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Phayao

While little of its historic heritage remains for visitors to see, Phayao was once an independent kingdom nearly 1000 years ago. While the capital has developed into a charming, relatively modern town, much of Phayao remains unchanged; the province retains its greatly unspoiled natural beauty, featuring both rice growing lowlands and substantial mountains where many hill tribe villages continue to live traditional lifestyles.
Phayao town, which is situated beside picturesque Lake Phayao, features ornate gardens and parks that are popular picnicking grounds ideal for watching the fading sunsets light reflecting upon the lake. The small city exudes a relaxing vibe, although Chai Kwan Road, which runs along the lakeside, features a respectable variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. A reasonable selection of accommodation is also available as the region is popular with Thai visitors from other provinces.

Aside from the large lake and a number of charming temples however, there is little to do in Phayao except relax and plan for explorations of the countryside and neighboring provinces. Nonetheless, few who make the journey to Phayao have any regrets about visiting this stunningly beautiful province.

Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though it has only modest facilities and conveniences, Phayao is an enchanting community with outstanding natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back more than 900 years, Phayao used to be an independent state before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. Today, Phayao is a laid-back town surrounded by lush natural beauty. The lakeside strip of bars and restaurants is a perfect place to unwind and plan journeys into the countryside, within which many hill tribe communities retain much of their traditional lifestyles.

Transport

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Phayao is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a plane or train to nearby Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai an then a bus to Phayao. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors, and tuk tuks. no info on getting around

Getting to and from Phayao

  • By Train:
    Visitors can take a regular train from Bangkoks Hua Lumphong Station to Den Chai Station in Phrae, or farther along to Lampang or Chiang Mai, and then transfer to a bus to Phayao. Call 1690 for more information.
  • By Car:
    From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 and Highway No. 1 to Phayao via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Nakhon Sawan, Tak and Lampang, a total distance of 966 kilometers.
    For an alternative route, take Highway No. 1 to Amphoe Tak Fa via Saraburi and Lop Buri before turning onto Highway No. 11 to Phrae via Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Uttaradit, and finally proceeding to Phayao along Highways No. 101, No. 103 and No. 1.

    Otherwise, most visitors arrive in Phayao by driving from neighboring provinces, such as Chiang Rai (90 km), Chiang Mai (140 km) and Nan (137 km).
  • By Bus:
    Bus companies which operate daily bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Phayao include Transport Co. Ltd (Tel: 0 2936 2852-66, website: www.transport.co.th); Siam First Tour (Tel: 0 2954 3601); and Sombat Tour (Tel: 0 2936 2495).
  • By Air:
    There are no regular commercial flights to Phayao. Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and then transfer to a bus to Phayao.

Getting Around Phayao

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and local busses and songtaews for trips between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and samlors (three wheeled pedal powered cabs) are usually available for private charter as well.


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