Phayao Travel

Best time to visit

With temperatures a bit cooler than in the southern provinces, a visit to Phayao province is pleasant all year round. The rainy season, running from May to October, is not a reason to stay away from Phayao – storms can happen on a daily bases but normally last not more than a couple of hours. Try to avoid the period between August and October though if you’re too concerned about the rain.

The dry season from November till February is considered high season, so expect to find a lot of tourists especially during weekends.

The Yi Peng and Thai Lue Festival in November combines Loi Krathong, the lantern festival celebrated all around Thailand and particularly spectacular with the lake setting, with a more local affair focused on traditions and culture of Thai Lue ethnic group. Make sure you don’t miss it if travelling in the province at the right time.

Check the below table for the general idea of Phayao weather throughout the year.

Phayao’s current weather and 7-day forecast

PHAYAO WEATHER

1. Wat Tilok Aram

Wat Tilok Aram is one of the proofs that Kwan Phayao or Lake Phayao in the past was an old community. It was found that this ancient Monument is aged over 500 years. In addition, from the stone inscription unearthed in this area, the Temple was built by Phraya Yutthitsathira, a ruler of Phayao town under the command of Phrachao Tilokkarat of the Kingdom of Lanna in Chiang Mai, during 1476-1486, which was assumed the community had already settled here during that time. In 1939, the Department of Fishery built a water gate in Lake Phayao to contain water; consequently, many temples were flooded including Wat Tilok Aram that has been under Kwan Phayao for more than 68 years. Phayao province brought Luangpho Sila to be installed at the same spot in the centre of the Lake for tourists and the general public to pay respect via Boat and sightsee the beautiful scenery. On important Buddhist days; such as, Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha, visitors can witness a candlelight procession on the water around Phrathat Chedi Wat Thilok Aram at Lake Phayao, which is considered to be one of this kind of activity in the world.

2. Wat Si Khom Kham

Wat Si Khom Kham or Wat Phrachao Ton Luang or Wat Thung Iang, situated by Lake Phayao, is a main Temple of the city built around the 15th century. It houses Phrachao Ton Luang, the largest and oldest Buddha image in the Lanna Kingdom with a legend relating to the arrival of Lord Buddha including the Buddhist-related prediction about building Phrachao Ton Luang in the area called Nong Iang. It was assumed that the temple was built in 1524 after the construction around 1491 of the large bronze Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara measuring 14 x16 metres wide across the lap, called “Phrachao Ton Luang”, in the reign of Phraya Mueang Yi ruling Phayao. It is much revered by the people of Phayao as a sacred Buddha image of the city. The homage paying festival to Phrachao Ton Luang is annually held in the sixth lunar month (May). 

3. Phayao Walking Street

Phayao Walking Street is ideal for people who love Shopping and looking for souvenirs from the province; for example, Khaep Mu (crispy pork skin), Namphrik Num and Namphrik Ong (chilli pastes) at a reasonable price. The walking street takes place in front of Kwan Phayao on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and at the City Pillar Shrine on regular days.

4. Wat Analyo Thipphayaram

Wat Analyo Thipphayaram The myth of the Temple is when Phra Achan Phibun Sumangkhalo, a monk who was at Wat Rattanawanaram had a dream about seeing golden sand flowing down to the temple. The beam of golden sand poured down like a stream and soaked up the temple until it almost became a golden temple. When he glanced over the golden beam, he saw the mountain on the other side of Kwan Phayao. After that, a villager invited him to see a bizarre and important area to build an ecclesiastical residence for locals to making merit. In that area, villagers often saw the light in a round shape floating around above the high mountains. The light was so bright and sometimes was so yellow that when cast on the mountain that made it look like a golden mountain. These incidents were likely to happen on important Buddhist holy days; such as, on the 8th or the full moon days of the waxing moon of the lunar month. Later, the temple was named “Analyo Thipphayaram”.

5. Ban Din Kham Pu Chu

Many people want to have an earthen house since they thought living in this kind of house would keep them cool in summer, and warm in the cold Season. It is also inexpensive and suitable for sufficient living. But for the idea of a married couple like Khru Chui-Chonlada and Khru Cho-Sakchai Weyue, it began with the motivation to live on their own; they studied and gathered information about an earthen house and finally found that to build “Ban Din”, it not only resulted in a new house, but also changed them to be new persons at the same time when the house was finished.  
Ban Din Kham Pu Chu has not only served as a residence of both teachers, it is also a learning centre of the community’s Culture about how to build an earthen house, sufficient farming, and art training that is open to any interested persons without fee. Because for them, they recalled about the difficult time they had to struggle to search for knowledge before building an earthen  house. 

Anyone who is interested in building an earthen house as well as the way of self-independence can learn more details at the Facebook page: Ban Din Kham Pu Chu live & learn mud house.

6. Doi Luang national park

Doi Luang National Park is a complex mountainous range stretching along the north to the south directions with Doi Luang as the highest peak with an altitude of 1,694 metres above mean Sea level. Interesting attractions include Namtok Pu Kaeng, a 9-tiered limestone waterfall with water all year-round, Namtok Wang Kaeo, Namtok Champa Thong, and Namtok Mae Yaen. Visitors can also enjoy an activity of Trekking to conquer the mountaintop. Doi Luang mountain range has a special feature that looks like a hump and surrounded with high cliffs where it can clearly be seen from the ground below from the east of Kwan Phayao, or the north of Phahon Yothin Road towards Chiang Rai province. On the walking trail, visitors can observe an ancient Monument built by Khruba Siwichai, plant species, wild orchids, birds and butterflies as well as stunning scenery of Kwan Phayao and watch the sunrise in the morning.

7. Wat Nantaram

Wat Nantaram located at Ban Don Chai in the Chiang Kham Sub district Municipality, is a Temple that preserves a Thai Yai art styled wihan or Buddha image hall, which was wholly built with teakwood and beautifully decorated with perforated designs on wood at various elements; for example, gables, window panels and terrace. The temple looks majestic with the carved designs and shingle roofing in tiers perfectly. The interior of the wihan looks so sacred and powerful; when stepping inside, visitors will find a carved-lacquered and gilded golden teakwood principal Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara in the Thai Yai style dress installed on a perforated wooden pedestal. The principal image is accompanied by a white stone Buddha figure on one side and golden teakwood replica image of Lord Buddha on the other side, of which both are beautifully dressed in the Thai Yai style as well. In addition, the temple houses a Thai Yai-styled stupa and a museum displaying an antique collection of bank notes, utensils, old styled pattern textiles, as well as ancient drawings about the sermon of Vessantara Jataka in each episode.

8. Wat Phra Nang Din

Wat Phra Nang Din, the Unseen Thailand, located in Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Kham, is a Temple of which the principal Buddha image has no pedestal like others. There was an attempt to build the pedestal supporting the principal image by the locals, but it could not be lifted up. Hence, it was named “Phra Nang Din” (Buddha image Seated on the ground). Moreover, the story was told by the old people that villagers had built the Buddha image’s base and tried to place it onto the top; there was an incredible incident of three-time lightning strikes on the wihan. Finally, the Buddhist laypeople decided to keep Phra Nang Din seated on the ground until today.

9. Namtok Phu Sang

Namtok Phu Sang is an approximately 25-metres high small waterfall with water all year-round. The waterfall’s highlight is a warm current with about 35 degrees Celsius, having clear water and no sulphur odour. Therefore, it is swimmable during the cold Season. The waterfall is situated in Tambon Phu Sang, Amphoe Phu Sang, Phayao province; 200 metres from the Phu Sang national park’s headquarters. There was no evidence in the past, but legend told that grandpa (Pu) and grandma (Ya) who were pilgrims came to practice Dhamma on a hill and built a stupa before passing away. The locals called the stupa as “Phrathat Pu Sang” and it was later slightly distorted to be “Phu Sang.”

10. Phu Langka Forest Park

This beautiful mountain’s name was called after the Langka shape stupa located in Amphoe Chiang Kham and Amphoe Pong, Phayao province in the National Reserved Forests of Pa Nam Puei, Pa Nam Yuan and Pa Nam Lao, and Pa Mae Yom, occupying an area of approximately 7,800 rai. Established on 8 May, 2002, the Forest Park features a sloping mountain on the San Pan Nam Range lying on the east to west directions with an altitude of about 900-1,720 metres above mean Sea level containing important streams; namely, Nam Mae Kha running past the south direction, Huai Nam Tom and Nam Mae Ru flowing down to the Southwest, Huai Ka-naeng and Huai Pa Yang running down to Nam Mae Lao on the North, and all of these streams will flow into the Yom River.

Budget options

Sabuy Best Hotel Phayao 

Add: 939/5 Phahol Yothin Road, Wiang, Muang, Phayao, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Located in Phayao, Sabuy Best Hotel Phayao features a shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Free private parking is available and the hotel also provides free use of bicycles for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guest rooms at Sabuy Best Hotel Phayao include air conditioning and a wardrobe.

A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at Sabuy Best Hotel Phayao.

P Bliss hotel

Add: 130 ถนน รอบเวียงประตูชัย, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Located in Phayao, P Bliss hotel provides a restaurant. Free WiFi is available.

All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. At P Bliss hotel each room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

A à la carte breakfast is served each morning at the property.

Khong Khwan House 

Add: 152 Moo 13 Ban Huai Nam Khao, Thawangthong, Muang Phayao, 56000 Phayao, Thailand 

Khong Khwan House is situated in Phayao and has a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and valet parking, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Free private parking is available and the guest house also features bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

At the guest house, the rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All rooms have a wardrobe.

KWAN ENG HOMESTAY 

Add: 49 ถ.ราชวงค์ ต.เวียง, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Situated in Phayao, KWAN ENG HOMESTAY offers accommodation with free WiFi and flat-screen TV, as well as a shared lounge and a garden.

There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

The homestay offers a sun terrace.

If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and KWAN ENG HOMESTAY can arrange a car rental service.

Kanlaya House Resort

Add: 178/1 หมู่ 9 ตำบลท่าวังทอง, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Set in Phayao, Kanlaya House Resort has free bikes, shared lounge, garden, and free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms have a balcony.

All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom, rooms at the resort also have a garden view. At Kanlaya House Resort all rooms are fitted with a seating area.

Mid-range options

Phayao Gateway Hotel 

Add: 7/36 Pratuklong 2 Rd., T. Wieng, A. Muang, 56000 Phayao, Thailand 

Phayao Gateway Hotel features a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness centre and shared lounge in Phayao. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

The units at the hotel feature air conditioning and a wardrobe.

Phayao Gateway Hotel offers a à la carte or Asian breakfast.

Happiness Garden Hotel 

Add: 145 หมู่3 ต.ท่าวังทอง อ.เมือง, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Happiness Garden Hotel features accommodation in Phayao. This 3-star hotel offers a shared lounge and valet parking. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.

All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Guest rooms have a wardrobe.

Happiness Garden Hotel offers a buffet or Asian breakfast.

Phuthong Place 

Add: 335 Moo 4 Pratooklong Road. Tawangthong, Muang Phayao, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Located in Phayao, Phuthong Place offers a shared lounge. With free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and luggage storage for guests.

At the hotel, each room has a desk and a TV. Guest rooms include a wardrobe.

Guests at Phuthong Place will be able to enjoy activities in and around Phayao, like cycling.

M2 Hotel 

Add: 23/3 Pratooklong 1 Rd., T. Wiang, A. Muang, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

M2 Hotel provides air-conditioned accommodation in Phayao. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi. Free private parking is available and the hotel also offers bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

At the hotel, every room is equipped with a wardrobe. At M2 Hotel the rooms come with a desk, a TV and a private bathroom.

à la carte and American breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation.

M2 Hotel offers a terrace.

Green Hill Hotel Phayao 

Add: Thanon Phahon Yothin 356/1 Phaholyothin Rd., T.Wiang, A.Muang, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Set in Phayao, Green Hill Hotel Phayao offers 3-star accommodation with private balconies. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk.

At the hotel, every room includes a desk and a TV. The units feature a wardrobe.

Guests at Green Hill Hotel Phayao can enjoy an American breakfast.

Happiness Garden Hotel 

Add: 145 หมู่3 ต.ท่าวังทอง อ.เมือง, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Happiness Garden Hotel features accommodation in Phayao. This 3-star hotel offers a shared lounge and valet parking. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.

All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Guest rooms have a wardrobe.

Happiness Garden Hotel offers a buffet or Asian breakfast.

Deluxe options

BR2 House Resort 

Add: 359 Moo 12, Tha Wang Thong, Muaeng, 56000 Phayao, Thailand

Set in Phayao, BR2 House Resort offers 4-star accommodation with a terrace. Featuring a garden, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

The units at the hotel come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

Speaking English and Thai at the reception, staff are willing to help at any time of the day.

Phuglong 

Add: 888 Chaykwan Road, Wiang Mueang Phayao, 56000 Phayao, Thailand 

Situated in Phayao, Phuglong features a fitness centre. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms at Phuglong have air conditioning and a wardrobe.

An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation.

Guests at Phuglong will be able to enjoy activities in and around Phayao, like cycling.

Most of Phayao's restaurants serve a variety of cuisines to satisfy all the needs of Thai tourists , including Thai food and international dishes. Guest houses and resorts also have both culinary regions. Here are some good food outlets in Phayao:

• North Thai Khao Soi Saeng Phian (Th Thawawan Road)
• Kaat Boran Market (Thay Chaykawan Road)
• Night Market (Th Rob Wiang Road)
• Thai Chue Chan Restaurant (Th Chaykawan Road)

You can also go to markets not far from Phayao to buy things for your family and friends. With reasonable prices and quality assurance, Phayao markets are always attractive to customers when they come here.

By bus

If you are traveling self-sufficient , you can also refer to the bus companies operating daily from the North Bus Terminal in Bangkok (Mo Chit 2) to Phayao including Transportation Ltd. (0 2936 2852-66). ), Siam First Tour (0 2954 3601); and Sombat Tour (0 2936 2495).

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By train

Visitors can catch regular train departures from Lumphong Hua Bangkok Station to Den Chai Station in Phrae, or to Lampang or Chiang Mai, and then transfer to Phayao Bus.

By plane

There are no regular flights to Phayao. You can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and then transfer to Phayao bus.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight