Phayao People of Thailand

Away from bustling Bangkok and past tourist tracks, Phayao typifies the true heart of Thailand where people live a quiet, laid back village life in the beautiful hilly scenery of farmlands, lakes, waterfalls and temples of ancient kingdoms.

Situated 90 kilometers from Chiang Rai, 140 kilometers from Chiang Mai and 690 kilometers from Bangkok, Phayao has an overall area of 6,355 square kilometers. It is divided into 7 districts (amphoes) and 2 subdistricts (king amphoes) from which there are 68 communes (tambon) and 632 villages (mubaan).

Three big mountains surround the valley and the largest freshwater lake in Northern Thailand, Phayao Lake, provides livelihood for the local people.

Although tourists often see Phayao to break their journey between Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the traditional Phayao lifestyle offers richness in culture- a past civilisation for the appreciation of the present and future generations.

Phayao was founded in 1096 and is believed to have been first built by the King of Chiang Saen around the turn of the 12th century.

This small kingdom gained enough power at the 13th century but was later captured and made part of Lannathai. The city was deserted under Burmese rulership and made part of the province of Chiang Rai in 1897. It became a province of its own in August 28, 1977.

Thailand's majestic cultural heritage is rooted in ancient Indian culture when Indian merchants and scholars set foot and settled during the 3rd century. Buddhism was introduced and became widely accepted.

Today, Buddhism plays a significant role in the daily life of the Thai people. Phayao's provincial seal, for instance, shows Buddha, representing the famous Buddha image in the Wat Si Kho Kham temple.

Phra Chao Ton Luang is a 400-year-old Buddha statue of Lanna Thai with a lap width of 14 metres and height of 17 metres. Phayao is also home to several monasteries and other temples as well as antiques and museums that depict the local Phayao life style.

Phayao, like most of Northern Thailand, is home to tribal groups who live in villages scattered along rugged mountain terrains and hills.

The Thai Lu Tribe of Chiang Kham and Chiang Muan originally resided in the territory of

Sib Sing Panna Kingdom before migrating to Thailand over the past 200 years.

They usually grow rice, corn and other agricultural products on the mountainsides. Lowlanders and visitors can find them selling their vegetables and fruits along with beautiful hand-woven fabrics, earthenware and ceramics souvenirs.

Kwan Phayao, the largest fresh water habitat in the upper north, is not just a breeding source for fresh water fishes.

It has a stunning sunset view of the surrounding scenery, where locals and visitors alike enjoy excellent dining and relax amidst lakeside breeze, ornate gardens and parks.

While most people can say that there is little to actually do in Phayao, 900 years of indigenous culture has taught the Phayao people that preserving traditional values, literature, religion and architecture can make a simple life rich.