Phayao

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Lying between Chiang Mai and Nan provinces and due south of Chiang Rai, Phayao province is split between lowland rice growing areas and mountains containing substantial hilltribe populations.

The province was administratively separated from Chiang Rai in 1977 but further back in Thai history, it was an autonomous city-state, though generally still under the tutelage of one of its more powerful neighbours -- unfortunately, little of the city's rich heritage remains to be seen today.

The mid-sized, prosperous provincial capital, also called Phayao, is rarely visited by backpackers, but is creeping onto bus tour itineraries. It is popular with Thais who flock here from as far away as Bangkok for its scenic location on the edge of the beautiful Phayao Lake.

Believed to have been first built by the King of Chiang Saen around the turn of the 12th century, today it is just another ordinary urban centre. The city is very laid-back and peaceful, while the lakeside strip of Chai Kwan Rd is lined with bars, restaurants and nightclubs set against ornate gardens and parks full of picknicking Thais.

 

Lakeside breezes help keep the city cool and while there's little to actually do in Phayao, the sunset views across the lake to the distant hills from one of the excellent restaurants make at least an overnight stop here well worthwhile.

Aside from the large lake there is little of interest in town for the traveller, but it does make for a handy base for exploring the surrounds -- there are a number of interesting wats and some stunning mountain scenery that can easily be explored and experienced from here.

Depending on route taken, Phayao is 600-700 km from Bangkok, 90 km from Chiang Rai, 140 km from Chiang Mai and 137 km from Nan. This positioning makes it a good choice to break the journey of those travelling between Nan and Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

Text and/or map last updated on 12th August, 2009.

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Reccom. for Visiting Phayao  In Thailand: by lostinthai, last reply by lostinthai	9	932
Anyone been to Phayao Northern Thailand ?  In Thailand: by henricartier, last reply by wanderingcat	1	1168
Northeast of north Thailand (Phrae-Nan-Phayao-Chiang Rai): worth visiting?  In Cycling in Asia: by koen31, last reply by koen31	11	2089

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