Kwan Phayao is situated in Mueang Phayao District in Phayao Province. It is the biggest freshwater lake in Northern Thailand and the fourth biggest in Thailand after Bueng Boraphet, Nong Han Lake and Bueng Lahan. The word “kwan” in Thai dialects means “lake”. Kwan Phayao is a natural lake with a mountain range in its backdrop. The source of water in the lake is from 18 streams. Its water volume per year is 29.40 million m3 on average. Over 48 species of freshwater fish are found in the lake, which covers an area of 12,831 rai. The natural scenery is captivating for visitors, the reason why it is renowned at the heart of Phayao Province. Restaurants as well as parks for people to relax are found in the area. In the past, Kwan Phayao was an alluvial plain with the long winding path of Ing River running from the north to the southeast of the plain. There were also ponds of different sizes and water channels that flow down from Khun Kao Doi Luang that connected, making the plain fertile. Since then, many people came to settle in the area and formed a community. In the middle of the lake, historical remains of a submerged temple known as “Tilok Aram Temple” built during the reign of King Tilokarat are found. On the full moon day of the 3rd, 6th and 8th lunar month or also known as MakaBucha Day, VisakahBucha Day and AsalhaBucha Day, a candlelit procession (Wien Tien) in Phayao Lake takes place at dusk. People make offerings of flowers, incense and candles on the boat that circles the temple for three times to worship the Buddha image of Luang Por Sila. Kwan Phayao during these times is remarkable with the colours in the sky, shining candle lights that reflect in the water on full moon night. The incomparable atmosphere of being by the lake makes Mueang Phayao another place worth visiting. You will feel content to participate in the ceremony and witness the beautiful culture and traditions that the locals have preserved.

Source: www.tourismthailand.org