Phayao, a quiet province
Phayao is a province in the north of Thailand, which is, as it were, sandwiched by the Thai provinces of Nan, Phrae, Lampang, Chiang Rai and a small part in the northeast by the Laotian province of Xaignabouli. It is the 55 in terms of areath province of Thailand with just under 500.000 inhabitants.
The Phi Pan Nam mountain range runs throughout the province from north to south, which is characterized by large mountains, the Doi Luang (1694 m), Doi Khun Mae (1550 m) and Doi Khun Mae Tam (1330 m). In the valley of this mountain range runs the river Ing, which eventually flows into the Mekong via Lake Phayao (Kwang Phayao). The city of Phayao is located on that lake.
Phayao is a quiet province, not yet really a tourist destination, because the facilities for tourists are modest. Nevertheless, the province is worth including it in the program for a tour through the north of Thailand due to its beautiful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites.
History
Phayao was founded in the year 1096 as a small kingdom. In the 13de century, the city-kingdom was important enough to be considered a full partner of King Mengrai of Lannathai and the kingdom of Sukhothai. That didn't last long though, as a later king of Lannathai conquered Phayao in 1338 and made it part of Lannathai. In 1897, Phayao became an area of Chiang Rai province and in 1977 it became an independent province of Thailand.
Phayao city
The attraction of the town of Phayao, where many houses in Lanna style can still be admired, lies mainly on the promenade along the lake. There you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a drink or a meal with fish caught in the lake as a specialty. Especially at the weekend many local tourists, who lay their blankets on the grass at the lake to have an extensive picnic there. From that promenade you can also take a trip on the lake to, for example, “the sunken temple, Wat Tilokarum.
Ms_wittaya / Shutterstock.com
Lake Phayao
The lake is located near the city of Phayao, which lies on the southeastern shores. It has an average depth of 1,7 meters and covers an area of 2,3 km². The lake is mainly fed by the Ing River which flows out on the north side and to a lesser extent by the Tam River which flows out on the south side of the lake. On the east side, the Ing River continues its course, which then flows into the Mekong River. There are rice fields on the south and west sides of the lake and the mouth of the Ing River forms a swamp area. Motor boats are not allowed on the lake.
Around the lake
You can also take a very nice trip around this lake, passing picturesque villages, waterfalls, a village with weaving demonstrations and temples. On the website Travelfish a detailed description of the possibilities during this trip: www.travelfish.org/sights/thailand/northern_thailand/phayao
And last but not least:
I haven't been to Phayao (yet), but I think it would be nice to take a look. If there are blog readers who know Phayao, a response with their experiences would be welcome.
Below is one of the multiple videos on YouTube about Phayao:
https://youtu.be/y0fiNJIaHsk
This is one of our favorite destinations when we live in Chiang Mai (6 months a year). It is a beautiful trip through the mountains alone and the town is also very charming. Many restaurants and guesthouses along the boulevard, where it is wonderful to walk along the lake in the evening. It is advisable to go during the week, because on weekends it is much busier with local tourists. We recommend the almost new and very clean hotel Cozy Nest, located in a side street of the boulevard. Free bikes to borrow!
Not so long ago on this blog we talked about the special eating habits of the Thai population. Among other things, we talked about eating a kind of live small shrimp, which is often eaten with sticky rice. The Thais call it "Goeng Ten" which can be translated into dancing shrimp. These are also usually delivered to the Kwan Phayao in small plastic dishes with a lid, so that they cannot jump away in all directions. Often topped with plenty of chilli and sticky rice, they're well worth a try. Just find a quiet place by the water and wait for the employees of the opposite restaurants to come and take the orders. Apart from the Goeng Ten mentioned, they also sell fish specialties and other dishes served with the desired drink.
Indeed a nice place to look at the lake, that boulevard in Phayao. Incidentally, it is no longer 'natural', but a reservoir, and the surface area expressed in square kilometers is not 2,3, but almost 20 – considerably larger.
Driving on Highway 1 to Chiang Rai, looking north from Lampang, you will see the lake on the left. The distance to Chiang Rai city is about 90 km.
We went there for the first time a few weeks ago. Nice room right on the lake in Naga Tara Resort. And a tour around the lake is indeed an absolute must. Photos on https://flic.kr/s/aHsmRA2cq9.
Visit the Wat Analayo, across the lake. A beautiful complex with many attractions. In addition to many religious buildings, a villa has been built in the enormous garden for the royal family with a beautiful view. You have to be lucky to be able to see it.
Phayao has more to offer than most know. My girlfriend lives in Phayao, it is a very quiet city but everything is there. Fun to do: Breakfast on Sunday at the lake. Or make the effort to drive to the other side of the lake. There are many nice places there. Champa Thong is also nice to visit if you want to climb and Mae Puem Reservoir is also recommended. There you can rent a very neat tent with sleeping bags at the reservoir and spend the night in a beautiful, very quiet environment. Wat Analyo is a short distance away and combines different ancient styles. Finally, the historical site 'twelve ponds' is also great. Stiff walk but the view is great.
I went there for a few days 4 years ago.
A lovely quiet place.
A local guide took us to many beautiful places. And I canoeed on the lake..
A wonderful place where I will definitely come back.