Phayao Lake

Located about a hundred kilometers from Chiang Mai, the large fish-filled lake of Phayao is a popular excursion spot for boaters in Northern Thailand. Focus.

"The Atlantis of Thailand"… This metaphor perfectly captures the essence of the 19 km2 lake area that is increasingly attracting tourists to Phayao. It's hard to imagine what the place looked like over 80 years ago: a plain covered with rice fields, with farmhouses and Lanna-style temples perched on the hills. In 1941, a fishing regulation program changed Phayao's destiny. Ponds swelled, temples were submerged, and a floodgate gave birth to Phayao Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northern Thailand. From a humble village of farmers with unpredictable incomes, Phayao transformed into a prosperous city by embracing its new role: tourism and fishing. The lake is more than just a source of income; it becomes the soul and pride of the region!

Whatever the purpose of your visit—a green outing, a family picnic, or a romantic honeymoon—Phayao Lake is a destination for you.

Lake history: The fishing bet

The site has been a major area of natural resources since ancient times. Before the dams were built, it was a vast alluvial plain crossed by the Ing River and a string of seasonal water points. Planters, shepherds, and fishermen competed for space in turn. During the dry season, the low water level allowed for rice cultivation and the establishment of pastures for animal feed. The inhabitants crossed it on foot to reach neighboring towns. As the first rains approached, fishing regained its rights as the ponds filled with floodwaters fed by mountain springs. Two distinct lakes existed then: Kwan Noi and Kwan Luang.

From the 1930s on, environmental officials expressed concerns about the future of local fishing. The Ing River was overexploited during the dry season. The fish stock was constantly declining, and the number of catches exceeded the rate of replenishment of fishery resources. In 1939, leaders deemed it necessary to build a permanent fishing area. A floodgate was opened in 1941, causing much damage to crops, homes, and local temples. Everything was swallowed by the waters. The site itself changed its face; the Ing River and its 18 tributaries gave way to an immense lake with curved edges like a half-moon, named Kwan Phayao. At the bottom of the lake lies a temple in ruins.

Where is Phayao Lake?

The eponymous town of Phayao is nestled in a fertile valley in northern Thailand, in Phayao province. It takes about 700 kilometers of road from the capital, Bangkok, and 102 kilometers from Chiang Mai. The lake is 9 kilometers outside the town.

Phayao Lake, in a few figures:

• The lake was created in 1941.
• Eighteen small streams flow into it simultaneously.
• It is 1.5 meters deep over a total area of 19.8 km2.
• Approximately 16,500 rural households depend directly on the lake for their livelihood.
• Phayao Lake is the largest lake in the Northern Region and ranks fourth nationally.

Boat ride on Phayao Lake

Tourist infrastructure abounds on the lake, offering catering, accommodation, or leisure services. Visitors will have plenty to do on-site:

Fishing

By engaging in conversation with locals, you can discover artisanal fishing techniques. The lake is home to around fifty species of freshwater fish: carp, barbel, Nile tilapia, swamp eel, pufferfish, catfish, and many more. The catch volume is estimated at 159 kg per hectare. The Department of Fisheries has established an observation and fisheries experimentation center near the lake to fully develop the industry. If you enjoy fishing, there's nothing stopping you from grabbing a net to increase your chances of catching some beauties.

Boat excursion

Indulge in a boat ride, an excellent way to relax and soak up the bucolic atmosphere. The lake is dominated by water hyacinths, but with careful exploration, you can spot blue or white lotuses, water lilies, and algae. An aquatic flora to feast your eyes on! To see them bloom, you should visit Phayao Lake between July and August. After the first rains, the lake is covered with a carpet of fragrant and colorful flowers.

Aside from the floral beauty, another attraction justifies the boat ride: you will pay homage to Wat Ti Lok Aram, the Buddhist temple submerged in the middle of the lake. It was erected in the 19th century at the initiative of the sovereign Tilokarat. Take an admiring look at the statue of Luang Pho Sila preserved there. Dating back over half a century, this representation of the Buddha idol is popularly revered during Buddhist festivals. For the record, the statue was discovered in 1983 inside Wat Ti Lok Aram. It was moved to the Sri Umong Kham temple, which was deemed more worthy and better able to showcase it. But longing for the statue, the villagers agreed to bring it back to its original home in 2007.

Biking, horseback riding, or walking

We understand your desires for sports in this magnificent natural setting. The choice is wide, from jogging to horseback riding to cycling leisure.

Picnic

Every weekend, many Thai families go there for a picnic and relaxation.

A small historical tour

Two historical monuments can be discovered on the banks. The first is a building over a century old with a dark brown facade against the greenery. A few meters further, you will reach the vanished village of Ban Hong Rai. It's truly emotional to learn that large residential complexes were built there a hundred years ago. Today, Ban Hong Rai is nothing but a remnant of Buddhist monasteries.

Practical information

Opening hours and entrance fees

Phayao Lake is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access is free for both national and foreign tourists, but the boatman charges 40 baht per person, which is 1 euro and 12 cents, to take visitors to the submerged sanctuary.

When to go?

The tourist success of the lake depends on the whims of the tropical climate. The average temperature is 24 °C, never dropping below 19.5 °C and rarely exceeding 27 °C. It rains nearly 1,064 mm per year, but rainfall is concentrated between June and October. To travel with the blessing of the weather, prefer the months of October to March.

For culture enthusiasts, the departure date will not be set during fine weather but during Buddhist festivals. The atmosphere on the lake is simply magical in the 3rd, 6th, and 8th lunar months when the faithful honor the Buddha of Luang Pho Sila sitting in the middle of the lake. By moonlight, the lake is illuminated by a myriad of candles, and the pilgrim boat that comes to worship the statue is filled with offerings of flowers.

How to get to Phayao Lake?

The lake is located on Chai Kwan Road, in Wiang District, Chayao Province. You can easily reach it by a two-hour bus ride from Chiang Rai or a three-hour bus ride from Chiang Mai. If you're in Bangkok, many public buses serve Phayao from Mochit Station. However, the most convenient way is to travel by air to Chiang Mai Airport and then take the Greenbus to reach the lake. The trip involves a cost of only 110 baht (3 euros).