Phayao Province

Phayao province is located approx 700 kilometres north of Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres.

The provincial capital and town of Phayao is located alongside Lake Phayao (Kwan Phayao) in the Ing River valley. Three large mountains overlook the valley;

• Doi Luang – 1697 m
• Doi Khun Mae Fat – 1550 m
• Doi Khun Mae Tam – 1330 m

Phayao is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nan, Phrae, Lampang and Chiang Rai. In the north-east it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.

Kwan Phayao

Formerly a swampy wetland more than a lake, the area faced diminishing water levels in dry seasons. A more permanent water body was established in 1935 by the Department of Fisheries when they installed a weir on the Ing River at the exit point.

The resulting shallow lake – Kwan Phayao – is now the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North of Thailand and provides a livelihood for many of the local people. The lake’s environs, particularly at sunset, are stunning.

Phayao city to its Districts: