Phayao, Thailand

Phayao has an overall area of 6,355 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 7 Amphoes (Districts) and 2 King Amphoes (Subdistricts).: Amphoe Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Kham Tai, Pong, Mae Chai, King Amphoe Phu Kam Yao and King Amphoe Phu Sang. Phayao is located 690 kilometers from Bangkok.
 

History:
Phayao is an old province of Thailand, established in 1095 by King of Chiang Saen. In the reign of King Ngum Muang, 1267 the existence of the people was very prosperous. In 1897 King Rama V combined Phayao with Chiang Rai Province, and in 1977 Phayao was divided from Chiang Rai again and proclaimed to be one of the provinces of Thailand.


Attractions:
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.


Local 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.

How to get there:
By Car
Take Bangkok - Nakhon Sawan - Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Sri Satcha Na Lai - Denchai - Phrae-Phayao Highway for 733 kms.

By Bus 
The 10-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on air-conditioned coaches and non-air-conditioned buses originating from the Northern Bus Terminal on Bangkok's Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. (Tel: 936-3667-8 for further details.)

By Rail
The State Railways of Thailand operates daily services from Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station, including a popular overnight sleeper to Amphoe Denchai (Phrae Province) and take a local bus to Phayao, some 185 kms., away. Call 223-7010 or 223-7020 for further information.

By Air
Thai Airways Internationals (Tel: 628-2000) operates daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and take a local bus to Phayao, some 94 kilometers.