🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Mention Phayao and the first image that comes to mind is Kwan Phayao — the large freshwater lake right in the middle of town. And out in the middle of that lake sits one old temple: Wat Tilok Aram. It was once fully underwater, before a chedi was built and Luang Pho Sila was enshrined so people could once again pay their respects out on the water. Paddling out across the wide lake in the cool breeze to bow before the Buddha is the experience visitors to Phayao talk about most.
What Is Wat Tilok Aram, and Why Is It in the Lake?
Wat Tilok Aram dates to the Lanna era, roughly 500-plus years old, built during the reign of King Tilokarat of Chiang Mai. It originally stood on dry land beside Nong Iang marsh. Then in 1939, the Department of Fisheries built a weir to turn Kwan Phayao into a large reservoir, and the temple grounds along with the surrounding village ended up underwater for more than 60 years.
Years later, surveys turned up the remains of the old chedi and other artifacts beneath the lake. Restoration followed: a new chedi was built on a mound rising out of the water, and Luang Pho Sila — an old sandstone Buddha image deeply revered by the people of Phayao — was brought there and enshrined for worship. That's how the lake temple you see today came to be.
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How to Take the Boat Out to the Shrine
The only way to reach Wat Tilok Aram is by boat, since the temple sits in the middle of the lake. The launch point is the Kwan Phayao pier, on the lakefront in town near the public park and the King Ngam Mueang monument — an easy walk from the town center. The boats are local-style paddle boats, and you're given a life jacket and a hat to wear before setting off.
- Boat fare — around ฿30 per person round trip (sometimes ฿20), or roughly ฿150 to charter a boat one way for a small group. Boats leave once there are enough passengers, usually about five or more
- Opening hours — the pier runs daily, roughly 07:30–17:00, and the temple keeps the same hours
- Time needed — it's only a few minutes' paddle out to the islet; walking around to pay respects and take photos takes about 15–20 minutes to cover everything
- Pedal boats for rent — the pier also has pedal boats if you'd like to cruise around and take in more of the lake views
Local tip
Early morning before 9am and late afternoon before sunset are when the sun is gentlest and the water is calm — that's when the chedi rising out of the lake looks its best. Come at midday and the sun is fierce, with harsh glare bouncing off the water.
Luang Pho Sila, the Buddha of Kwan Phayao
The highlight of any visit to Wat Tilok Aram is paying respects to Luang Pho Sila, a sandstone Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture that the people of Phayao have revered for generations. Locals often come to make wishes for work, study, and good fortune. These days the province holds a worship ceremony for Luang Pho Sila on the full-moon Buddhist holy day each month, in the evening around 17:00–19:00, with a bathing-the-Buddha rite and the release of fish as part of making merit.
The Candlelit Lake Procession — the Only One in Thailand
What sets Wat Tilok Aram apart from other temples is its candlelit procession on the water. It's held only three times a year — on Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha days. In the evening, people climb into boats holding candles and paddle in circles around the chedi together out on the lake. Hundreds of candles drifting across the water make a scene you can't see anywhere else. If you can plan your trip to land on one of those Buddhist holy days, it's well worth it.
Makha Bucha (February)
The first lake procession of the year. The weather is pleasantly cool and it's less crowded than the other dates.
Visakha Bucha (May)
The busiest of the three, with a lively atmosphere. Arrive early to find parking.
Asalha Bucha (July)
Falls during the rainy season, when the post-rain skies can be lovely — but check the forecast before getting in a boat.
Getting to Phayao and to the Pier
Phayao has no airport of its own, so most people arrive overland, or fly into Chiang Rai and continue by road. Once you reach Phayao town, the Kwan Phayao pier is right in the center on the lakefront — easy to reach on foot or by motorbike taxi.
- Coach from Bangkok — depart from Mo Chit 2; several companies run the Bangkok–Phayao route, mostly overnight buses, taking around 10–11 hours. Fares start around ฿600–820 depending on seat class. Get off at Phayao bus station and continue into town
- Fly into Chiang Rai — the nearest airport to Phayao is Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai (CEI), about 90–95 km away. From the airport, a minivan or rental car to Phayao takes around 2 hours
- Drive yourself — about 3 hours from Chiang Mai, or 1.5–2 hours from Chiang Rai. The roads are good with mountain scenery the whole way, and parking by the lake is easy to find once you're in town
- Around Phayao town — the main sights are close together and you can walk along the lakefront, though renting a motorbike makes it quicker to move between the temples and cafes ringing the lake
More to Do Around Kwan Phayao
The nice thing about Wat Tilok Aram is that it's right in the center of town, so it's easy to combine with other spots in a single day. Once you've taken the boat back, you can carry straight on along the lakefront.
- Wat Si Khom Kham — a large lakeside temple home to Phra Chao Ton Luang, the biggest Buddha image in Lanna, not far from the pier
- Lakeside cafes — there are several cafes around the lake with water views, perfect for a coffee while you wait out the afternoon sun before an evening boat ride
- Kwan Phayao walking street — on Friday and Saturday evenings there's local food and souvenirs along the lakefront, an easy place to grab a bite right after visiting the temple
Allow extra time
If you're set on joining the candlelit lake procession or the evening Luang Pho Sila ceremony, it's best to stay the night in Phayao town, since these events wrap up after dark and driving out to another city late at night isn't convenient.
Plan a full day around Kwan Phayao lake
See the Phayao travel guide →