In the city of Phayao lies Kwan Phayao, a natural lake that also serves as a freshwater fishing area and is used to breed more than 50 fish species. Two temples also offer different perspectives on the lake: Wat Si Khom Kham stands on its shore, while Wat Analyo Thipphayaram offers views of Kwan Phayao and the city of Phayao. Here, landscape, fishing and religious heritage are closely connected thematically.
Temples, Traditions and History
Wat Si Khom Kham is also known as Wat Phrachao Ton Luang or Wat Thung Iang. The temple was built around the 15th century as the city’s main temple. It is home to Phrachao Ton Luang, considered the largest and oldest Buddha image in the Lanna Kingdom. The annual festival honoring the image takes place in the sixth lunar month, in May; the exact date depends on the lunar calendar.
Another annual event is the water-pouring ceremony at Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng. It takes place on the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month, which is referred to as the seventh lunar month in northern Thailand. The lunar date does not fall on the same date in the Gregorian calendar every year. The two traditions are therefore associated with different lunar months.
The archaeological site of Wiang Lo also gives Phayao a historical dimension: it is an ancient city in the Lanna region, located in the Lo and Hong Hin subdistricts of Chun District. In Chiang Kham District, Wat Nantaram preserves a Thai Yai-style assembly hall, built entirely from teak and decorated with intricate woodwork. Wat Phra Nang Din is known for its principal Buddha image, which has no pedestal. Each place has its own distinctive character: the ancient city, the ornate wooden architecture and an unusually designed Buddha image.
Waterfalls and Protected Areas
Phayao offers a range of natural landscapes to explore. Phu Sang National Park extends across Phu Sang and Chiang Kham districts and borders Laos. Namtok Phu Sang, a small waterfall about 25 meters high that flows year-round, is located in Phu Sang District. Namtok Pu Kaeng is also in Phayao, within Doi Luang National Park: this limestone waterfall has nine tiers and also flows throughout the year. The comparison highlights the approximate height of one waterfall and the distinctive tiers of the other.
Phu Langka Forest Park is located in Chiang Kham and Pong districts and covers approximately 7,800 rai. Together with Phu Sang National Park’s reach across two districts, this figure illustrates a different scale from that of the individual waterfalls: it points to protected areas as larger landscapes, while the waterfalls are specific natural features.
Walking Street and Regional Specialties
Phayao Walking Street is a place to discover regional souvenirs and food. It takes place in front of Kwan Phayao Lake on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at the City Pillar Shrine on other days. Regional souvenirs on offer include crispy pork rind and the chili pastes Namphrik Num and Namphrik Ong. Alongside the temples and natural areas, local food products also take center stage. Since the stated venue depends on the day of the week, it is best to check the schedule before your trip.
Which side of Phayao interests you most can be seen in these contrasts: the lake with its fishing and temples, historic sites and religious traditions, or waterfalls and expansive protected areas. The Walking Street adds regional specialties to these discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Yuan, Pong, Dok Khamtai District, Mae Chai District, Ban Lao, Wiang, Ban Mai, Sa Kaeo.
For the main travel overview: Thailand.
