Kwan (Lake) Phayao covers between 17 and 18 square kilometres and was formed by the construction of a dam by the Fisheries Department in 1941. . It is beautiful and a breeding source for fresh water fishes, especially the freshwater pla buek catfish. Prior to the dam’s construction the area was filled by a number of smaller lakes and swamps whose levels changed seasonally.
Today, the lake is a scenic spot popular with local tourists and is also a large fishing resource. Head down to its banks in the early morning and you’ll see fishers dealing with their livelihoods, there is no shortage in this part of Thailand.
