Wat Tilok Aram
วัดติโลกอาราม
An ancient temple submerged when the lake was created. Only its pagoda and Buddha images now rise above the water, reached by small boat, making it Phayao's landmark.
Wat Tilok Aram is said to date back to the reign of Lanna king Tilokaraj and has roughly 500 years of history. In 1939, after Kwan Phayao was flooded, the entire temple sank beneath the water. Later, platforms were built on the ruins and Buddha images were set up, creating the unique scene of a temple standing in the lake. Visitors can take a long-tail boat or rowboat from Tha Kwan Pier on the eastern shore. The trip takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs several dozen baht per person, and it is most beautiful at sunset. On important Buddhist days, locals take boats around the temple for a “water candle procession” ritual. When climbing onto the platform, dress modestly and remove your shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–18:00 (boat schedules depend on weather)
Nearby sights
- Kwan Phayao
- Wat Si Umong Kham
- Wat Li
- Phayao Cultural Exhibition Hall
- Wat Si Khom Kham
- Wat Phra That Chom Thong & Phayao Skywalk
- Wat Analayo Thipayaram
- Mae Puem National Park