Phayao

Phayao is one of Thailand’s seventy-six provinces lies in upper northern Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nan, Phrae, Lampang, and Chiang Rai. In the northeast it borders Xaignabouli of Laos.Phayao was founded in 1096 as a small city-state kingdom. In the 13th century it gained enough importance to be an equal partner with King Mangrai of Lan Na and the Sukhothai kingdom. However, a later king of Lanna and Nan captured Phayao in 1338, and made it part of Lanna. During the Burmese rule of Lanna, the city was deserted. In 1897 it became part of the province of Chiang Rai. On 28 August 1977, Phayao was separated from Chiang Rai and became a province of its own.