Originally called “Kwan Phayao Aquatic Animal Husbandry Station 2”, the land was derived by expropriation from local people in 1939-1941. Major construction begun when the construction of water gate finished in 1939 before the station launched on 24 June 1941. Kwan Phayao Aquatic Animal Husbandry Station 2 was the second of its kind in Thailand, having Mr. Sawat Tiammet as the first station chief. Later in 1953, the name was changed to Chiang Rai Fisheries Station (Kwan Phayao). In 1977, the province of Phayao became independent from Chiang Rai. The place was renamed the Phayao Freshwater Fishery Station. In the fiscal year 2002, the government restructuring had converted the Phayao Freshwater Fishery Station to Phayao Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center, which is currently located on Phaholyothin Road, Vieng Subdistrict, Mueang District in Phayao Province.

Phayao Freshwater Aquarium features freshwater animals and plants. The place serves as the learning source of fisheries for students, researchers and general public. Not only an educational and entertaining attraction, but Phayao Freshwater Aquarium is also encouraging a sense of freshwater animal conservation. It helps to educate people with knowledge that benefits occupations that relate to freshwater fisheries.