Lampang tourist guide
Famous for its horse-drawn carriages, Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma.
Located 600kms north of Bangkok and 100kms south of Chiang Mai, Lampang is noted for several Burmese-style temples (including Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum), the magnificent Wat Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre.
The centuries-old Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now resides in the temple of the same name in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large chedi containing an alleged the hair of the Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient vihan housing a reclining Buddha, and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.
Also in the town is Wat Pa Fang, built during the reign of King Rama IV by the Burmese and featuring a large, glittering gold chedi containing a holy relic brought over from Myanmar around 1906. The extensive Sala Kan Parian (preaching hall) is made entirely of wood with Burmese-style overlapping roofs. Opposite Wat Pa Fang is Wat Chai Mongkhon, another outstanding example of Burmese Buddhist architecture.
Considered to be the most beautiful temple in northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a masterpiece of Lanna style temple architecture, located 50kms from Lampang city. The highlight is the 15th century Wihan Luang, which features a triple-tiered roof propped up by huge teak pillars. Also of note are the tall Lanna style chedi, the small Wihan Phra Phut, and Wihan Ton Kaew.
Kiu Lom Dam, about 52kms from Lampang city, is popular for nature lovers. The scenic reservoir is suitable for boating or rafting, with sights including cliffs, isles and fishing villages. Visitors may even opt to stay overnight on a raft. While farther out of the way, Chae Sorn National Park boasts a pleasant waterfall and some great hot spring baths. From here, you can follow a pleasant but very steep road over the hills and down into San Khampaeng in the Chiang Mai valley.
The two most popular festivals in Lampang are the Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair, held just prior to the annual Loi Krathong festival, and the Khantok Chang Fair, held on the first Friday-Saturday period of February each year. The first features a Khrua Than procession with local people dressed in native attire and carrying various traditional household appliances, some of which are of ancient vintage. The latter is held at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and features an elephant show. The pachyderms are feasted with their favourite fruits and vegetables, which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people.
Hotels and guest houses in Lampang
- Riverside Guesthouse
- is a lovely teak mansion set in wonderful gardens on the Wang river with a range of accommodation options at reasonable prices. They also have a variety of services. 286, Talad Kao Rd., Muang, Lampang, 52100, Thailand. Tel: + 66 54 2270 005, Website: http://riversidelampang.com/
- Baan Fai
- is located out of town and is another old teak house on the riverfront with a lovely big garden and large flora variety, but has shared bathrooms. 281, Moo 2, T. Pichai, Muang, Lampang, Tel: +66 54 335 238.
- TipChang Lampang Hotel
- is an upmarket choice, centrally located with full indoor and outdoor facilities. Address: 54/22 Takrow Noi Rd., Sobtui, Amphoe Muang, Lampang, THAILAND 52000, Tel: +66 54 226 501-6, Fax: +66 54 225 362, Website: www.TipchangHotel.com, Email: TipchangHotel@hotmail.com
Chiang Mai hotels
Chiang Mai tours