Prior to the dam’s construction the area was filled by a number of smaller lakes and swamps, with their levels changing seasonally with the rains.
Today Phayao Lake is a very popular spot with local tourists and is also an important fishing resource. Wander down to its banks in the early morning and you’ll see fishermen heading out while by mid-morning the lakeside restaurants will be setting up for another day of drinking and eating including of course, grilled lake fish.
The lake-side is a popular recreational area with; afternoon aerobics and keep fit classes, picnicking families, strolling couples and evening eating and drinking going on all along the promenade and adjacent cafes and restaurants. Hire a boat to coast out onto the waters to Wat Tilokarum in the late afternoon, rent a bicycle and ride around the lake or sit in the park and catch the photographic sunset views; wonderful!
