The reflection of the afternoon sun over the vast expanse of water enhances the beautiful landscape of Phayao Lake in Thailand's northern province of Phayao. The sight is so impressive that even the cool breezes of winter fail to purge the warm impression from one's mind. On the contrary, the shadows of surrounding mountains seem to endorse this first, exhilarating feeling.
Towards dusk, on an afternoon such as this, the local folk of Phayao, as well as tourists, fill the benches on the promenade of Phayao Lake, know as "Kwan" among locals, which skirts the east-side of the lake. Alongside is the road that also provides an embankment for this 2,500-hectare freshwater lake.
More importantly, the road towards the end of the lake offers one of the best viewpoints at twilight to observe the beauty of a sunset as the sun slowly sets amidst rolling hills on the western part of the Kwan.
While the setting sun lingers over the horizon, tourists find this the best time to experience the peacefulness and solitude of the lake. This time of day best reflects simple lifestyle of the local people, be it the sight of a small family preparing dinner, those looking for a corner at one of the restaurants by the roadside, or anglers waiting patiently for a bite on the banks of this vast lake.
A radiant orange hue beams across silhouettes of cloud, gradually intensifying before succumbing to the darkness of night and the moment everyone has waited for.... the moment to share together this wondrous sight.
Although this memorable phenomenon is a daily occurrence, local folk and visitors alike never seem to tire of the spectacle. Whenever they can find time, they grab the opportunity to sit on the banks of Phayao Lake and watch the sun go down as if this fascinating event was part of local folks' every day life.
Phayao Lake is more than just a beautiful location; its vast water resources provide critical support to residents of Phayao Lake for domestic needs. Moreover, the lake is crucial for local agriculture, the main occupation of indigenous folk. Different species of freshwater fish thrive in the lake in such abundance that it has become a source of income for fishermen in the many villages around Phayao Lake.
Traditional fishing methods that still rely on dugouts and simple fishing gear such as cast nets and fishnets have become the unique allure of Phayao Lake. It is no surprise therefore, to find local restaurants offering a wide range of delectable fish dishes on their menus. Apart from domestic consumption and local sales, fish are processed and preserved in a variety of products including fish paste.
Clearly, Phayao Lake today is central to the life and spirit of the local people. The area surrounding Phayao Lake also boasts many interesting tourist sites such as Pho Khun Ngam, Ho Watanatham Nithat, Phayao Freshwater Fishery Station, Wat Analyo and villages known for their water hyacinth products plus mortars and grindstones.
Each tourist attraction can be visited at an easy pace and the municipality of Phayao offers a wide range of accommodation to suit individual preferences.
