🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The upper North has a real charm in how its small towns sit close enough to string into a single route. Phayao and Lampang make a good pair — one is a quiet lake town along the kwan (lagoon), the other an old city where horse carriages still run and a century-old market lines the river. This trip suits anyone driving themselves over 3 days and 2 nights: one night in Phayao, one in Lampang, so you never have to rush and actually get to enjoy both towns.
The Phayao–Lampang route and distances
From central Phayao to central Lampang is roughly 130–145 km, a drive of a little over two hours. There are two routes to choose from. The main one is Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) via Ngao — shorter, but with more climbing and winding mountain stretches. The other runs along Route 1091 via Wang Nuea, a bit longer but with fewer curves and easier on the eyes. If mountain bends aren't your thing, take the Wang Nuea route.
- Phahonyothin route (Hwy 1 via Ngao) — about 30 km shorter, but with more mountain climbs and curves. Best if you're comfortable on hill roads.
- Wang Nuea route (Hwy 1091) — slightly longer, fewer curves, a more relaxed drive. Passes through Wang Nuea district where you can stop for a break.
- Public transport — vans and intercity buses on the northern lines do pass through, but a trip like this is far more flexible by car, since several stops are outside the towns.
A tip on driving
If you're coming from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, fill the tank before leaving the bigger cities — gas stations are spaced fairly far apart on the mountain stretches. Check your tyres and brakes too, since there are several long downhill sections along the way.
Book the activities in your Phayao trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Phayao, the town by the lake
Phayao · the lake, the temple in the water, Phra Chao Ton Luang
Phayao is slower and quieter than the bigger northern cities, and its charm lies in Kwan Phayao, the heart of the town — look in any direction and you'll find the lake and the mountains. So day one is mostly about the water and the temples; no need to pack in a long list of activities.
Day 2 — Drive down to Lampang, the horse-carriage town
Phayao → Lampang · Lanna temple, horse carriages, Kad Kong Ta
About Kad Kong Ta
Kad Kong Ta runs on Saturdays and Sundays only, so if you can plan your second night to land on a Saturday or Sunday, you'll catch this market just right. Leaving Phayao on a Saturday tends to line things up nicely.
Day 3 — Lampang's nature before heading home
Lampang · hot springs and a hilltop temple, or the old town
The last day is yours to choose. If you love nature and want a mineral soak, go to Chae Son; if you'd rather wander the old town and temples, stay in the city and slowly pick up souvenirs before you go. Either route takes about the same time and wraps the trip up comfortably before the drive home.
Where you should stay
By Kwan Phayao (first night)
Pick a place near the kwan and you'll wake up to the lake view, with cafés and waterside restaurants in walking distance.
In Lampang city (second night)
Stay in the old-town quarter near Kad Kong Ta and Khuang Nakhon, handy for the market and hopping on a horse carriage.
Splitting your nights between the two towns means no doubling back. On day 2 you drive straight from Phayao to Lampang and carry on exploring Lampang from there, saving a lot of time on the road.
Check out our recommended Phayao hotels before planning the first night
Top 10 Phayao hotels →