Phayao in North Thailand

Phayao (พะเยา) population of 19,118. Phayao is 700 km form Bangkok.

Nearby ... Chiang Rai / Lampang / Phrae

Attractions in Phayao

Kwan Phayao Lake (กว๊านพะเยา) ... large fresh-water lake ... motor boats are not allowed on the lake.

Wat Si Khom Kham (วัดศรีโคมคำ) ... largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, height of 16 meters it took 33 years to complete.

Wat Phra That Sop Waen (วัดพระธาตุสบแวน) ... 700-years-old Lanna-style Chedi.

Doi Phu Nang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูนาง) ... Namtok Than Sawan waterfall.

Namtok Phu Sang (น้ำตกภูซาง) ... hot spring waterfall.

Sky Rocket Festival (งานทำบุญบ้องไฟ) ... in June at Tambon Ang Thong, Amphoe Chiang Kham.

History of Phayao

Phayao was founded in 1096 as a small independant kingdom. In the 13th century it gained enough importance to be equals of the Lannathai kingdom and Sukhothai kingdom. Later Lannathai captured Phayao in 1338, and made it part of Lannathai. During the Burmese rulership of Lannathai the city became deserted, and in 1897 became annexed into the Chiang Rai province until 1977.