Located
on the Khwan Phayao (lake), the ancient town of Phayao
has a long history and much charm. Several good restaurants
line the road along the lake front and the Phayao
Cultural and Exhibition hall (Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00.
20 Bt.) attached to Wat Sri Khom Kham (Wat Phrachao
Ton Luang) with its bilingual information is one of
the best small museums in Thailand. The temple itself
is famous for its large seated Buddha image.
From Phayao
go south on H1 to H120, or via Wat Analayo (see ST14).
H120 climbs to a pass where there is a rest stop with
a good view over Phayao (after 20 kms.). After the
pass the route drops down to the small district town
of Wang Nua. A second low pass takes the road into
the valley of the Mae Nam Lao River and Mae Kachan.
At
Mae Khachan you may turn south to return to Chiang
Mai on H118, or turn right (north) to take a much
longer alternative return route via Phrao on H1150
(4WD only in the rainy season).
DAY
5: SIDE TRIPS
ST15
Wat Analayo (approx 14 kms.)
Follow
the narrow road north around the lake (Wat Analayo
is signposted left 1 km north of the junction of the
old route for H1 from the town centre and the bypass).
Turn left at the intersection with H1193 for Wat Analayo
(or go straight for 9 kms. to the Khun Tom Falls.
The road past the falls leads to a viewpoint in the
uplands). Grassy groves atop low hills and elegant
wooden halls with an interesting variety of Buddha
give the temple an atmosphere of a Buddhist resort.
You may return by going south on H1193 and then heading
for H120 without returning to Phrao. Mae Khachan to
Chiang Mai (all routes). The intersection of H118
and H120 (from Phayao) at Mae Khachan Key Point 19.
The intersection of H118 and H11 (Chiang Mai -Lampang
Superhighway) South from Key Point 17, H118 is a fast
return route to Chiang Mai.
You
can stop off at the Bo Nam Ron Hot Springs (KM.64)
and enjoy a meal (Wiang Doi Restaurant). Side Trip
16. Ban Huai Muang and Trekker's Lodge (H118. KM.
63. east turn. 9 kms.).
ST15
Ban Huai Muang and Trekker's Lodge
Trekker's
Lodge serves as a good starting point to explore the
upland valley and Lahu villages. Side Trip 17. KM.16
right [east] turn through market to Wat Doi Saket
(1 km.). The main hall contains some of the most remarkable
murals in the country.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
