Phayao Attractions and Travel Guide

Attractions

Phu Sang National Park

Phu Sang National Park is a part of Doi Pha Mon Mountain Range in King Amphoe Phu Sang, Chiang Kham District, Phayao, and Theong District, Chiang Rai, with a 30-kilometre boundary, connecting to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, covering a total area of 178,049 rai. Within the area are hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. The precious plants include Yang – Dipterocarpus alatus, Takhian -  Hopea odorata, Champi Pha – Michelia floribunda, cigar-box cedar, Burma Padauk, teak, Rang - Shorea siamensis, etc. This area comprises high and undulating mountain ranges where the summit of Doi Pha Mon, an original source of the Lao, Pueai, Bong, and Yuan Rivers, nurturing the agricultural sites of Chiang Kham District, Phu Sang Minor District in Phayao Province, and Thoeng District in Chiang Rai Province, is located. Apart from the perfect natural condition, the national park is also a habitat of Pu Lu or Siamese big-headed turtles, a rare and endangered species of turtle. This kind of turtle is small, short, has a long tail and big head. As their head is large, their 4-legs and tail cannot be drawn back into their shell. When their enemies or danger approach, especially forest fire, the turtles are usually killed by the fire. Therefore, Pu Lu turtles have become a symbol of the prevention of forest fire in Thailand. The Pu Lu turtles stay in the abundant forests on the high mountains, near the waterfalls or creeks with clean and clear water flowing throughout the year. The turtles can be observed during the nighttime, while they are searching for food.

Wat Analayo Thipphayaram

Wat Analayo Thipphayaram is situated on Doi Butsarakham, Ban San Pa Muang, Mu 6, San Pa Muang Sub-district, 20 kilometres from the centre of the province in the north along the Highway No. 1 Phayao – Chiang Rai route. At Km. 743, proceed for approximately 7 kilometres and turn left into Highway 1127 - 1193 for 9 kilometres. Within the compound of the temple is enshrined a beautiful Buddha image in the Sukhothai style of art, as well as, other images in various postures such as the reclining, walking, seated and protected by a seven-headed Naga one. They were deliberately cast. The Rattana Chedi is in the Indian Bodh Gaya style of art. There is also a Chinese pavilion housing Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, a Buddha image hall where a golden replica of the Emerald Buddha image is enshrined, as well as those made of topaz, silver, gold, and gold-silver-copper alloy. From the summit of the mountain, the atmosphere of Kwan Phayao and Mueang Phayao can be clearly admired. There are both steps and a path for vehicles up to the top. Contact Tel. 0 5448 2226.

Wat Si Khom Kham

Wat Si Khom Kham is a temple located in the centre of Mueang Phayao by Kwan Phayao. It is a 3rd class royal temple and selected model of a developed one. Local people call it “Wat Phrachao Ton Luang”, after the largest Buddha image in the Chiang Saen style of art in the Lanna Thai Kingdom. It is a Buddha image with a lap width of 14 metres and height of 16 metres, and was cast during 1491-1524. Phrachao Ton Luang or Phrachao Ong Luang is not only a signature Buddha image of Phayao, but also one of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. During Visakha Puja Day of every year, there is a ceremony to pay respect to Phrachao Ton Luang, called “The Ceremony to Pay Respect to Phrachao Ong Luang in the 8th Northern Lunar Month”. Moreover, within the compound of the temple stands an ubosot in the water by the bank of Kwan Phayao, where there are mural paintings in elaborate designs by Achan Angkarn Kalayaanapong, a National Artist of Thailand.

Phokhun Ngam Mueang Monument

Phokhun Ngam Mueang Monument is located at the Mueang Phayao Municipality Public Park (Suan Somdet Ya 90) in front of Kwan Phayao. Phokhun Ngam Mueang was the 9th king of Phu Kamyao Town during the very prosperous period of 1258 – 1298. The king drank the oath of friendship water together with Phokhun Mengrai of Chiang Mai Kingdom and Phokhun Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai Kingdom. The three kings conducted this oath-taking ceremony by the Ing River, within the compound of the Phayao Fresh-water Fishing Station nowadays. Phokhun Ngam Mueang has been known as a person with great might. It has been told that anywhere he went to, “the sunlight was not hot, while the rain did not fall. When he wanted the sun to come out, it became shiny, but when he wanted the sunlight to disappear, the cloud came to obstruct it”. Therefore, he was called “Ngam Mueang”. On 5 March of every year, a ceremony will be conducted to worship Phokhun Ngam Mueang. 

Wat Si Umong Kham

The Chiang Saen-style Chedi at Wat Si Umong Kham is still in good condition. The Lanna-style Buddha statue, Phra Chao Lan Tue, is regarded as the most beautiful anywhere.

Wat Phra That Chomthong

Wat Phra That Chomthong, just opposite Wat Si Khom Kham, can be reached by the 1.5-kilometre-long uphill road. Surrounded by an arboretum, the temple offers a panoramic view of the town and the lake.

Kwan Phayao 

An extensively fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao is the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North which provides the livelihood of many of the local people. The surrounding scenery, particularly at dusk, is stunning. Along the banks are located food-shops and recreation sites.

Mae Puem National Park

Mae Puem National Park covers an area of 222,500 rai in Chiang Rai and Phayao Provinces. Most of the areas are steep mountain ranges, being the origin of the Mae Kaeo and Mae Puem Rivers. It comprises dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, pine forest, and mixed deciduous forest. Plants found in the park include teak, ironwood - Xylia xylocarpa, Burma paduak, Makha Mong - Afzelia xylocarpa, 2-needled pine, rosewood, Hiang - Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, plants in the Fagaceae family, as well as, more than 40 species of birds and other fauna such as barking deer, wild boars, fishing cats, mouse deer, etc. Moreover, it is a significant place of reserving water; namely, Mae Puem Reservoir with an area of around 5,000 rai. During January – March of every year, a large number of teals usually migrate to the reservoir. Activities provided are paddle boats and a nature study route. For further information, please contact Mae Puem National Park, Ban Pa Tueng, Mae Chai Sub-district, Mae Chai District, Phayao Province, 56130 or Bangkok Office, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

Doi Phu Nang National Park

Doi Phu Nang National Park is located in Dok Khamtai District, Pong District and Chiang Muan District, covering a total area of 462,775 rai. The park comprises undulating mountain ranges with dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Moreover, there are various kinds of fauna such as soft-shelled turtles, monitor lizard, and a variety of birds, especially peacocks. This national park is considered as a habitat of the largest number of peacocks in the North in which there are approximately 265. Moreover, it is a habitat of the last flock of Thai green peafowls of the Indo-china subspecies. The breeding period of the peafowls is in January – March, while the most appropriate time for travelling is in October – January due to the very beautiful natural environment.

Kaeng Luang Dinosaur Forest Park 

Kaeng Luang Dinosaur Forest Park is at Mu 7, Ban Nong Klang, Ban Mang Sub-district. They are fossils of a Sauropod dinosaur, which is a large kind of herbivorous one with a long neck, long tail, and walking with 4 legs. The fossilized bones of the dinosaur discovered are at least 15 metres long, with a weight of more than 100 tonnes, and a height of more than 100 feet. It is estimated to have lived not less than 130 million years ago and is considered as a piece of world historical evidence. Moreover, the evolution of human beings can be traced from the fossils of an ape aged 15 million years. It can be considered as an origin of humankind.

Wat Tha Fa Tai

Wat Tha Fa Tai is at Mu 11, Ban Fa Si Thong, Sa Sub-district, on the Pong – Chiang Muan Route. It was constructed in 1768 by Khru Thammasena and Phothao Saen-atthi, the leaders of the Thai Lue people who immigrated from Xishuangbanna, People’s Republic of China. The ubosot is low and made of bricks and cement. Its 3-tiered roof is covered with “Paen Klet” or the Thai Lue wooden shingles. The main Buddha image was engraved of Burma padauk wood in the subduing Mara posture, with a width at its lap of 117.5 centimetres and a height of 227.5 centimetres. It was taken from Xishuangbanna and enshrined on a rectangular Chukkachi base with redented corners, presenting the Thai Lue style of art. The base was decorated with stucco reliefs of vines with black lacquer applied, as well as, covered with gold sheets and adorned with colourful mirrors. Moreover, there is a sermon pulpit whose characteristic is similar to a mondop or prasat with a square base with 20 redented corners, decorated with stucco reliefs of vines and various kinds of animals such as deer, elephants, horses, and peacocks. The distinctive characteristic is the reflecting floral designs inlaid with colourful mirrors. The wihan is low and reflects the Thai Lue style of art made of bricks and cement. Its 3-tiered roof is covered with wooden shingles. The 1st tier is a hip roof, covering the 4 sides of the wihan, while the 2nd and 3rd tiers are in the Prasat style with gables and eaves on the East and West.

Pang Kha Royal Project and Development Centre

Pang Kha Royal Project and Development Centre is situated at Pang Kha Village, Pha Chang Noi Sub-district. The area of the centre comprises mountains and rises with a height of 1,000-1,300 metres above sea level. The demonstration plots are open for tourists to visit and study. The activity provided is a visit to the vegetable, flowering plants and fruit plants demonstration plots. The centre also provides accommodation, tents, and sleeping bags. Please contact Tel. 0 5440 1032 for further information.

 To get there: The total distance from Chiang Mai Province is 285 kilometres. Take Highway 118 from Chiang Mai, passing Wiang Pa Pao District, Wang Nuea District, and Phayao Province into the Chiang Kham District – Nan Route. Then, turn left at Km. 90 and go straight on along the Ro Pho Cho Road for approximately 5 kilometres to the centre. The total travel time takes around 4½ hours.

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