Price: $120 per person
Duration: 1 day
Best Time to Visit: November to February, when it’s cooler and the lake views are clearest. Avoid rainy season (June–October) for the best boat ride experience.
Group Size: Small groups, max 10 people for a cozy vibe.
What’s Included: Boat ride, English-speaking guide, lunch with local dishes, entrance fees, and transport around Phayao.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, comfy shoes, camera, and a light jacket for the evening breeze.
About Kwan Phayao and the Tour Area
Phayao province, tucked in Northern Thailand, is like a hidden gem that not many tourists know about. The star of this tour is Kwan Phayao, a massive freshwater lake that’s super calm and surrounded by mountains. It’s not just pretty—it’s got history too, with stuff like the submerged Wat Tilok Aram temple right in the middle. The lake area is chill, with local food stalls, quiet paths, and a vibe that’s perfect for unwinding. This tour is all about soaking in the peace, checking out some unique spots, and getting a taste of Phayao’s culture without rushing around.
Tour Program
8:00 AM – Pick-Up and Intro
We’ll grab you from your hotel in Phayao town or a meeting point if you’re staying nearby. Your guide will give a quick rundown of the day—expect some fun facts about Phayao’s history! We’ll hop in a comfy van and head straight to Kwan Phayao, about 10 minutes away.
8:30 AM – Boat Ride to Wat Tilok Aram
Here’s the cool part: we’re taking a boat out to Wat Tilok Aram, a temple that’s half-underwater in the lake. It’s from the 15th century, built by some ancient king, but the lake rose and swallowed most of it. You’ll see the top of the chedi sticking out, and if the water’s low, maybe some old walls. The boat ride’s about 20 minutes each way, and the views of the lake with mountains in the back are unreal. Keep your camera ready!
Fun Fact: Locals say the temple’s still holy, and fishermen pray here for good catches.
10:30 AM – Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument
Back on land, we’ll visit the Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument, a statue of a legendary Phayao king. He’s known for being a fair ruler who kept the peace way back in the 13th century. The monument’s in a nice park by the lake, and your guide will spill some stories about his life. It’s a quick stop, but the area’s got a serene feel, perfect for a few pics.
12:00 PM – Lunch by the Lake
Time to eat! We’ll hit a local restaurant right on the lakefront. You’ll try stuff like grilled tilapia (fresh from Kwan Phayao), spicy som tam (papaya salad), and maybe some sticky rice. Veggie options are available—just let us know. The view’s amazing, and you might spot locals fishing or kids playing by the water.
1:30 PM – Lakeside Stroll and Free Time
After lunch, we’ll take a relaxed walk along the Kwan Phayao promenade. It’s got shady trees, benches, and little stalls selling snacks or souvenirs. You’ll have some free time to chill, snap photos, or maybe grab a coconut ice cream from a vendor. If you’re feeling curious, check out the “Map of Phayao” display nearby—it’s a cool 3D model of the province.
4:00 PM – Sunset Vibes
As the day winds down, we’ll find a prime spot by the lake to catch the sunset. The way the light hits the water and mountains is straight-up magical. Your guide might share a local legend or two about the lake while you relax. If you’re lucky, you’ll see birds swooping over the water—perfect for that last Instagram shot.
5:30 PM – Return to Phayao Town
We’ll drive you back to your hotel or the meeting point, wrapping up around 6:00 PM. You’ll be back in time for dinner or to explore Phayao’s night market if you’re up for it.
Cool Fact: Kwan Phayao is home to over 50 fish species, and the tilapia here is a local pride. Don’t skip it at lunch!
Pro Tip: Bring a small pair of binoculars if you’re into birdwatching—herons and egrets love the lake.
What’s Not Included: Drinks beyond water at lunch and personal souvenirs. Budget a bit for snacks or trinkets if you want.
Heads-Up: The boat to Wat Tilok Aram is small but safe. If you get seasick, let your guide know, and they’ll keep the ride short.
Why You’ll Love It: This tour’s perfect if you want a mix of nature, history, and chill vibes. It’s not rushed, so you actually get to enjoy the moment.
