Kwan Phayao

Kwan Phayao, commonly called Lake Phayao, is a large freshwater lake in Phayao province in northern Thailand that sits adjacent to Phayao town. The lake is a focal point for local fisheries, temples and lakeside promenades.

On the lake’s shore the prominent Wat Si Khom Kham contains a very large seated Buddha image and is the principal temple for visitors to the town and lakefront. The surrounding lakeshore features walking routes, small fishing piers and areas for birdwatching and local markets.

Kwan Phayao lies within the lowland basin of Phayao province and is closely integrated with the town’s urban area, making the lake readily accessible by road from the provincial centre and serving as a regional recreational and religious hub.

• Large Buddha image: The temple on the lake shore contains a seated Buddha image approximately 15-16 metres high and is a major pilgrimage and local worship site.
• Best viewing times: Lakeside paths and viewpoints around the town provide popular sunrise and sunset vantage points for the lake and riparian scenery.

What to See#

• Wat Si Khom Kham: Wat Si Khom Kham is a lakeside temple on the southeastern shore that houses a large seated Buddha image and is the main religious landmark for Phayao town.

At about 20 square kilometres, Kwan Phayao is Thailand’s third-largest lake, though it is in fact man-made, constructed in 1939 to improve irrigation. It sits 380 metres above sea level and, for the most part, is less than two metres deep.

The promenade. A happy spin-off of the lake’s creation has been a boost in tourism, for few inland towns in Thailand offer a waterfront promenade like Phayao’s. Chaykwan Road, which runs along the shore, is lined with restaurants and bars that do a brisk trade each evening as locals and visitors stroll the attractively landscaped waterfront.

On the water. To get closer to the lake, take a boat across to the small shrine above the submerged Wat Tilokaram, for just 20 baht round trip. The jetty is easy to find towards the southeast end of Chaykwan Road, where rowers wait to take groups of five or six across; if no one else is about, you can charter a whole boat for 100 baht. No motorboats are allowed on the lake, which helps preserve its tranquil atmosphere.

Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake) sits on the edge of Phayao town in northern Thailand and is reached by road. From Phayao town center it’s a short drive or a 5-15 minute walk from the main lakeside roads and the town bus stops; long‑distance buses from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai arrive at Phayao bus terminal (a short taxi or tuk‑tuk ride to the lake). If driving, follow the main provincial roads into Phayao town and park along the lakefront.

• Visit at dawn for mist over the lake and peaceful waters-early mornings reveal local fishermen and far fewer visitors than sunset, while late afternoon is better for lakeside cafes and golden light for photos.
• Walk the Phayao Old Town lakeside promenade and head toward Wat Si Khom Kham on the lake's edge; the temple with its large seated Buddha is an easy lakeside stop that many day-trippers overlook.
• If you have time, rent a bicycle or motorbike to circle the quieter northern shoreline and pop into small fishing villages-these stretches show everyday life and calm views that most visitors miss.