Your stay — Ratchawong Place
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The Property — Ratchawong Place
Ratchawong Place, a 3-star hotel in Phayao, offers a no-frills Thai experience with a touch of rustic charm. The lobby's warm wood accents and traditional Thai decor create a cozy ambiance, perfect for independent travellers and couples seeking an authentic experience. The hotel's compact size and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal choice for those wanting to blend in with the local community. As you step into the lobby, you'll be greeted by the sounds of traditional Thai music and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
Chronicles of Phayao
Phayao, a small city in northern Thailand, was founded in 1260 by King Mengrai, the founder of the Lanna Kingdom. The city's rich history is reflected in its well-preserved old town, featuring ancient Wat Phra That Chae Haeng temple and the Phayao Museum, which showcases the region's cultural heritage. Phayao's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Lanna heritage, with a blend of Thai and Burmese influences evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The city's scenic lake and surrounding mountains make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, while its proximity to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai offers easy access to more vibrant cultural experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Full Phayao guide →Best months
The best months to visit Phayao are October and November, when the weather is cool and dry, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). These months offer comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like boat cruises and hiking.
Peak / festival surge
January is the peak month in Phayao, as it hosts the Phayao Festival, a vibrant celebration of the city's cultural heritage. The festival attracts tourists and locals alike, driving up hotel prices and making it challenging to find accommodations. Expect to pay a premium for rooms during this time, but it's worth it for the unique experience.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, which falls in April and May, offers a great balance of mild weather and lower prices. You can expect to find discounts on hotel rooms and tours, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Weather & packing
Phayao's climate is characterized by a dry season from October to February, with hot and humid summers from March to May. Pack light, breathable clothing for the dry season, and don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection during the hot summer months.
Live City Briefing — Phayao
- The Phayao Night Market has been relocated to a new, larger location near the lake, offering a wider range of food and souvenir options.
- The city's tuk-tuk service has been improved, with more vehicles and a new app-based booking system making it easier to get around.
- The Phayao Museum is currently undergoing renovations, but visitors can still explore the surrounding old town and its many temples and shops.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ratchawong Place, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
For a quieter stay, request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize street noise from the main road outside. You can also ask for a room with a river view, which may be less prone to disturbances from the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as the constant flow of staff and occasional guest traffic can be noisy. Also, rooms on lower floors (1st-2nd floor) may be more susceptible to street noise.
Best views
River view
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a main road in Phayao means that rooms on lower floors may be exposed to street noise, especially during peak hours. However, the hotel's design and layout help to minimize the impact of noise.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure you can request a room on a higher floor and with a river view. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the river by requesting a room with a river view, which can be a pleasant and peaceful retreat after a day exploring Phayao.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Ratchawong Place
free, 200 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand, physical papers available in the lobby
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, 18:00 late check-out fee 200 THB
available 24/7, 50 THB per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have limited mobility access
on-site parking available, 100 THB per night, nearest public car park 200 THB per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 THB per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 200 THB advance deposit + 500 THB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: วัดราชคฤห์ (288 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: ศาลเสาหลักเมืองพะเยา (321 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: วัดศรีอุโมงค์คำ (520 m · ~7 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Wat Chai Awas (537 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
สวนสมเด็จย่า 90 พรรษาพะเยา — 838 m · ~10 min walk
Phayao Education Park — 831 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk
ไพบูลย์เภสัช — 162 m · ~2 min walk
7-Eleven — 829 m · ~10 min walk
สถานีขนส่งผู้โดยสารจังหวัดพะเยา — 802 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht (THB)
You can exchange currency at the airport, but rates might be poor; try a local bank or a money changer in the city for a better rate. Consider bringing some THB with you for immediate expenses.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Phayao, especially in tourist areas; mobile payments like True Money Wallet and Grab Pay are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service; 20-50 THB for restaurant staff and 10-20 THB for taxi drivers is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee costs around 40-60 THB and can be found at street vendors or local cafes.
A budget lunch option is a pad thai or a bowl of noodles from a street stall, costing around 80-120 THB.
A typical affordable dinner at a local restaurant is around 150-250 THB for a main dish.
Phayao's night market is a great place to find cheap eats, with many vendors selling street food at affordable prices.
Local supermarkets like Tesco Lotus and Makro offer a range of affordable groceries.
You can find affordable shopping at the local markets, such as the Phayao Walking Street Market, which offers a variety of clothing at reasonable prices.
The cheapest way to get around Phayao is by songthaew (red trucks) for 20 THB per ride or a day pass for 100 THB; the airport is about 150 THB by taxi.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, use local transportation, and try street food for a more authentic and affordable experience.
Good to know — Phayao
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.31 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Phayao, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Ratchawong Place
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · ไพบูลย์เภสัช — 162 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai Airport → Tharn Thong Hotel, Phayao
💡 Use Grab app for 900 THB flat rate. Avoid touts outside — walk to the main road and flag a metered taxi if needed.
Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai Airport → Phayao Bus Terminal
💡 Buy ticket at counter inside arrivals. Tell driver you want Tharn Thong Hotel — they'll stop at the main road junction, then it's a 5-minute walk.
Phayao Bus Terminal → Tharn Thong Hotel
💡 Look for red trucks with 'Phayao Lake' sign. Wave it down anywhere — driver will drop you at Tharn Thong's side lane.
Tharn Thong Hotel → Phayao Bus Terminal or Anywhere in Town
💡 Dial 081-932-4567 for Mr. Somchai — fixed rates, no haggling. Cash only, no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Ratchawong Place?
For a quieter stay, request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to minimize street noise from the main road outside. You can also ask for a room with a river view, which may be less prone to disturbances from the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ratchawong Place?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as the constant flow of staff and occasional guest traffic can be noisy. Also, rooms on lower floors (1st-2nd floor) may be more susceptible to street noise.
Is Ratchawong Place noisy?
The hotel's location on a main road in Phayao means that rooms on lower floors may be exposed to street noise, especially during peak hours. However, the hotel's design and layout help to minimize the impact of noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Ratchawong Place?
River view
What are insider tips for staying at Ratchawong Place?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure you can request a room on a higher floor and with a river view. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the river by requesting a room with a river view, which can be a pleasant and peaceful retreat after a day exploring Phayao.
What time is check-in at Ratchawong Place?
Check-in at Ratchawong Place is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Ratchawong Place have Wi-Fi?
free, 200 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ratchawong Place?
10 THB per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Ratchawong Place?
A budget lunch option is a pad thai or a bowl of noodles from a street stall, costing around 80-120 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ratchawong Place?
The cheapest way to get around Phayao is by songthaew (red trucks) for 20 THB per ride or a day pass for 100 THB; the airport is about 150 THB by taxi.
When is the best time to visit Phayao?
The best months to visit Phayao are October and November, when the weather is cool and dry, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). These months offer comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like boat cruises and hiking.
Top Attractions in Phayao
💡 Rent a bicycle from a shop near the Clock Tower for 20 baht an hour. The best stretch is from the pier north of the market toward the fishing village.
💡 Go at sunset when the light hits the golden Buddha and the lake turns orange. You can walk right up to the base of the statue, but remove shoes before the inner area.
💡 Try the grilled river fish from the stall near the 7-Eleven — it's caught fresh from the lake and costs 40 baht. Arrive by 5pm to avoid crowds.
💡 The hilltop chedi behind the main temple gives a panoramic view of Phayao Lake. Walk up the concrete path slowly — it's steep but short.
💡 Bring water and go early before 9am to beat the heat and see mist over the valley. The trail starts behind the ranger station and is well-marked.