The province covers an area of 6335 square kilometres. The provincial capital is 690 kilometres north of Bangkok. Phayao was formerly ruled by its own kings, one of whom. King Ngam Muang, is believed to have assisted his close friend, King Meng Rai, in establish Chiang Mai as the new capital of Lanna Thai during the 1290s. As with other northern principalities, the most visible reminders of regal connections are the Buddhist temples former rulers either built or patronized. The modern provincial capital edges a mountain-fringed lake on the banks of which are located Wat Sri Khom Kham and the hilltop Doi Chom Thong, known by locals as Phra That Chom Thong. The former contains a principal Buddha image and some 17 metres in height and 14 metres wide at the lap. A folk museum in the lakeside compound contains antiques and exhibitions of local life styles. The province is conveniently accessible by road from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.