700-year-old Lanna-style Chedi. - Doi Phu Nang National Park This national park is 48 kilometres south of Amphoe Dok Khamtai along Highway No. 1251 and 4 kilometres along an access road. A variety of birds are found, especially peacocks which come to the park area for breeding from January to March. The park also has a scenic waterfall called Namtok Than Sawan. Camping in the park is possible. - Ho Watanatham Nithat 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. - Kwan Phayao 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. - Namtok Champa Thong Namtok Champa Thong is a beautiful and tall waterfall 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. - Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial 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. - Wat Phra That Chomthong 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. - Ban Huaka Five kilometres from the Phu Sang waterfall is a village on the Thai-Laotian border. On the 10th and 30th of every month, Ban Huak hold a bazaar for Thais and Laotians to trade and barter their products. - Namtok Phu Sang National Park Namtok 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.
