Phayao
Phayao lies on the high ground of northern Thailand between Chiang Rai and Lampang on the east bank of an attractive lake, 6 km (4 mi.) long and 4 km (2 mi.) wide. Prominent mountains, some reaching a height of 1700 m (5579 ft), tower above the town
and even on the journey here travelers will pass through fantastic scenery. Once the main town of a small sovereign kingdom at the time of the Lan Na kingdom, into which it became assimilated in 1338, today it is a small and almost unimportant town, although of interest historically. The town developed in the 11th c. on the foundations of a very old settlement, which had been protected by walls and moats and was entered via eight town gates. This town possibly existed already in the Bronze Age, covering an area of about 2 sq. km (1 sq. mile).
By car: from Lampang Highway 1 (145 km (90 mi.)) or Chiang Rai High-way 1 (95 km (59 mi.)). Alternatively from Lampang Highway 1035 northwards to Wang Nua, then Highway 1882 westwards; the magnificent scenery well repays the extra journey time.
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