Phayao
Date: Tuesday 7th February 2012Phayao province is located approx 700 kilometres north of Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres.
The provincial capital and town of Phayao is located alongside Lake Phayao (Kwan Phayao) in the Ing River valley. Three large mountains overlook the valley;
- Doi Luang – 1697 m
- Doi Khun Mae Fat – 1550 m
- Doi Khun Mae Tam – 1330 m
Phayao is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nan, Phrae, Lampang and Chiang Rai. In the north-east it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.
Kwan Phayao
Formerly a swampy wetland more than a lake, the area faced diminishing water levels in dry seasons. A more permanent water body was established in 1935 by the Department of Fisheries when they installed a weir on the Ing River at the exit point.
The resulting shallow lake – Kwan Phayao – is now the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North of Thailand and provides a livelihood for many of the local people. The lake’s environs, particularly at sunset, are stunning.
| Essential Numbers | PHONE | |
| TOURIST POLICE | 053- | |
| POLICE STATION | 053- | |
| AIRPORT | 053- | |
| HOSPITAL | 053- | |
| CITY HALL | 053- | |
| CULTURE CENTER | 053- | |
| TOURIST COORDINATION CENTER | 053- |
Phayao city to its Districts:
| - Chiang Kham - Chiang Muan - Chun - Dok Kham Tai - Mae Chai - Pong - Phu Sang |
82 kms 84 kms 50 kms 16 kms 22 kms 80 kms 102 km |
Wat Analayo is located in the foothills across the lake from the town of Phayao. You could easily spend an afternoon exploring the labyrinth of roads leading up to temples and monuments on the hill tops and ridges here; 
Wat Sri Khom Kham has one of Thailands tallest Buddha images. Towering 17 metres above those within, it is truely impressive. The temple complex also has graphic illustrations of the Buddhist version of hell, tucked away in the gardens. 
There are more than 40 Tai Lue villages across Phayao Province, with a strong connection going back to the height of the Lanna Kingdom of 750 years ago. Tai Lue are famous for their weaving, Chiang Kham is the place to go to admire and purchase...