Thailand Guides - Lampang

The neighbouring province of Chiangmai, Lampang is located in the mountain terrain within the river valley of the Wang River. It is famed for producing fine ceramic products. For tourists, this is the only place in Thailand where you can tour the city on a horse-drawn carriage.

Overview

Founded in the 7^th century, Lampang was part of the Haripunchai Kingdom. After going through several transitions, it became part of Thailand in 1774. This small sleepy town boosts numerous centuries old Buddhist monasteries that reflect the mixture of Burmese and traditional northern style architecture (Lanna Style). Outside the town, there is an elephant training school that nurtures and teaches young elephants to help villagers do labour works in the forest.

Attractions

Most tourists who come here don’t miss a chance to take a city tour on the horse drawn carriage. The horse will take you around the old quarter of the city passing a local market, Wang River and Buddhist temples. One of the most important temples in town is Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. The temple was once a place that housed the revered Emerald Buddha statue which is now enshrined in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Interesting structures in the temple include the large shrine containing the hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style stupa and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.

Some 20 kilometres to the southwest of town is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a quintessential of Lanna style temple. The temple is sitting on a hillock surrounded by a wall. One of the temple’s chapels is finely adorned with mural paintings on the wooden walls, believed to be the oldest in the North. It also houses a bronze Buddha image and a large collection of ancient wooden utensils.