History
Date: Tuesday 7th February 2012Phayao was established around 1095 by the King of Chiang Saen, as a small city-state kingdom. By the reign of King Ngum Muang, circa 1267 it is thought to have become a very prosperous region.
In the 13th century it gained enough importance to be equal partner of King Mengrai of Lannathai and the Sukhothai kingdom. However a later king of Lannathai captured Phayao in 1338, and made it part of Lannathai.
During the Burmese rulership of Lannathai the city became deserted, and in 1897 King Rama V combined Phayao with Chiang Rai Province. On August 28, 1977 it was divided from Chiang Rai again, and again became a province of Thailand in its own right.
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...