The picturesque, lakeside town of Phayao possesses a central position in northern Thailand with better-known neighbours Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai lying to the northwest and southwest, respectively, and historical Lampang situated due south. However, despite being, to our minds, one of the region’s most attractive provincial capitals, it’s also certainly one of the least visited by overseas tourists.
The laid-back town is set on the edge of scenic Khwan Phayao (Phayao Lake), overlooked by high, forest-clad mountains to the west. Relaxing rowing boat rides around the lake are available – particularly scenic at sunset time – and the waterfront is lined with tempting cafes, bars and restaurants offering, amongst other delicacies, grilled fresh fish out of the lake.
Khwan Phayao or Phayao Lake The almost complete lack of foreign visitors made charming Phayao a shoo-in for our new Hidden Thailand tour and indeed, feedback from our recent trial run trip was unanimously complimentary. The small town may lack spectacular temples or famous historic sites and we doubt it figures high on UNESCO’s to-do list, but with some cute accommodation options and great eateries, it makes a perfect overnight stop on route from Lampang (which perhaps should be in UNESCO’s sights) to the spectacular mountains of Phu Chi Fah overlooking the Mekong River in Chiang Rai Province.
Sunset boat tour around the lake Halfway between Lampang to Phayao lies the dramatic Wat Chalerm Phrakiet temple atop its limestone crags, while between Phayao and Phu Chee Fah are the highly unusual hot waterfalls of Phu Sang, formed by some cliff-top hot springs as well as interesting
A wonderful part of the country, yet an area surprisingly very little visited by foreign tourists. Lampang, Phayao and Phu Chi Fah all feature on our Hidden Thailand tour, taking you on an off-the-beaten-track route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
