:: City Attractions

An extensive fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao   is the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North, which provides the livelihood of ma n y 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 Pha ya o, or Phu Kam Ya o, 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, a n d King Ramk h amhaeng of Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and non-aggression.

Wat Si K h om K h am  is a temple located on the banks of the Kwan Phayao River. It houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, namely Phra Chao Ton Luang, a sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16 meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to complete it. Celebrations are held every May.

Next to Wat Si Koam Kam is Ho Watanatham Nithat. The in di genous museum deals wit h the history and ancient relics of Phayao, including native culture and traditions and creativity. Open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning t o 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 waterplants. Open during official working hours.
The Chiang Sae n -style C hedi at Wat Si Umong K h am   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 K ho m K h am, can be reached by the 1.5-k ilometre -long uphill road. Surrounded by an arboretum, the temple offers a panoramic view of the town and the lake.

About 7 k ilometres north of town on H ighway No. 1 and further 9 k ilometres 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 building 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 T hong  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 k ilometres.

:: Dok Khamtai

Doi Phu Nang 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.

Ban Tham Indigenous Cultural Centre  is about 15 k ilometres from the district town of Dok Kham t ai 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 t he Lanna people in the past ca n be studied. One kilomet re before the Cent re is a park shaded by large trees with caves of hanging and protruding rock deposits.

:: Chiang Kham

An interesting temple in Chiang Kham is Wat Nantaram, a Burmese-style site built entirely with teak. The woodwork on the windows, gables, corridors and other parts are beautifully chiseled in elaborate designs. Another place of interest is Wat Phra That So p Wae n  with its 700-year-old Lanna-style C hedi.

Chiang Kham   is home to many Thai Lue people, about 74 k ilometres to the northeast of Pha-yao on Highway No. 1021. The Thai Lu e s originally we r e from the south of Yu n nan in China and migrated to northern Thailand, particularly to Nan and Phayao, some 200 years ago.

:: King Amphoe Phu Sang

Five kilometr e s from Phu S ang waterfall is a village on the Thai-Laotian border. On the 10 th and 30 th of every month, Ban Huak village hold a bazaar for Thais and Laotians to trade and barter their products.

Nam Tok Phu Sang is a scenic waterfall about 20 k ilometres to the north of the district town of Chiang Kham on Highway No. 1093. The surroundings are still in perfect natural condition. Phu S ang is different from other waterfalls. It is fed by a hot spring on the mountain, which flows into the brook before cascading over the fall.