Lampang Province is home to various cultural sights and its capital is famed for its horse-drawn carriages.
The medium-sized province offers pleasant weather that is typical in the north of Thailand and has a rich, long history dating back more than 1,000 years, encompassing the ancient civilizations of Lanna, Burma and Hariphunchai. Despite its historic attractions, the province is not heavily touristed, making it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to get off the well-beaten tourist trail.
The provincial capital shares its name with the province and is home to a host of sights, including beautiful temples with stunning architecture and important Buddha statues. The highlights in Lampang include Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, where the famous Emerald Buddha was once located, and Wat Chedi Sao, a colourful temple complex a few kilometres north of the city.
Outside downtown Lampang town are several interesting sights. Wat Lampang Luang is the most famous Lanna-style temple in all the north, and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center attracts crowds to watch elephant shows and take a ride. Kiu Lom Dam, originally built for irrigation, is now a popular hotspot offering boating and rafting. Spending a night on raft is an option, while visiting nearby cliffs, isles and quaint fishing villages can your visit more worthwhile.
Other notable spots are the Tham Pha Thai and the Chae Son national parks and the spectacular Wang Kaeo waterfall in Doi Luang National Park, which are all popular destinations for domestic visitors, though they see few foreign tourists.
The city of Lampang offers a decent range of accommodations for tourists, while there are numerous watering holes located along the river. Local markets and a few shopping centers are scattered around the provincial capital, which can easily be explored on foot or via a horse-drawn carriage.
Where to Go
- Chae Son National Park: Known for its hot springs, scenic waterfalls, and forested mountain terrain.
- Thai Elephant Conservation Center: A facility dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of elephants, offering educational programs and elephant shows.
- Wat Phra That Lampang Luang:An ancient and revered Buddhist temple known for its beautiful Lanna architecture and historical significance.
- Lampang: A city known for its well-preserved Lanna architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and historic temples.
- Doi Luang National Park: A national park featuring lush forests, diverse wildlife, and the scenic Pu Kaeng Waterfall.
- Tham Pha Thai National Park: A park known for its impressive limestone caves, dense forests, and diverse flora and fauna.