Covering an area of 2.3 square kilometers and located at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level, Kwan Phayao is one of the largest artificial lakes in entire Northern Thailand.




         In fact, this lake is the largest fresh water habitat in the upper northern part of Thailand that provides livelihood for local people of the region. Situated on the southeastern banks of this lake is the beautiful and bustling town of Phayao.



         Majority of the water coming into the Kwan Phayao is from the Nam Mae Ing. However, a smaller percentage of water also comes from the Mae Tam. Interestingly, Nam Mae Ing empties itself on the northern side and Mae Tam fills up at the southern end. However, the water inside the lake is never allowed to rise beyond a certain level. Sluice gates are used to control the water level and there is also a spillway so that the mean water depth is always maintained at 1.7 meters. Water from the lake is emptied in the east into the Mekong River via Nam Mae Lag.



         Another interesting aspect of this lake is that the pH of the water varies between 6.0 and 9.1, thus making it highly conducive for the growth of almost thirty-six species of aquatic plants and twenty-two species of fish. In fact, Kwan Phayao is considered as the largest semi-natural wetlands in entire northern Thailand. Kwan Phayao Lake is also known to be a preferred destination for resident and migratory birds. Apart from these, the water in the lake is also an important source of municipal water supply.



         Present around the lake are some beautiful and picturesque locations, thus making Kwan Phayao a popular weekend destination for the locals of Phayao.

        Sacrificial Combined Force 2324 Monument Fair is organized annually at the end of January until the beginning of February at the memorial near the Chiang Kham Airport, Tambon Chiang Ban, Amphoe Chiang Kham. It is a merit making ceremony dedicated to the civilians, policemen and soldiers, who died in their fighting with the communist terrorists in 1980-early 1981 (2523-early 2524 B.E.). Moreover, it is a charity fair to raise money to assist the descendants of the deceased. Other activities include games, performances, exhibitions and a fair consisting of various booths of the government authorities.



         Candle Procession Festival takes place one day before the Buddhist Lent Day at the ground behind the municipality office and in every district. Beautifully engraved candles are brought to participate in the parade. Various cultural shows are performed, as well as, the contest for the most beautiful candle is organized. After the contest, all the candles are offered to the temples.



         Pu Cha Phaya Lo Fair (Bucha Phra Lo) is organized on 9 April every year at Wiang Lo Ancient Town, Ban Huai Ngio, Amphoe Chun, with an aim to pay respect to the Wiang Lo ancestors and to create folk consciousness to cherish and preserve the site. In the event, there are parades, light and sound presentations, a procession inviting the spirits of Wiang Lo’s past kings, Khan Tok dinner at night, as well as, cultural performances.



        Pho khun Ngam Mueang Fair is organized on 5 March every year at the Pho khun Ngam Mueang Monument with a beautiful and magnificent procession of the worship offerings.



         Phayao Jewellery Industry and Quality Products Fair takes place at the beginning of February every year at the Phayao Jewellery Centre, Tambon Mae Ka. It is a trade fair of jewellery and products of Phayao.

Winter and Red Cross Fair is organized at the end of December until the beginning of January every year at the ground near the Phayao Bus Terminal. In the event, there is a fair full of booths from the governmental and private authorities, contests, as well as, various games.



Cassie Flower Blooming Day takes place on 14 February every year at the ground in front of the Dok Khamtai District Office. Activities are the handicraft contests and sales of souvenirs.



Thai Lue Cultural Festival happens at the beginning of March every year at the Wat Phrathat Sop Waen, Amphoe Chiang Kham, consisting of folk games, cultural performances, as well as, lifestyle of the Thai Lue people. In the event, people will dress up in the traditional costume. Also, there will be a cotton spinning demonstration, dessert making, Lue singing, Choeng or martial art dance, and Makon game.



Songkran Festival (Pi Mai Mueang) is organized during 13-16 April every year behind the Mueang Phayao Municipality and in every district.



Phayao Lychee and Quality Products Fair takes place in May every year at the ground behind the Mueang Phayao Municipality. In the event, there are fairs offering lychees and quality products of Phayao and a lychee beauty pageant.



Sky Rocket Festival is organized in June every year at Tambon Ang Thong, Amphoe Chiang Kham. In the festival, there is a traditional dance procession and sky rocket contest.



Hilltribe Traditional Festival is organized in December every year at Tambon Rom Yen, Amphoe Chiang Kham. Traditional dances and games of the hill tribe people, which are a winter tradition, are performed.

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



Wat Si Umong Kham was one of two temples we visited in the city of Phayao. It is also close to the lake in the center of the city. This was another temple which was closed when we arrived, and we were able to get the monks to open it for us. The presiding image here is Luang Phor Ngnam Muang or Phra Chao Lantue, said to be the most beautiful Lanna-style image. And we can only agree with this statement!



The friendly monk also pointed out a special Buddha image which sat beside the main image. It is one of only two images in this style. The other image is located in Chiang Mai. Three years after our initial visit we went back to this temple in 2008 and got a personalized tour again and even met the abbot of the temple. To the side of the temple are also two Buddha images which are several hundred years old.

Wat Si Khom Kham 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.



We vistited Wat Si Khom Kham in Phayao Province on the way back from Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Installed here is Lanna's largest Buddha image, Phra Chao Ton Luang. It dates back to 1491 and is of Lanna-style. The temple is located on the Kwan Phayao Lake. It also features what is called "heaven and hell park" where sculptures illustrate what hell might look like.



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.


Let's have fun travel in thailand.