Phayao (Thai พะเยา) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. In the north-east it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.

The city of Phayao is located at the Phayao lake (Kwan Phayao) in the valley of the Ing River. Three big mountains surround the valley, the Doi Luang (1697m), Doi Khun Mae Fat (1550m) and Doi Khun Mae Tam (1330m).

After Phayao was founded in 1096 it was a small city-state kingdom. In the 13th century it gained enough importance to be equal partner of King Mengrai of Lannathai and the Sukhothai kingdom. However a later king of Lannathai captured Phayao in 1338, and made it part of Lannathai. During the Burmese rulership of Lannathai the city became deserted, and in 1897 became part of the province Chiang Rai. Becoming effective on August 28, 1977 it was split off from Chiang Rai again, and became a province of its own.

The provincial seal shows Buddha, representing the famous Buddha image in the temple Wat Si Khom Kham called Phra Chao Ton Luang. Behind him are 7 flames showing the glory of Buddha. In front of Buddha is a bowl and two ears of rice.
The provincial tree is Mammea siamensis.

The province is subdivided in 7 districts (Amphoe) and 2 minor districts (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 68 communes (tambon) and 632 villages (muban).

Extracted from Wikipedia: Phayao Province

Extracted from http://www.thailandguidebook.com/provinces/phayao.html

Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a small peaceful province. Though with only modest facilities and conveniences, it is an enchanting community with delightful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back to more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. (this is not near Pattaya either)

Phayao is about 691 kilometres from Bangkok and covers an area of 6,335 square kilometres.

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Phayao is an easy trip from Chiang Rai.We went down there arriving late afternoon and enjoyed a nice meal in the town restaurants,beside the
lake at sunset.It was nice looking accross the lake,with the mountains in the background.Other than that,it's just a small provincial town.

Payao had a Tesco Lotus installed last year that opened around Songkran time

it's known to have some of the most beautiful gals in Thailand

especially in a town called Dork Kum Dtai

the song Sao Doi Ja Pai Soi Dao (Hill girl goes to Star Street) was directly inspired by the going's on in this town