I’ve never been shy about how much I like Lampang on this blog, neither years ago when I first visited, nor on subsequent trips. For Lampang and me, it was love at first sight.
Phayao, by contrast, is a somewhat newer discovery for me. I certainly liked it more than I expected, and would be open to returning in the future. At the same time, it doesn’t have quite the eclecticism or richness of Lampang. Or maybe those are the wrong words.
I’ll find the right ones later; I don’t want to get ahead of myself now. Our discussion of Phayao vs Lampang is only beginning, after all.
Why I Went Further Off Northern Thailand’s Beaten Track
Whether in the context of comparing Phayao and Lampang or in general, I despise the term “off the beaten path”—in fact, I only really use it because people are searching for it, and doing so guides them to my website. True as this may be, a parallel truth is that when it comes to exploring Thailand off the beaten path, almost no other province lives up to this characterization better than Phayao.
As far as why I did this? Well, although I loved and love Lampang, the reality is that with every passing year (due, in no small part, to my own coverage of the city), more and more foreigners discover Lampang. I want to continue digging deeper into rural northern Thailand, but for my own enrichment, as well as to provide new inspiration for travelers who are just as curious and open as I am.
Way to Compare Phayao with Lampang
Getting there from Bangkok
Lampang is much easier to reach from Bangkok. You can hop one of 2-3 daily flights from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) directly to Lampang Airport (LPT), or fly to Chiang Mai and travel overland ~90 minutes from there. By contrast, the only realistic way to reach Phayao from Bangkok is to fly to Chiang Mai (CNX) and travel at least 100 minutes from there—this will be your primary strategy, rather than a backup one.
Getting around
If you’re deciding between Phayao or Lampang based on city center alone, it’s easier to get around in Lampang—virtually all it “core” attractions are walkable. Many of Phayao’s are too, but in this more sparsely touristic city, peripheral destinations (which really do require a car to reach) make a larger difference in the aggregate. Then again, I’d probably suggest having a car for both places, regardless.
Things to do
I suggest this, at least in part, because my favorite attractions in Lampang are ones on its outskirts—the “sky temples” of Wat Chalermprakiat and Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan. These spots, in spite of being similar in impact, are actually on opposite sides of the city. Beyond Phayao Lake in central Phayao, I love the nearby attractions of Wat Nantaram temple and Phu Sang Waterfall, both located to the northeast.
Hotels and restaurants
Comparing Lampang vs Phayao of this front, Lampang is once again the clear winner. Nowhere in Phayao (and very few other places anywhere in Thailand, to be frank) compares to Lampang’s Riverside Guest House. With this being said, the family who run Phayao’s Baan Ma Grood (literally, Kaffir Lime House) are kind, generous and incredibly welcming.
Day trips and excursions
I kind of spilled the beans on this earlier: Lampang is within day-trip distance of its two sky temples (plus the more “mainstream” Wat Phra That Lampang Luang); there are temples and waterfalls not far from central Phayao. To look at it another way, both these cities also offer a number of onward excursions: From Lampang to Chiang Mai, Lamphun and yes, Phayao; from Phayao to Chiang Rai and Nan.
Lampang Wins Easily Over Phayao, But…
Lampang is probably the “better” choice for most travelers, for two main reasons. Well, two main categories of reasons. The first is that, logistically speaking, it’s simply easier to reach. You can get there in less than 90 minutes from both Chiang Mai’s city center and its airport, to the extent that it’s possible to see it on a day trip. That alone makes it a more attractive option than Phayao, the array of things to do there notwisthanding.
With this being said, and even when you consider that central Lampang is completely walkable, it’s not a slam dunk deciding between Lampang or Phayao, especially if you have a car. What Phayao lacks in convenience and in the amazingness of individual attractions, it makes up for in just how obscure it feels. Seeing other foreigners is significantly less likely than it is in Lampang; the Thais you encounter will be completely un-jaded and genuinely curious to chat with you.
Other FAQ About Phayao and Lampang
Is Lampang or Phayao better?
Choose Lampang if your top priority is visiting somewhere that’s “off the beaten path,” but is easily accessible from a top tourist destination, in this case Chiang Mai. Phayao is a better choice, meanwhile, if logistics are of minimal importance, and if the most important thing for you is to experience a destination that’s unspoiled and authentic.
How do I get from Lampang to Phayao?
Relative to the time and distance required to travel between other “alternative” destinations in northern Thailand, getting from Lampang to Phayao (or vice-versa) is simple and not very time consuming. Driving is the fastest option, but if not, semi-regular, direct buses can make the journey in less than three hours one-way.
How many days do I need in Lampang and Phayao?
Lampang and Phayao are relatively close to one another, whether you travel via bus or your own car. With this being said, getting around within each province can be very time consuming if you don’t self-drive. As a result, the amount of time you need can vary—3-5 days split between them is best if you have your own set of wheels; plan on closer to a week if you are depending on others to drive you around.
The Bottom Line
I’ve always been transparent about where I stand on the Lampang vs Phayao debate, even in the title of this article. At the same time, I don’t want you to think that my love for Lampang means I’m putting Phayao down. Indeed, unless you have an existential time constraint on this trip, or are certain you will never return for another, I’d suggest visiting both of these amazing northern Thailand treasures at some point during your life. And I’d encourage you to let me know when and how you disagree, assuming you can even be bothered to comment. Alternatively, you can hire me to plan your Thailand trip, and trust my judgment instead of having to come to your own conclusion.
