Wat Tilok Aram
One hint that Kwan Phayao or Lake Phayao once had a thriving town is Wat Tilok Aram. This historic monument was discovered to be more than 500 years old. Additionally, according to a stone inscription found in this area, the Temple was constructed between the years 1476 and 1486 by Phraya Yutthitsathira, the ruler of Phayao, at the order of Phrachao Tilokkarat of the Kingdom of Lanna in Chiang Mai. It was assumed that the community had already moved in during that time. Many temples were flooded in 1939 when the Department of Fishery constructed a water gate in Lake Phayao to retain water, including Wat Tilok Aram, which had been beneath Kwan Phayao for more than 68 years. In order for visitors and members of the general public to pay respect by boat and take in the breathtaking landscape, Phayao province brought Luangpho Sila to be put in the same location in the Lake’s center. Visitors may see a candlelight parade on the water in front of Phrathat Chedi Wat Thilok Aram in Lake Phayao on significant Buddhist holidays such Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha. This event is regarded as one of its type in the world.
Wat Si Khom Kham
The principal temple of the city, Wat Si Khom Kham, also known as Wat Phrachao Ton Luang or Wat Thung Iang, is located beside Lake Phayao. It was constructed in the early 15th century. It holds Phrachao Ton Luang, the largest and oldest Buddha image in the Lanna Kingdom. According to a Buddhist-related tale, Phrachao Ton Luang was foretold to be built in the Nong Iang region when Lord Buddha first arrived. The large bronze Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara measuring 14 x 16 meters wide across the lap, known as “Phrachao Ton Luang,” and constructed around 1491 during the reign of Phraya Mueang Yi ruling Phayao, is thought to have been the inspiration for the construction of the temple in 1524. The residents of Phayao highly venerate it as the city’s treasured Buddha image. Every year in the sixth lunar month, there is a celebration honoring Phrachao Ton Luang (May).
Walking Street in Phayao
People who enjoy shopping and are searching for inexpensive provincial souvenirs like Khaep Mu (crispy pork skin), Namphrik Num, and Namphrik Ong (chili pastes) may visit Phayao Walking Street. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the walking street is held in front of Kwan Phayao, while on ordinary days, it is held at the City Pillar Shrine.
Wat Analyo Thipphayaram
The temple Wat Analyo Thipphayaram The legend surrounding the temple says that Phra Achan Phibun Sumangkhalo, a monk of Wat Rattanawanaram, saw golden sand streaming toward the temple in a dream. The temple was almost completely absorbed by the stream-like beam of golden sand as it fell toward it. He noticed the peak on Kwan Phayao’s opposite side as he cast a glimpse across the golden beam. After that, a villager encouraged him to see a peculiar and significant location where residents may earn merit by constructing an ecclesiastical dwelling. The inhabitants there frequently seen a spherical light hovering above the tall mountains. The light was so strong and occasionally so yellow that when it fell on the mountain, it gave the impression that it was made of gold. These instances were more likely to occur on significant Buddhist holy days, including the eighth or the days of the waxing moon’s full moon. The temple was then given the name “Analyo Thipphayaram.”
Ban Din Kham Pu Chu
Ban Din Kham Pu Chu (in Chinese). Many individuals desire an earthen home because they believe that living in one will keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, it is affordable and adequate for a comfortable lifestyle. But for a married couple like Khru Chui-Chonlada and Khru Cho-Sakchai Weyue, the inspiration for their idea came from the desire to live independently. They researched and gathered information about an earthen house before discovering that, when they built “Ban Din,” it not only produced a new house but also transformed them into new people when the house was complete.
In addition to housing both instructors, Ban Din Kham Pu Chu serves as a free educational resource for the community’s culture, teaching interested individuals how to build an earthen house, practice self-sufficient agriculture, and develop their artistic abilities. Because they remembered the hardship they went through to gather information before to constructing an earthen house.
The Ban Din Kham Pu Chu live & learn mud house Facebook page has further information for those interested in creating an earthen home as well as the path to independence.
Doi Luang National Park
Doi Luang, the tallest summit in the complicated mountain range that runs from north to south and rises 1,694 meters above mean sea level, is located in the Doi Luang National Park. Namtok Pu Kaeng, a nine-tiered limestone waterfall with year-round water, Namtok Wang Kaeo, Namtok Champa Thong, and Namtok Mae Yaen are a few noteworthy sights. Trekking to the peak is another activity that visitors may take part in. Doi Luang Mountain Range is distinguished by a distinctive feature that resembles a hump and is encircled by steep cliffs. This landmark may be viewed from the ground below when traveling east of Kwan Phayao or north of Phahon Yothin Road towards the province of Chiang Rai. Visitors may see an ancient monument constructed by Khruba Siwichai, many plant types, wild orchids, birds, and butterflies, as well as the breathtaking view of Kwan Phayao and the sunrise in the morning, while strolling along the route.
Wat Nantaram
Wat Nantaram, which is a temple with a preserved Thai Yai art-styled wihan or Buddha image hall, is situated in Ban Don Chai, a municipality in the Chiang Kham Sub district. The wihan was entirely constructed of teakwood and exquisitely decorated with perforated designs on wood at various elements, such as gables, window panels, and terrace. The temple seems grand with the intricately carved motifs and precisely tier-ed shingle covering. Stepping inside, visitors will see a carved, lacquered, and gilded golden teakwood primary Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara in the Thai Yai style attire mounted on a perforated wooden pedestal. The wihan’s interior appears to be very strong and sacred. A white stone Buddha figure and a golden teakwood replica image of the Lord Buddha, both of which are exquisitely clothed in the Thai Yai style, are placed next to the main image. The temple also has a stupa in the Thai Yai style, a museum with an array of antiquated coins, utensils, and fabrics, as well as artwork from the ancient times that depict Vessantara Jataka’s speech in each episode.
Wat Phra Nang Din
In contrast to other temples, Wat Phra Nang Din, also known as the Unseen Thailand, is one where the main Buddha image lacks a pedestal. It is situated in Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Kham. The villagers made an attempt to construct the pedestal holding the main picture, but they were unsuccessful. Thus, it was given the name “Phra Nang Din” (Buddha image seated on the ground). The ancient folks also related the amazing incidence of three lightning strikes on the wihan after the villagers erected the foundation of the Buddha image and attempted to set it on top. In the end, the lay Buddhists chose to maintain Phra Nang Din lying on the ground till this day.
Namtok Phu Sang
The little waterfall Namtok Phu Sang, which is around 25 meters high, is active all year long. The waterfall’s standout feature is a warm stream with water that is around 35 degrees Celsius, transparent, and odor-free. It may thus be swum in during the winter. The waterfall is located 200 meters from the administrative center of the Phu Sang National Park in Tambon Phu Sang, Amphoe Phu Sang, Phayao province. Legend had it that grandfather (Pu) and grandma (Ya), pilgrims who came to practice the Dhamma on a hill and erected a stupa before dying away, had left no proof in the past. The stupa’s original name was “Phrathat Pu Sang,” which was eventually slightly misspelled as “Phu Sang.”
Phu Langka Forest Park
The Langka-shaped stupa, which has an area of around 7,800 rai and is located in Amphoe Chiang Kham and Amphoe Pong, Phayao province in the National Reserved Forests of Pa Nam Puei, Pa Nam Yuan and Pa Nam Lao, and Pa Mae Yom, was the inspiration for the name of this lovely mountain. The San Pan Nam Range’s sloping mountain, where the Forest Park, which opened on May 8, 2002, is located, is home to several significant streams, including Nam Mae Kha, which runs past it in the south, Huai Nam Tom and Nam Mae Ru, which flow down to the southwest, and Huai Ka-naeng and Huai Pa Yang, which descend to Nam Mae Lao on the north. All of these streams join the Yom River.