Book Retreats in Phayao

Phayao: A Popular Yoga Holiday Destination

Phayao, Thailand, is a popular yoga holiday destination with an idyllic setting for yoga practice. Located in northern Thailand, the city offers a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors. From affordable yoga retreats to expansive landscapes and ancient temples, Phayao has something for every yogi.

The city’s close proximity to the Mekong River and its abundant wildlife make it an ideal setting for those who want to practice yoga outdoors. The clear blue skies and picturesque views of the river provide the perfect backdrop for practicing yoga. Visitors can also take in some of the local culture by visiting the many temples and shrines in the area.

The city is well known for its unique cuisine, which can be sampled at the many restaurants and night markets. Here, visitors can try traditional Thai dishes like tom yum and Som Tam. There are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in a traditional Thai massage.

For those wanting a more active holiday, Phayao offers a variety of activities and attractions that can be explored. Visitors can explore the city’s many parks and lakes, or take part in activities like kayaking and rock climbing. There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in meditation or enroll in an affordable yoga retreat.

In addition to detoxifying therapies, Pranayama sessions, and meditation sessions (sometimes in partnership with a detox retreat or a spiritual retreat), a Thailand retreat in Phayao may provide a variety of yoga styles and activities, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga programmes, among others.

Many of these yoga retreats in Thailand provide yoga teacher training, allowing you to deepen your understanding of yoga, master more advanced postures, and acquire the abilities required to run your own yoga sessions.

Why Go On A Yoga Retreat in Phayao?

A yoga retreat in Phayao, Thailand, is the perfect way to restore balance and harmony in your life. Phayao is known for its beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy a unique yoga experience in a tranquil and inspiring environment. With its stunning mountain views, tranquil rivers and lakes, and lush forests, Phayao is a great destination for a yoga retreat.

A yoga retreat in Phayao will provide you with plenty of opportunities to practice yoga in a supportive and safe environment, as well as explore the local culture and cuisine. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to deepen your practice or simply need some time away from the stresses of everyday life, Phayao is a perfect choice to find the best yoga retreat for your needs.

What Can I Expect From A Yoga Retreat In Phayao?

A yoga retreat in Phayao is sure to provide an amazing experience. You can expect to enjoy peaceful and beautiful surroundings while taking part in daily yoga classes, meditation practice, and healing activities such as massage and sound healing. You will also have the opportunity to explore the local culture, take part in cultural activities, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Additionally, you will be able to relax, unwind, and enjoy the calming and rejuvenating energy that comes with being in such a tranquil setting with some programmes, including spa treatments.

Exploring Phayao During Your Yoga Retreat Holiday

Things To Do in Phayao

Phu Langka

One of the tourist hotspots in Thailand is Phu Langka. The stunning scenery surrounding Phu Langka typically leaves visitors speechless, especially at sunrise.

There is Phu Langka and then there is Phu Langka Forest Park, depending on how you use Google Maps. Don’t be confused. The Phu Langka we’re referring about is not the Phu Langka Forest Park, which is a little farther up the mountains, but rather a little settlement perched on a ridge with a panoramic view of the breathtaking surroundings of Phu Langka.

If you visit Phu Langka during the day, you may think the view is nice and that’s all there is to it, but wait until you see it at sunrise, when low clouds descend from the mountain into the rice paddies. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Phu Sang Waterfall

Before entering Chiang Kham, be sure to stop at the stunning Phu Sang Waterfall, which is situated just north of Phu Langka and on the boundary between Phayao and Chiang Rai.

Although the Phu Sang Waterfall is not worth seeing on its own, it is a wonderful location to stop if you are already in the region and want to cool yourself. Despite being a part of Phu Sang National Park, you are not need to enter the park in order to access the waterfall, hence there is no entrance fee.

However, there is a hot spring nearby that requires a fee to enter, along with a nature walk that travels through the National Park.

Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao)

A stunning lake may be seen here in Phayao City. Phayao City’s attractiveness is comparable to that of those European lakeside cities. Not what one would expect to see in Thailand is a city by a wide, silvery lake that shimmers as far as the eye can see. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand.

Due to the city’s proximity to the lake’s eastern bank, the recreation area built along the bank is the ideal place to stroll around in the evenings while taking in kite flyers and the setting sun.

Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument

This location is a prized tourist destination and stunning monument in the city. Who wouldn’t want to venture outside in the evening to take advantage of the lovely lake nearby while picnicking with friends and having a pleasant evening by the lake next to the lovely monument?

In Phayao, it is exactly what the residents do in the evenings, and you can see them congregating near the Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument, which is right across from the lakeside leisure area. It’s a nice spot to people-watch before going to Phayao’s Walking Street.

Wat Tilok Aram

When you are at Phayao, you should definitely stop by the little temple that is located right in the midst of the lake. The temple, Wat Tilok Aram, was formerly a very old temple that existed even before the lake.

Wat Tilok Aram is a more than 500-year-old temple, but it was totally submerged when a dam was built to create Phayao Lake, leaving only this small island temple that was created on top of the original temple. To get to this recently erected island temple, you must take a longboat from Kwan Phayao Pier.

It shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes to walk around the small island, do merit, and snap pictures once you are there. It has only one Buddha picture and a shrine where people can make merit, making it really small. The view of Phayao City from the lake will also be different, which is really pleasant.

Rock Sculptures At Huai Pha Kiang Temple

Some of the most breathtaking collections of Buddha rock sculptures ever seen in Thailand are hidden within these trees at what appears to be an abandoned temple outside of Phayao City.

Many of these rock carvings are found at the remote Huai Pha Kiang Temple, which receives very few tourists. Surprisingly, not even Thai tourists know much about this location. You can stroll around Huai Pha Kiang Temple to admire the lovely surroundings.

Hiking around the temple to see all the rock carvings takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The temple is accessible at all times, and admission is free.

Wat Ananlayo

Built on top of Doi Butsarakham Mountain, west of Phayao City, Wat Ananlayo is a big temple complex covering around 2800 acres. It offers a variety of lovely vistas, from its wooded surroundings to the stunning modern Buddhist structures you can see all across the temple grounds.

In Wat Ananlayo, there is a lot to see, beginning with the spectacular red-brick temple doorway and the naga sculptures that wrap around the stair rails leading up to the temple ground. The ascent takes around five minutes, and the majority of the walk is in the shade. You can also take a car to the temple grounds. You’ll find a variety of stunning structures inside, including a stupa constructed in an unusual style and a huge golden seated Buddha image that protruded through the woods.

Best Tours in Phayao

Phayao Northern Adventure

With some excellent homestays and welcoming towns to explore, Phayao Province, which receives very few foreign visitors, offers amazing possibilities to experience the Northern culture and get close to the locals. A boat tour on Phayao Lake, a little mild hiking, and historic temples make for an unforgettable experience.

People may not be photographed in some villages, and certain areas may not be accessible to outsiders. Ask a local guide for assistance if you want to snap pictures or are unclear about whether something is appropriate.

The villagers’ income from tourists is used to maintain their way of life and support the neighbourhood. The tours typically give people employment options, a sustainable means of preserving their cultural heritage, and a choice to illicit activities like mineral exploitation, deforestation, and wildlife poaching.

Boat trip

Take a boat ride to the “sunken wat” (the Thai word for “temple”) in the centre of the lake (Wat Tilok Aram). At the jetty, you can board a small boat.

Dining Out in Phayao

Best Restaurants & Bars in Phayao

Brick Oven Pizza & Salad

This place makes true American-style pizza, complete with homemade sausage and genuine fountain drinks. Additionally, all revenues are invested entirely in regional projects in the Phayao area. Pizzas come in rather enormous sizes, and slices are also offered.

Poh Tong Restaurant

A restaurant featuring Thai and Chinese cuisine at a fair price. The restaurant is run by a hospitable family and offers a menu in English. They provide quick service and offer a large, air-conditioned seating area. It is open daily from 17:00 to 22:00.

Aurora Kwan Phayao

The Aurora Kwan Phayao (Kwan is the Thai word for lake or swamp) boasts a lovely view, a cool ambiance, and a nice appearance. There are also seats near the lake. You feel relaxed and rejuvenated by the green grass all around you. Even if it’s not particularly hot there during the day, the mood is more romantic at night.

Chidlom Chom Kwan

There is a lot of seating in this spacious restaurant. You don’t need to be concerned when you go out to lunch with your entire family or hang out with your pals. Large coconut trees are lined up along the shore in a waterfront area that is shaded all around the restaurant and it helps you enjoy the music and the pleasant breeze.

The menu items that are advised are betel salad, lime squid, tom yam pla kang, fried fish with garlic, shrimp salad, and stir-fried squid with salted egg.

Chaliang Kwan Restaurant

Chaliang Kwan Restaurant is a modest restaurant with a welcoming ambiance, delicious meals, and locally sourced products. The cost of many dishes is low. The restaurant has lovely views, a pleasant climate and is located close to the lake.

Tilapia, grilled shrimp, hor mok seafood, mixed salad, shredded shrimp, tom yum, and sour soup with tamarind paste are some of the foods that are suggested.

Saengchan Restaurant

You must visit Saengchan Restaurant if you enjoy drinking and enjoy the vibrant, scenic ambiance of a restaurant. It is jam-packed with booze and music, delectable food, a refreshing breeze and a view of the lake.

The dishes that are suggested are spicy catfish salad, fried shrimp cakes, tom yum seafood, three flavours of fried fish, like fried snapper with fish sauce, and papaya salad with crab.

Papaya Salad @ Phayao

This establishment is well-known for serving delicious papaya salad and has plenty of seating, which keeps it busy all day. There are many chairs in the restaurant’s spacious hall.

There are many wonderful meals, including papaya salad, minced shrimp, pomelo salad, grilled lemongrass chicken, and spicy grilled pork neck salad.

Food Markets in Phayao

Mae Pong

A few miles south on Route 1, there is a sizable wet market called Mae Pong on the outskirts of the city. A big, busy market with an average selection of food, clothing, and home items, as well as plenty of snack and eating options, is a picturesque and intriguing place to stroll. There are few foreign visitors to this bustling wholesale fruit and vegetable market.

Weekend Market in Chai Kwan Road

The equally big weekend market, which sets up in the park at the south end of Chai Kwan Road late afternoon every Saturday and Sunday and continues until around 23:00, is more oriented toward tourists, both local and international. Popular and bustling, it offers the normal assortment of clothing, food, drink, trinkets, and handicrafts. A few food sellers are still open in the park on weekday evenings.