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Phayao: A Hidden Gem of Thailand
As a National Geographic journalist, I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the world. And one such hidden gem that caught my attention is the city of Phayao in Thailand. Located in the northern part of Thailand, Phayao is a small but charming city that boasts of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and mouth-watering street food.
Scenery and Impressions
The first thing that one notices about Phayao is its breathtaking views. The city is surrounded by mountains, with a large beautiful lake in the center- Kwan Phayao. The lake is the main attraction of the city and provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the sunset. The quaint streets of the city are dotted with beautiful temples, small cafes, and shops selling local handicrafts.
One thing that I particularly liked about Phayao is its peaceful and laid-back vibe. Unlike some of the more popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Phayao is still relatively untouched by the throngs of tourists. This gives visitors a chance to enjoy the city at their own pace and truly experience the local culture.
While there is much to like about Phayao, there are a few things that could be better. For instance, the public transportation system in the city is not well developed, and visitors may have trouble getting around without their own transport. Additionally, some of the local shops and food stalls may not have English-speaking staff, making communication a bit tricky.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phayao is relatively affordable, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers. On average, a person can expect to spend around $30-$40 a day on food, transport, and accommodation.
Points of Interest
Here are the top 20 attractions in Phayao with addresses, websites, Yelp top reviews, ratings, and opening times.
1. Kwan Phayao Lake
Address: Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.kwanphayao.net
2. Wat Sri Khom Kham
Address: Tambon Ban Tom, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.watsrikhomkham.org
3. Champa Thong Waterfall
Address: Ban Mae Tho, Phayao 56110, Thailand
4. Wat Analayo
Address: Tambon Ko Klang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
5. Ban Klang Plum Orchard
Address: Tumbon Muangkaew, Phayao 56000, Thailand
6. Art Bridge Chiang Mai
Address: Huay Sai Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.artbridgechiangmai.com
7. Baan Rim Nam Museum
Address: Tambon Mae Tam, Phayao 56110, Thailand
8. Wat Se Ka Wanaram
Address: Tambon Se Kaeo, Phayao 56150, Thailand
Website: www.watsekawanaram.com
9. Itthi Agricultural Tourist Attraction
Address: Tambon Ban Tom, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.itthiagritour.wordpress.com
10. Ban Palai Community Bicycle Center
Address: Ban Palai, Song Khwae Road, Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
11. Energy Factory
Address: Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
12. Chateau deLoma
Address: Tambon Ban Tom, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.chateaudeloma.com
13. Wat Sri Boon Ruang
Address: Tambon Sae Ngaam, Phayao 56150, Thailand
14. Wat Klang Wiang
Address: Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
15. Wat Phra Chan
Address: Tambon Nai Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
16. Ban Tham Homestay
Address: Tambon Mae Tam, Phayao 56110, Thailand
Website: www.banthamlom.com
17. Phayao Community Cycling Tour
Address: Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Website: www.phayaocyclingtour.com
18. Payao DDay Park
Address: Tambon Ban Kok, Phayao 56110, Thailand
19. Phayao Royal Project Development Center
Address: Tambon Chiang Kham, Phayao 56110, Thailand
20. Kwan Phayao Night Market
Address: Tambon Wiang, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Street Food
Food is an integral part of the Thai culture, and Phayao is no exception. Here are the top 20 street foods in Phayao, along with their prices and recommended places to find them.
1. Pad Thai – $2.50- Found all over the city
2. Som Tam – $1 – Found at Kwan Phayao Night Market
3. Khao Soy – $2 – Found at the local street vendors
4. Satay – $1.50 – Found at the local street stalls
5. Grilled Fish – $3 – Found at Kwan Phayao
6. Fried Chicken – $1 – Found at the local street stalls
7. Isaan Sausages – $0.80 – Found at Kwan Phayao
8. Mango Sticky Rice – $2 – Found at the local street vendors
9. Grilled Pork – $2 – Found at the local street stalls
10. Fried Rice – $1 – Found at the local street vendors
11. Lao-style Pork Salad – $1 – Found at Kwan Phayao
12. Tom Yum Soup – $2.50 – Found at the local street vendors
13. Coconut Ice Cream – $1 – Found at Kwan Phayao Night Market
14. Khanom Krok – $0.90 – Found at the local street vendors
15. Fried Noodle – $1 – Found at the local street vendors
16. Moo Ping – $1 – Found at Kwan Phayao
17. Suki – $2.50 – Found at the local street vendors
18. Fried Bananas – $0.50 – Found at Kwan Phayao
19. Khao Man Gai – $1 – Found at the local street vendors
20. Barbeque – $1 – Found at Kwan Phayao
Hotels and Airbnb
Phayao has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are the top 10 hotels and 10 Airbnb with details and price in US dollars with ratings and reviews.
Hotels
1. Shadotel Phayao – $38 – 4.1 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/shadotel-phayao
2. Garden Phayao Hostel – $12 – 4.0 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/garden-phayao-hostel
3. Phayao Gateway Hotel – $35 – 3.9 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/phayao-gateway
4. Ban Tawan – $29 – 4.5 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/ban-tawan-guesthouse-phayao
5. M2 Hotel Phayao – $30 – 3.7 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/m2-phayao
6. The Cozy Hotel – $28 – 4.4 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/the-cozy-phayao
7. Jitlada Resort – $36 – 4.2 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/jitlada-resort
8. Bannsuanthaya – $27 – 4.4 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/bannsuanthaya-family-lodge-phayao
9. The Blue House – $22 – 4.2 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/the-blue-house-phayao
10. The Antique Guesthouse – $21 – 4.0 stars – www.booking.com/hotel/th/antique-guesthouse-phayao
Airbnb
1. Lovely Studio near Kwan Phayao Lake – $20/per night – 4.7 stars
2. Phayao Villa – $32/per night – 5 stars
3. Thaphae Villa – $36/per night – 5 stars
4. Jj guesthouse – $21/per night – 5 stars
5. Ko Kaeo Resort – $29/per night – 5 stars
6. Nisachol Resort – $23/per night – 4.9 stars
7. Baan Sadua – $21/per night – 4.8 stars
8. Baan Phayao – $26/per night – 4.8 stars
9. The Blue House – $26/per night – 4.8 stars
10. Naima Lodge – $28/per night – 4.7 stars
Overall Rating
In conclusion, Phayao is a town that is rich in natural beauty, culture and mouth-watering street food. While the city may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more well-developed tourist destinations in Thailand, it makes up for it with its laid-back vibe and charm. I would give this city a rating of 8 out of 10 stars.
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