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Phayao

One tourist brochure we came across described Phayao (พะเยา) as the 'Vienna of South East Asia'. Although this is just slightly stretching the truth, Phayao is certainly an elegant and attractive town. Its setting on Kwan Phayao, a vast wetland, gives the town a back-to-nature feel that’s utterly lacking in most Thai cities, while the tree-lined streets, temples and traditional wooden houses of ‘downtown’ Phayao provide a pleasing old-school Thai touch.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Kwan Phayao
Phayao
This vast body of water is the largest swamp in Northern Thailand and a symbol of Phayao. Although it's naturally occurring, its water level is…
Wat Sri Khom Kham
Phayao
Phayao’s most important temple is thought to date back to 1491, but its present structure was finished in 1923. The immense prayer hall holds the Phra Jao…
Phayao Cultural Exhibition Hall
Phayao
This two-storey museum is packed with artefacts. Standout items include a unique ‘black’ Buddha statue and a fossil of two embracing crabs labelled …
Wat Li
Phayao
Just off the main highway opposite the turn-off to Phayao, this Buddhist temple features a small museum with a decent variety of items from the Chiang…
Wat Phra That Jom Thong
Phayao
This Buddhist temple has an attractive chedi (stupa) and is set on a wooded hilltop 3km from the centre of town.