Where am I again?
Region: Northern Thailand> Province: Phayao>Location: Phayao
Phayao sights and attractions
Wat Sri Khom Kham - Sinners be warned
On the lakeshore, 1 km out of town
Description
Although best known for its impressive 17 m sitting Buddha, what really turns heads is the scuplture garden within the temple's grounds.
Described as the Heaven Hell Park, the sculpture garden sits just north of the temple entrance and contains a collection of statues representing heaven and hell. In temples throughout Thailand it is not unusual to see heaven and hell portrayed in murals somewhere within the grounds, but this is the only scuplture garden dedicated to the theme we've come across. Surely designed primarily to scare children, some of hell's statues are particularly grotesque while those representing heaven are serene. Makes for an intriguing photo shoot.
Aside from the garden, the Buddha image on site gives the temple its unofficial name of Phra That Ton Luang and the grounds are peaceful enough to wander around.
An annual fair takes place here in May.
How to get there: The temple is about 1 km out of town, on the lakeside. To get there walk out of town for about 15 minutes. It is about 100 m past the Cultural Centre.
King Ngam Muang Monument - The city's favourite son
Lakeside, near the park
Description
Born in 1238, Ngam Muang was schooled in Lopburi and returned to take over his father's role as ruler of Phayao in 1258. Eighteen years later, when expansionist King Mangrai marched on Phayao, King Ngam Muang went out and met him, and instead of fighting cut a deal which gave some territory to Mangrai but averted war.
The statue is near the public park looking over the lake.
Phayao Cultural Exhibition Hall - An excellent local museum
Lakeside just under 1 km out of town
Description
This very interesting two-storey museum has a vast collection of items related to Phayao's history, archeology and sociology. Particularly intriguing is a section giving information on prominent Phayaoians (living and dead) and what they mean to the locals.
Well-designed with English labelling throughout, the museum is a great example many of Thailand's other museums would do well to follow.
Well worth a visit.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-16:00
How to get there: Walk out of town along the lake for about 10 minutes and the centre is on your left.
Wat Phra That Chom Thong - Pleasant hilltop temple
Around 1.5 km out of town
Description
This pleasant hilltop temple is set at the centre of a grove and can be reached by either a long staircase or a winding road. Although you'd expect the views to be great, the grove blocks most -- with the exception of the view back down the stairway.
It is unclear when the chedi here was first built and since then it has been renovated on a number of occasions, partly explaining its good condition.
According to information on site, the chedi was built to house a relic of the Buddha that was sent here from Chiang Saen, though it is unclear if there is any truth to the story.
The wat is very well kept and though you are welcome to wander throughout, a handful of nasty pooches prowl the area so be cautious.
How to get there: To get here leave town along the lakeside road and go past the first entrance to Wat Sri Khom Kham. When you reach the second and main entrance, you'll see almost opposite the entrance a road running up to the beginning of the staircase to Wat Phra That Chom Thong to your right, on the other side of the road.
Kwan Phayao - A large scenic lake
Description
Kwan (Lake) Phayao covers between 17 and 18 square kilometres and was formed by the construction of a dam by the Fisheries Department in 1941. Prior to the dam's construction the area was filled by a number of smaller lakes and swamps whose levels changed seasonally.
Today the lake is a scenic spot popular with local tourists and is also a large fishing resource. Head down to its banks in the early morning and you'll see fishers dealing with their livelihoods -- there is no shortage in this part of Thailand.
Wat Analayo - A fascinating, rambling site
17 km out of Phayao town
Description
This wat is a must-see if you have your own transport. The eclectic mix of religious architecture and iconography rambles across a fascinating area stretching out along a hilltop ridge. Worthy of at least an hour's exploration.
The temple grounds have very pleasant garden views out and over the surrounds and many photogenic spots.
Well worth a visit.
How to get there: The best way to reach Wat Analayo is under your own steam. The temple is well signposted from Phayao town.