Things To Do
in Phayao
Phayao is a quiet provincial city in northern Thailand centered on the scenic Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake), where temples and a relaxed lakeside promenade shape local life. The town retains Lanna cultural touches, friendly small-town markets and easy access to surrounding national parks and waterfalls. Visitors come for slow-paced sightseeing — lakeside sunrise/sunset views, Wat Si Khom Kham’s large seated Buddha and nearby hill-trail day trips.
Phayao is a good base for exploring lesser-known northern Thailand away from the busier Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful stroll along the shores of Phayao Lake, where the calm waters reflect the morning sun. Enjoy a delicious traditional Thai breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like Khao Tom and fresh fruit. Take in the sights of local fishermen casting their nets, creating a serene backdrop for your morning.
After lunch, rent a bike and explore the scenic paths surrounding the lake, stopping to visit the ancient Wat Tilok Aram temple located on a small island. Spend some time at the Phayao Cultural Center, where you can learn about the local history and culture through engaging exhibits. As you cycle back, enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant flora that adorns the lake's banks.
In the evening, enjoy a lakeside dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer fresh seafood dishes and traditional Thai cuisine. As the sun sets, witness the stunning colors reflecting off the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy the gentle breeze and local street performers.
Begin your day by visiting the vibrant Phayao Morning Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and sample delicious street food. Stroll through the stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional snacks, taking in the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to try some local specialties like Khao Soi or sticky rice with mango.
After exploring the market, head to Wat Phra That Jom Thong, an ancient temple perched on a hill that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Spend some time learning about the temple's history and significance while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. For lunch, visit a nearby eatery to savor authentic Northern Thai cuisine, perhaps trying the local dish of Gaeng Hang Lay.
As dusk approaches, return to the market for the evening food stalls that come alive with delicious aromas and bustling crowds. Sample a variety of local delicacies, from grilled meats to sweet desserts, while mingling with locals. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to remember your time in Phayao.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee / Cafe drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus / songthaew ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-50 |
| 🚕Short motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk ride | $0.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful lakeside setting with scenic sunrises and sunsets
- Access to lesser-known parks, waterfalls and authentic northern Thai culture
- Lower costs and fewer crowds than regional hubs like Chiang Mai
- Friendly local communities and easy pace for relaxation
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
- Public transport links are less frequent than in bigger cities — may need private transfers
- Fewer direct flights; most travelers transfer via Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai
- Some attractions can be affected by seasonal weather (heavy rains making roads tricky)
- "สวัสดี (Sawasdee) / Sawatdee kha/khap" - Hello (kha for female speaker / khap for male speaker)
- "ขอบคุณ (Khob khun) / Khob khun kha/khap" - Thank you
- "เท่าไหร่ (Tao rai?)" - How much?
- "ไม่เป็นไร (Mai pen rai)" - No problem / you're welcome
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน (Hong nam yoo tee nai?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "ช่วยหน่อยได้ไหม (Chuay noi dai mai?)" - Can you help me please?
Places to Visit in Phayao
Visit one of these nice places.
Lake sunrise and sunset are the town’s signature shots — reflections of temples and fishing boats create atmospheric photos, especially from the promenade or small piers.
Large seated Buddha and ornate temple architecture make for classic cultural photos; the temple compound and nearby lakeside views are photogenic at golden hour.
Smaller lakeside temples and statues with local devotees offer intimate cultural scenes and details like carved wood and murals.
From elevated viewpoints you get panoramic valley and mountain photos; seasonal wildflowers and mist in the cool season add dramatic effects.
Waterfall cascades and natural settings are excellent for nature photography, especially after rains when the falls are full.
Food in Phayao
Phayao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled whole fish, often freshwater varieties from Kwan Phayao, seasoned simply and served with dipping sauces; widely available at lakeside stalls and night markets.
Must-Try!
A northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken or pork and crunchy fried noodles on top; available in casual restaurants and streetfood stalls.
Fragrant northern herbal sausage with lemongrass, kaffir and chilies — great as a snack at markets or paired with sticky rice.
Tomato- or roasted-green-chili-based dips served with boiled vegetables and sticky rice; excellent for sharing at local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening market along Kwan Phayao: stalls selling grilled fish, skewers, noodle soups, fresh fruit, desserts and lakeside seating — ideal for sampling local specialties while watching sunset.
Local daytime market where vendors sell fresh produce, sticky rice, curries and snacks; a good place to try traditional breakfasts and buy seasonal fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes before entering indoor temple spaces. Avoid disrespectful comments or actions toward the royal family — this is a sensitive legal and cultural matter.
Do not touch people's heads (considered the highest part of the body) and avoid pointing feet at people, images of the Buddha or sacred objects; when sitting, keep feet tucked away.
A small wai (palms together) is a common greeting; Thai people value polite tones and calm behavior. Use 'khap/ka' at the end of phrases to be polite.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in village or hill-tribe communities; be respectful in religious contexts and follow local signage about photography bans.
Safety
Tipping in Phayao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. For restaurants, small change or rounding up is common; for drivers and guides 50–200 THB (~$1.50–6) per day is typical depending on service. Hotel staff and porters often receive small tips for assistance.
Cash (Thai baht) is king for markets, small eateries and rural areas. Larger restaurants and hotels may accept cards; mobile payments (PromptPay, QR codes) are increasingly common but may require a Thai bank account. Bring sufficient cash for day trips and rural purchases; ATMs are available in town but less common in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures rise, often reaching the low-to-mid 30s°C (high 80s–90s°F). Midday outdoor activities can be quite hot — plan hiking early or late, stay hydrated and seek shade. Songkran (Thai New Year in April) brings lively water festivities; expect busy local travel.
Frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavier rains can make rural roads muddy and trails slippery; waterfalls are at their best and landscapes turn lush and green. Carry a rain jacket and waterproof bags for gear; some remote attractions may be less accessible after heavy downpours.
Most pleasant weather for travel with cooler mornings and evenings (sometimes quite cool on hills), clear skies and lower humidity. This is peak time for sightseeing, hiking and flower displays; book accommodations earlier for popular weekends/holidays.
Phayao at Night
Hiking in Phayao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers trails, viewpoints, seasonal wildflowers and relatively easy hikes; good for birdwatching and panoramic valley views.
Short trails around scenic waterfalls and natural hot springs; accessible day-trip destination with relaxing spots and photo opportunities.
More challenging hikes and forested trails in a wider mountainous area that can be organized with local guides for multi-hour treks.
Gentle walking routes around Kwan Phayao and nearby agricultural roads ideal for easy hikes, cycling, and observing rural life.
Airports
How to reach Phayao by plane.
A small local airfield with limited or no regular commercial services — primarily used for charter or private flights; most travelers do not rely on this for scheduled connections.
The nearest major airport with domestic and some international flights (e.g., to nearby countries); about 1.5–2 hours by road from Phayao depending on exact start point, with bus/minivan and private transfer options.
Major regional hub with many domestic and international connections; roughly 2–3 hours drive from Phayao. Offers more flight options and is frequently used by visitors who combine Phayao with other northern Thailand destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group in the area with Lanna cultural traditions, language influences and Buddhist practices shaping daily life.
Various ethnic minority groups (e.g., Yao, Lahu, Akha, Hmong) live in higher-elevation villages around the province, each with distinct languages, crafts and customs.
Many residents work in agriculture, fishing (lake-based) and local trades; villages and small towns maintain traditional livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local football is popular to watch and play informally; community matches and school teams are common.
Thailand’s national sport has local gyms and occasional small events; tourists can often find training sessions or watch competitions in regional centers.
Traditional Southeast Asian sports like sepak takraw are played in schools and communities; local festivals may feature traditional competitions.
Boat racing and water-based cultural events occur seasonally on the lake or nearby rivers during festivals and community celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Phayao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in some local eateries; order 'jay' (เจ) foods or ask for no fish sauce/shrimp paste and no meat. Many markets sell vegetable dishes, curries and fried rice you can adapt; larger cafés may have salads and simple vegetarian plates.
Vegan choices require asking about fish sauce and shrimp paste; gluten is less commonly labeled but rice-based dishes (sticky rice, rice noodles) are usually safe. Bringing a translation card explaining restrictions in Thai can help.
Communicate allergies clearly — many home-cooked dishes use peanuts, fish sauce and soy. Use simple Thai translations or a translation app when ordering.