Lampang

Lying in the north of Thailand in the extensive river valley of the Wang River and among mountain succession, Lampang is an attractive destination for its fascinating mixture of attractions, from Bumese-designed Buddhist temples to picturesque natural landscapes and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Lampang covers the area of 12,543 square kilometers and consists of 13 Amphoes: Chae Hom, Muang, Hang Chat, Mae Mo, Ko Kha, Mae Phrik, Ngao, Mae Tha, Soem Ngam, Thoen, Sop Prap, Muang Pan and Wang Nua.

The capital of the province, Nakkhon Lampang, is the third largest town in the north and is the center of commerce and transportation of the country. It lies in the heart of the north, so Lampang city is also the base for interesting tours and excursions from northern Thailand. 

Lampang stands out for its unique features: it’s the only Thai town still using colorful drawn carriages for daily transport, and is the only baby elephant training school in the world. Lampang is also called “Horse Carriage City” and considered as the last paradise of Thailand.

Beside being Thailand’s major northern city with convenient rail, road and air transportation, Lampang has also been an attractive destinations with famous attractions as The Elephant Conservation Centre, is the first center to train elephants for forest work, hold the shows of elephants’ activities as working, bathing, log pushing, etc and provide elephants for tourism; Doi Khuntan National Park; Doi Luang National Park; Chae Son National Park, a charming place with natural hot springs and large waterfalls; Tham Pha Thai Forest Park which houses colorful stalagmites and a big Buddha image. Lampang also hosts various temples with the Bumese style, in which Wat Si Chum, Wat Si Bun Rueang and Wat Pa Fang lie among remaining examples. Nine out of thirty-one extant Bumese-style temples are situated in Lampang. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang impresses tourists by its traditional Lanna architecture and murals from the 19th century. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, Wat Phra That Chom Ping, Wat Phra That Chedi Sao and Wat Lai Hin are also remarkable sites of the province.

Festival season is also the time to attract tourists with many interesting festivals which are long-established traditions and customs. Some popular ones are Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair, is held with local people in native attires carrying diverse traditional household tools; Khantok Chang Fair is organized in February with the elephant show; Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day (April) in which, there is display shows in Kat Mua market where local people dress traditional costumes; or tourists can join in a lot of ceremonies in Salung Luang Procession and Songkran Festival. Each of festival has its own characteristic points which make deep impressions to tourists.