We spent two days in Phayao enjoying its quiet streets, temples, and stunning views of Kwan Phayao, the large lake at the town’s heart, especially at sunset.

If you like something really different after spending a few days in Chiang Mai, you might consider coming here and spending two days in Phayao.

How to Spend Two Days in Phayao

Day 1: Exploring Temples by Bike

We used bicycles from our hotel, Baan Ma Grood, as they offered them for free, a real bonus that they’re included in the rate.

We recommend booking this modern hotel as it’s just a two-minute walk from the bus station and an easy 10-15 minute walk down to the lake. The hotel is spotless, and the owners are very kind.

We started the day visiting Wat Si Khom Kham, famous for its massive seated Buddha.

The temple is peaceful and has interesting murals to see. There is a bicycle lane along the main road, so it is easy to get there.

Next, we cycled back into the town and along the lake, stopping to take photos and get our caffeine hit at PunThai Coffee, one of the cafes along the waterfront.

The sun was slowly setting down, and it was nice to see the locals come out for a walk, too. Phayao’s slow pace and friendly atmosphere made it a relaxing day.

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Day 2: Boat Ride to a Lake Temple

On the second day, we took our bikes again and went cycling around the town to different temples. 

But first, we went to the docks along the lake, where you can take a boat ride.

The boats depart when they have at least 5 people, and the cost is 50 THB per person for a return trip.

We took a boat ride across the lake Kwan Phayao to Wat Tilok Aram, an ancient temple partially submerged in the lake. It’s quiet and beautiful, with an otherworldly feeling. 

The short boat trip was peaceful, taking around 15 minutes, and being on the lake early in the day was a wise idea as the sun wasn’t so intense. 

I noticed that in addition to life vests, they also offer wide-brimmed hats in the boat for visitors to use while crossing the lake, which is a nice gesture.

After returning from our visit to Wat Tilok Aram, we cycled up to Wat Si Umong Kham, which turned out to be a nice temple to explore.

We stopped for lunch at Aunt Maeo’s, one of the side street restaurants where workers rushed in for lunch.

There’s a buffet of 20+ curries over rice to choose from here for around 45 THB per person for two curries on rice; a good deal!

The day got quite hot, so we took a break and followed it up with an excellent coffee at Infinity Coffee Roaster 2.

We knew we wanted to see the lake again at sunset and have dinner at the Lake Cafe Restaurant. 

Sunset at Kwan Phayao

The best part of our trip was watching the sunset by the lake that night.

The sky turns bright shades of orange and pink, reflecting on the water with a few clouds in the sky that reflect that light. Locals and visitors gathered to watch or enjoy dinner at lakeside places.

TIP: Visiting Phayao on the weekend? Take advantage of the walking street market near Kwan Phayao (the lake).

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Keep an eye out for the street vendors selling homemade coconut ice cream for 20 THB along the waterfront; it’s very refreshing and a nice treat to enjoy while the sun sets.

It’s also worth checking out the King Ngam Mueang Monument (pictured below) just before sunset, directly across the road from the colossal serpent monument in the lake.

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Why Visit Phayao?

Phayao is simple, quiet, and perfect for a break from the busy tourist cities. Its temples, calm lake, and friendly vibe make it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway.

If you’re a nature lover keen to explore the countryside, Phayao is nestled among gently rolling hills and mountain ranges.

The Doi Luang mountain range, part of the lush greenery surrounding the province, provides stunning views and opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Hiring a motorbike is the best option to go and discover the surrounding areas of Phayao. You can find a few motorcycle rentals shops in town if you wish to take this option.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

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How to get to Phayao, Thailand?

Getting to Phayao is straightforward, with options from nearby cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. 

From Chiang Mai – You can take a bus from Arcade Bus Station with Green Bus Lines (a full-sized coach) for 180 THB. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. You can book your bus here or do it when you arrive at the station (fingers crossed there are still seats available).

From Chiang Rai, buses depart from the main bus terminal and reach Phayao in approximately 1.5–2 hours. Both routes are serviced by air-conditioned buses, making the journey comfortable. you can book your bus online here.

If you prefer to drive, renting a car is a convenient option. The drive from Chiang Mai takes around 3.5–4 hours (145 km), while the drive from Chiang Rai is quicker, at about 1–1.5 hours (90 km).

The roads are well-maintained, and the scenic countryside makes for an enjoyable trip.

Travel Tips for Thailand

We have many travel guides and tips for Thailand—what a delicious country!

Our 26 helpful tips for travel in Thailand are good to know before you arrive.

Start by tasting these top 12 Thai dishes and then explore more of this incredible cuisine. We love to eat here, and Thailand is featured in our top 10 best countries for food lovers. 

There are many reasons why it’s the perfect destination, and here are 15 amazing things to do in Thailand to help plan your next trip.

Our ultimate Southeast Asia packing list covers what to take (and what to leave at home). Learn a few basic Thai expressions to impress the locals!

If you plan on travelling to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand (which I highly recommend), read our perfect 2 day itinerary for Chiang Mai. Our accommodation guide for Chiang Mai may also be helpful to you.

We recommend hiking the Monk’s Trail while you’re here.

Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise; our food guide on its best restaurants and places to eat is essential reading! Plus, don’t miss our 10 best Brunch Cafes in Chiang Mai!

For those looking to stay a little longer in Thailand, this country is a digital nomad & remote workers’ heaven! Read our detailed digital nomads guide to both Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai and Ko Samui vs Ko Phangan for remote workers.

Some of our favourite places include Kata Beach, on the island of Phuket – here are ten awesome things to do in Kata Beach, and of course we put together this ultimate food guide for Phuket Town.

We recommend visiting Lampang, a lesser-known (but fantastic) city – here are 11 reasons to visit Lampang!

If you enjoy Lampang, why not visit the quaint lakeside town of Phayao? Here’s how to spend two days in Phayao.

Nan is another place worth visiting in Northern Thailand; our comprehensive post includes the 14 best things to do in Nan.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Thailand. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View options for eSIM in Thailand or the regional Asialink eSIM (which covers 13 countries).

If your travels in Thailand are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

Want to travel in Thailand with like-minded travellers? View the best deals on group adventures in Thailand.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.