Phayao (Thai pronunciation: [pʰā.jāw]) is a town (thesaban mueang) in northern Thailand, capital of the Phayao Province. It covers the tambon Wiang and Mae Tam of Mueang Phayao district. As of 2005 it has a population of 19,118.
The town is located the shore of the picturesque Phayao lake.[1]
The town dates back to the semi-independent city-state (mueang), founded in the 12th century.[2]