Historic Phayao slipped in importance as its former rival cities, Chiang Mai and Lampang, increased their economic clout in Northern Thailand. Today, it's a quiet backwater, a convenient stop on the route from either Chiang Mai or Lampang to Nan, but otherwise neglected by visitors to this very rural region. Its lakeside location and easy pace of life make it an ideal "away-from-it-all" weekend destination.