Next to
Wat Si Koam Kam is Ho Watanatham Nithat. The indigenous
museum deals with the history and ancient relics of
Phayao, including native culture and traditions and
creativity. Open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the
morning to four in the afternoon.
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.
Namtok Champa Thong
Namtok Champa
Thong is a beautiful and tall waterfall amid natural
surroundings. It can be reached by taking the Phayao - Chiang
Rai route. After reaching Km. 7, take a turn and proceed on for
a further 16 kilometres.
Phayao Fresh-water Fishery Station
The Phayao
Fresh-water Fishery Station, on Highway No. 1 in town, is the
first facility in the world to successfully breed Pla Buk, the
giant catfish. There is an aquarium displaying many species of
fish and waterplants. Open during official working hours.
Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial
The Pho Khun
Ngam Mueang Memorial, located in the public park on the bank of
Kwan Phayao, commemorates a former king of Phayao, or Phu Kam
Yao, who was in power some 700 years ago. During his reign, the
state prospered and expanded its territory. As a close ally of
King Mengrai, the ruler of Chiang Rai, and King Ramkhamhaeng of
Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and
non-aggression.
Wat Ananlayo
About 7
kilometres north of town on Highway No.1 and further 9
kilometres after a left turn is a hilltop temple, Wat Ananlayo.
Covering an extensive area, cool and shady under leafy canopies
of large trees it features building and sculptures of
religion-based characters by contemporary craftsmen of great
skill. From here an expansive view of Kwan Phayao, the fields
and the town is visible.
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.
Wat Si Khom Kham
Wat Si Khom
Kham is a temple located on the bank of Kwan Phayao. It houses
the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, a
sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16
meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to
complete it. Celebrations are held every May.
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.
Chiang Kham
Chiang Kham
Chiang
Kham district is home to many Thai Lue people, about 74
kilometres to the northeast of Phayao on Highway No. 1021.
The Thai Lues originally were from the south of Yunnan in
China and migrated to northern Thailand, particularly to Nan
and Phayao, some 200 years ago.
Wat Nantaram
An
interesting temple in Chiang Kham is Wat Nantaram, a
Burmese-style site built entirely with teak. The woodworks
on the windows, gables, corridors and other parts are
beautifully chiseled in elaborate designs.
Wat Phra That Sop Waen
Another place of interest in Chiang Kham is
Wat Phra That Sop Waen. The temple houses a 700-year-old
Lanna-style Chedi.
Dok Khamtai
Ban Tham Indigenous
Cultural Centre
This
cultural centre is about 15 kilometres from the district
town of Dok Khamtai on the way to Chiang Muan district. It
has a large collection of native agricultural tools and
implements as well as ancient objects from which the
cultural lifestyle of the Lanna people in the past can be
studied. One kilometre before the Centre is a park shaded by
large trees with caves of hanging and protruding rock
deposits.
Doi Phu Nang National Park
This
national park is 48 kilometres south of Amphoe Dok Khamtai
along Highway No. 1251 and 4 kilometres along an access
road. A variety of birds are found, especially peacocks
which come to the park area for breeding from January to
March. The park also has a scenic waterfall called Namtok
Than Sawan. Camping in the park is possible.
Phu Sang
Ban Huak
Five kilometres from the Phu Sang waterfall
is a village on the Thai-Laotian border. On the 10th and
30th of every month, Ban Huak hold a bazaar for Thais and
Laotians to trade and barter their products.
Namtok Phu Sang National Park
Namtok Phu
Sang is a scenic waterfall about 20 kilometres to the north
of the district town of Chiang Kham on Highway No. 1093. The
surroundings are still in perfect natural condition. Phu
Sang is different than other waterfalls. It is fed by a hot
spring on the mountain which flows into the brook before
cascading over the fall.
