Things to do & places to visit in Phayao Province, Thailand

Phayao Province #50 destination in Thailand 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 472 traveler reviews, of 33 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Bangkok, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 21:58.

Phayao Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

94°F - 72°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm, comfortable

Feels like

20%

Chance of rain

140.0 millimeters

Amount

7.7 mph

Wind speed

54%

Humidity

12.6

Daylight length

6:02 AM

Sunrise

6:36 PM

Sunset

41%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (12)

Top destinations in Phayao Province 22

See more 10 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Pang Kha Royal Project and Development Centre (3 reviews)
- Royal Project par excellence!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We wandered into the grounds here while based at the nearby Phu Lang Ka Resort and so glad we were to find such a pristine sanctuary in remote Phayao. Visiting on Xmas eve, we were invited to walk the production area of the farm and saw villagers busy at work washing and packing their freshly harvested produce for sale in the cities. Lunch was simple but consisted of the freshest veggies and lovely free range eggs. We were lucky that one of their small cottages was vacant on Xmas night and we booked it immediately. The staff at the Royal Project Center were all so lovely, friendly and helpful. The mountain villagers that peddled their produce at the Center were from the Hmong minority tribe and most spoke little Thai but were very kind and gentle. This place is not so easy to find but it is worth every effort to seek it out - don't ask us, you'll enjoy it more finding it yourself! Tip: google maps has an accurate pin on this place. We plan to return. See more..
5.0 Wiang Lo Ancient Town (2 reviews)
Points of Interest & Landmarks

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5.0 Wat Phrathat Khing Kaeng (2 reviews)
Points of Interest & Landmarks

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5.0 Wat Si Chum (1 review)
- Exquisitely beautiful !
Religious Sites

With 15 minute drive from Phayao city, we reached the stupendous temple. The exterior of the hall really stunned us by its Lanna style white structure embellished with many spectacular handmade stucco (similar to the famous Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai). The interior of the hall is far more astounding. Every square inches are filled with detailed sculptures carved from teakwood about the legendary Himmapan forest and its dwellers, angels, noble monks, and beautiful patterns (very much impressed in branches and leaves of the tree ; such a delicate wood carving !). Then, we worshipped "Phra Jao Tan Jai", 800 year old Chiang Saen style Buddha statue. A kind uncle (staff) told us that the statue was lost during the second world war and was later found after more than 70 years of disappearance. Worth a visit. See more..
5.0 Wat Phra That Phu Sang (1 review)
- beautiful temple that is rarely visited but is truly serene and peaceful
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
This temple sits atop a hill close to the Phu Sang waterfall. It is rarely visited and is therefore very quiet. It's a beautiful quiet temple and you can sit quietly and pray and just contemplate. The views from the temple are amazing and I recommend it if you are visiting Phu Sang. See more..
5.0 Thai Lue House Museum (1 review)
- Original Tai Lue house.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is an awesome 75 year old "inhabited" Tai Lue house. Its architecture style is truly traditional Tai Lue ; elevated wooden house with the working space under the house (where there was Tai Lue weaving demonstration). When we arrived, they changed our clothes and turned us into Lue people (costume rental = 200 baht) before had a city tour. After the city tour, we returned to the house to have a local dinner on the patio of the house where we met 92 year old kind lady "Mae Saengda", the owner and the only dweller of the house (her ancestor was from Mengla in Xishuangbanna). She led us to visit each zone of her house such as bedroom, old style kitchen, and granary. Then, we had the wonderful Khantoke dinner with many traditional Tai Lue dishes (strange but delicious). Finally, there was a wrist-binding ceremony (บายศรีสู่ขวัญ) performed by Mae Saengda before we left the place. We also bought a shirt as a souvenir. 5 stars. This is one of the must visit places in Chiang Kham. Highly recommend ! P.S. Advance reservation required. See more..
5.0 Chiang Kham Morning Market (1 review)
- Lovely daily fresh food market across from Chiang Kham Post office
Monday: 3:00 AM - 8:00 AM Flea & Street Markets
Every early morning local vendors start lining the streets and the market across from CK post office building to sell fresh fruits, veggies, meat, fish and other live stock, as well as home cooked food and packaged good to local residents. Perfect place to taste local Thai traditional coffee and buy freshly made local breakfast delicacies. Best time is between 0630 and 800 See more..
4.5 Wat Si Khom Kham (57 reviews)
- Significant temple in Phayao
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The temple is the home of a 530 year old Buddha statue "Phra Chao Ton Luang". Measuring 16 metres in width and 18 metres in height, the statue was once considered the biggest Buddha image in Lanna (northern Thailand). After worship Phra Chao Ton Luang, don't forget to visit the hell garden and the museum nearby. See more..
4.5 Wat Analayo Thipphayaram (47 reviews)
- Nice temple
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Nice temple in the hill. Great place for walking, everything is very interesting. Go there and you will like See more..
4.5 Wat Tilok Aram (36 reviews)
- Temple on the island in the middle of Phayao lake.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The (approximately) 550 year old original temple is still submerged under the lake due to the construction of water control gates about 80 years ago. What we see in this day is an ancient Buddha statue (Luang Por Sila) rescued from the lake on the small greenish island in the middle of the lake. After 10 minutes gondola cruise (really enjoy ; 50 baht/person round trip), we reached the island. Then, we worshipped Luang Por Sila and spent the next 15 minutes strolling around the little island before took a boat back to the shore. See more..
4.5 Wat Nantaram (27 reviews)
- Gorgeous Burmese temple.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is an impressive centenarian Burmese-Tai Yai style teak temple with elegant cascade roofs. The principle Buddha statue in the temple was carved from a single teak tree lacquered in black and gold in Mandalay style, sitting on a wooden throne decorated with mosaic. According to our local guide, the wooden pattern around the throne contains 8 hidden cupids (which I couldn't find only a single ; don't lucky in love, isn't it?). There is also a small museum that collects many old artifacts such as banknotes, tools, votive tablets, ancient manuscripts. Stunning place. Many nice spots to take photos. This is certainly one of must visit places in Chiang Kham. See more..
4.5 Phu Sang National Park (24 reviews)
- Gorgeous waterfall
National Parks

This is a nice national park with a beautiful waterfall fed by a natural hot spring in the mountains near Laos. Great place to stop for some pictures and a picnic. See more..
4.5 Phra Tamnak Kwan Phayao and Phayao Fresh-water Fishery Station (19 reviews)
- Amazing place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Amazing place with great viev for lake and mountains. I love it. You can walk, enjoy, relax on one of many picnics places. Rally recommend See more..
4.5 Wat Phra That Chomthong (16 reviews)
- Beautiful temple.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Located on the hill, the peaceful ambience temple has many nice spots and a good view of Phayao lake. We worshipped an elegant golden pagoda that contains Buddha's relics (there are 12 symbols representing Lanna zodiac around the base of the pagoda ; Lanna zodiac is the same as Chinese zodiac except for the last one that is an elephant instead of a pig) and strolled around the place to take some photos. See more..
4.5 Wat Anal Yothippyaram (15 reviews)
- The temple across the lake
Speciality Museums

I spent some time taking pictures of the different styles of temple art, and Buddha images as we worked our way up the stairs. I wasn’t prepared for the huge Buddha at the summit. Actually, both of them. Also the little Chinese pagoda at the entrance. See more..
4.5 Phu Langka Forest Park (13 reviews)
- Breathtaking view.
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We had a coffee break at a cafe and drove past the place. We also stopped to take some photos and admire the fabulous view of greenish field and foggy mountains. What a wonderful view ! See more..
4.5 Wat Phrachao Nang Din (12 reviews)
- Beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Above all don't miss the wall paintings above the windows of the ordination hall. They are not just very good quality but show the life of the local people - farmers, markets and a change from some of the more garish paintings of the Lord Buddha's life. The rest of the temple complex is nice too - an hour will scarcely be enough to absorb its art and atmosphere. See more..
4.5 Ban Kae Phayao (8 reviews)
- Nice place
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Just follow the goooglemaps, nice place for a small rest with a good viev. Have toilet (free of charge) provided. See more..
4.5 Wat Si Umong Kham (7 reviews)
- Stunning sunset from temple on the lake shore
Speciality & Gift Shops

This temple is located in a magical location on the edge of a mountain-fringed lake. It took 33 years to complete and enshrines the largest Lanna style buddha image. The seated statue measures 16 meters high and 14 meters across the lap. Extra ordinary. Its position on the shore of Kwan Phayao,the largest freshwater lake in the upper north,stocked with fish which provide the livelihood for much of the locals. The surrounding scenery,particularly at sunset is stunning. There are plenty of food shops and recreation areas along the lake shore. See more..
4.5 Doi Phu Nang National Park (5 reviews)
- Great stop
National Parks • Parks

It's a really nice road from Phayao to Nan on a motorbike. It's a lovely stop to make without too much effort and it doesn't seem to be a very busy place - at least in August it wasn't ! The jungle and waterfalls are very beautiful and it's a nice place to have a swim and cool down. See more..
4.0 Kwan Phayao (140 reviews)
- Heart of Phayao.
Bodies of Water

Originated about 80 years ago due to the construction of a dam across Ing river (which turned the surrounding lowland region into a huge reservoir as we seen today), this is the biggest freshwater lake in northern Thailand. The lovely lake has still water with a beautiful mountainous background view and boasts an abundance of life including fish, birds, and aquatic plants floating on its surface. Although the lake is located at the center of Phayao city, it made me feel at peace. In the morning, we walked leisurely along the lakeshore and released some fish into the lake. Then, we travelled around (and on) the lake and visited many attractions. Finally, we were back again in the night to wander around a walking street (along the lakeshore) consisted of many stalls selling food, coconut ice cream, or souvenirs. See more..
4.0 Wat Saen Mueang Ma (7 reviews)
- Tai Lue temple.
Speciality Museums

The temple was built by Tai Lue people evacuated from Xishuangbanna (southern China) about 200 years ago. Its architecture style is a combination between Tai Lue and Lanna with cascading roofs and decorated by statues of mythical creatures like Singha and Naga (with antlers). The principle Buddha image in the temple hall is in traditional Tai Lue style (which looks different from Thai and Lanna style). Moreover, there is a 2 storey wooden house that imitate traditional Tai Lue house. There's also a souvenir shop inside the temple. See more..
4.0 Wat Phra That Sop Waen (7 reviews)
- Tai Lue temple.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Highlights of the temple included an 800 year old Lanna style white pagoda with golden top that contains Buddha relics (hair and mandible). Moreover, our local guide led us into the memorial hall that contains 13 beautiful paintings created by local artists that depict history of Tai Lue people in Chiang Kham, their culture, daily life, and festivals. Many thanks to our local guide for gave us a wonderful explanation about messages in every paintings, some interesting details, and historical facts such as the great evacuation of Tai Lue people from Xishuangbanna (southern China) about 200 years ago and their journey until ended up at Chiang Kham. See more..
4.0 Ho Watanatham Nithat (7 reviews)
- ประวัติศาสตร์ที่หายไปกว่า 900 ปี ของอาณาจักรภูกามยาวได้ถูกรวบรวมไว้ที่นี่
Points of Interest & Landmarks
ได้ไปเยือนแล้วรู้เลยว่า อาณาจักรภูกามยาวนี้เคยยิ่งใหญ่ในอดีต ช่างเป็นสิ่งที่มีค่าควรแก่การเรียนรู้และศึกษายิ่งนัก วัฒนธรรมที่สาบสูญ อดีตที่รุ่งเรือง ทำให้รู้ว่า เมืองพะเยา ไม่ธรรมดาจริงๆ น่าท่องเที่ยว น่าค้นหา น่ามาสัมผัส ฯลฯ See more..
4.0 Wat Li (5 reviews)
- An old temple with an unrevealed museum
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Location description: This temple is far from the downtown. You may take almost 1 hour to reach the place from the Bus station. Besides, this temple is not on the roadside of main road AH2, you have to keep walking in small lanes for 100-200 meters after you turn away the main road. Best way to be here for backpackers might be to call the motorcycle divers; the local bus( Tuk tuk) doesn't drive passenger here. Introduction: The temple was established in 1495, which is kind of old. Recommendation: There is a museum in this temple, just on the left side of the main tower. The entrance is free, you just need to say hello to the monks who manage the museum. There are hundreds of Buddha images and antiques in this museum, some of which are from Sukhothai. However, those images are just arranged in a random way without English introduction. This museum includes a lot of interesting stuff, if you want to understand more stories about here, I suggest you come with a Thai friend who is able to speak both Thai and English. See more..
3.5 Lak Muang Phayao Shrine (3 reviews)
- パヤオの町の柱です
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

タイではよく見られる、「町の柱」です。ほぼ正方形のこじんまりとした公園の中心にあり、柱を覆っているお堂が白できれいでした。お堂の中には入れませんでしたが、周囲には象や鶏の置物がたくさん置かれていました。 See more..
3.5 2324 Sacrificial Monument (2 reviews)
- very cools i love sacrivfcie chleds
Monuments & Statues

england is not the first ofd myt language, peleae forgitr the bad spellings hello it is a me, trips profesional man, this place is very very good, i love sacrivfec the chleds, i surgically remove their're liver and sell to the monument, very cool See more..
3.0 Phu Klong Hill Vineyard (2 reviews)
- Feels a bit misleading with vineyard as a title
Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

In order to get a little more visitors, perhaps you should press on, small zoo, nice garden, cafe, outdoor pool.20 minutes drive from Phayao and an attraction that suits both young and old See more..
3.0 Mae Puem National Park (1 review)
- Very quiet
National Parks • Parks
A very quiet park with a big lake. Saw some people camping there. Not much to do otherwise. Would be ok for a picnic overlooking the lake. See more..
3.0 Chiang Muan Dinosaur Museum (1 review)
- Dinosaur fossil site
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
The site is part of the Doi Phu Nang National Park so you may have to pay a fee at the ranger station (max 100 baht). For those wishing to visit Chiang Muan Dinosaur, be aware this is just a dinosaur excavation site, not a museum or anything like it, such as at Phu Wieng (Khon Kaen) or Sirindhorn (Kalasin) and it is not easy to reach either. On the hand, it has not been established yet which group of dinosaurs this discovery belongs to. All that is known is that it is a sauropod (plant eating dinosaur). It could yet prove important if it turns out to be a new species. The first fossil was found in 2002 by children picking mushrooms. See more..