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Amphoe Chiang Kham
Chiang Kham
Chiang Kham district is home to many Thai Lue people, about 74 kilometres
to the northeast of Phayao on Highway No. 1021. The Thai Lues originally
were from the south of Yunnan in China and migrated to northern
Thailand, particularly to Nan and Phayao, some 200 years ago.
Wat Nantaram
An interesting temple in Chiang Kham is Wat Nantaram, a Burmese-style
site built entirely with teak. The woodworks on the windows, gables,
corridors and other parts are beautifully chiseled in elaborate
designs.
Wat Phra That Sop Waen
Another place of interest in Chiang Kham is Wat Phra That
Sop Waen. The temple houses a 700-year-old Lanna-style Chedi.
Amphoe Dok Khamtai
Ban Tham Indigenous Cultural Centre
This cultural centre is about 15 kilometres from the district town
of Dok Khamtai on the way to Chiang Muan district. It has a large
collection of native agricultural tools and implements as well as
ancient objects from which the cultural lifestyle of the Lanna people
in the past can be studied. One kilometre before the Centre is a
park shaded by large trees with caves of hanging and protruding
rock deposits.
Doi Phu Nang National Park
This national park is 48 kilometres south of Amphoe Dok
Khamtai along Highway No. 1251 and 4 kilometres along an access
road. A variety of birds are found, especially peacocks which come
to the park area for breeding from January to March. The park also
has a scenic waterfall called Namtok Than Sawan. Camping in the
park is possible.
Amphoe Muang
Ho Watanatham Nithat
Next to Wat Si Koam Kam is Ho Watanatham Nithat. The indigenous
museum deals with the history and ancient relics of Phayao, including
native culture and traditions and creativity. Open Wednesday-Sunday
from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon.
 Kwan
Phayao
An extensively fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao is the largest
fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North which provides the livelihood
of many of the local people. The surrounding scenery, particularly
at dusk, is stunning. Along the banks are located food-shops and
recreation sites.
Namtok Champa Thong
Namtok Champa Thong is a beautiful and tall waterfall amid natural
surroundings. It can be reached by taking the Phayao - Chiang Rai
route. After reaching Km. 7, take a turn and proceed on for a further
16 kilometres.
 Phayao
Fresh-water Fishery Station
The Phayao Fresh-water Fishery Station, on Highway No. 1 in town,
is the first facility in the world to successfully breed Pla Buk,
the giant catfish. There is an aquarium displaying many species
of fish and waterplants. Open during official working hours.
Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial
The Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Memorial, located in the public park on
the bank of Kwan Phayao, commemorates a former king of Phayao, or
Phu Kam Yao, who was in power some 700 years ago. During his reign,
the state prospered and expanded its territory. As a close ally
of King Mengrai, the ruler of Chiang Rai, and King Ramkhamhaeng
of Sukhothai, they formed an alliance of harmony, loyalty and non-aggression.
 Wat
Ananlayo
About 7 kilometres north of town on Highway No.1 and further 9 kilometres
after a left turn is a hilltop temple, Wat Ananlayo. Covering an
extensive area, cool and shady under leafy canopies of large trees
it features building and sculptures of religion-based characters
by contemporary craftsmen of great skill. From here an expansive
view of Kwan Phayao, the fields and the town is visible.
Wat Phra That Chomthong
Wat Phra That Chomthong, just opposite Wat Si Khom Kham, can be
reached by the 1.5-kilometre-long uphill road. Surrounded by an
arboretum, the temple offers a panoramic view of the town and the
lake.
Wat Si Khom Kham
 Wat
Si Khom Kham is a temple located on the bank of Kwan Phayao. It
houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang,
a sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16
meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to complete
it. Celebrations are held every May.
Wat Si Umong Kham
The Chiang Saen-style Chedi at Wat Si Umong Kham is still in good
condition. The Lanna-style Buddha statue, Phra Chao Lan Tue, is
regarded as the most beautiful anywhere.
Amphoe Phu Sang
Ban Huak
 Five
kilometres from the Phu Sang waterfall is a village on the Thai-Laotian
border. On the 10th and 30th of every month, Ban Huak hold a bazaar
for Thais and Laotians to trade and barter their products.
Namtok Phu Sang National Park
Namtok Phu Sang is a scenic waterfall about 20 kilometres to the
north of the district town of Chiang Kham on Highway No. 1093. The
surroundings are still in perfect natural condition. Phu Sang is
different than other waterfalls. It is fed by a hot spring on the
mountain which flows into the brook before cascading over the fall.
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