Lampang
Lampang is a city in northern Thailand that has a rich history and culture. It is known for its horse-drawn carriages, ceramic products, and beautiful temples. Lampang is also a gateway to the mountains and forests of the region, where you can enjoy hiking, rafting, and wildlife watching. Lampang is a great place to experience the authentic Thai lifestyle and hospitality, away from the crowds and noise of the big cities.
One of the main tourist attractions in Lampang is Louis Leonowens' house, the former residence of
the son of Anna Leonowens, (known from the book and musical 'The King and I'. She was an English teacher to the Kings' children and wives. Visitors can see the
impressive teak operation that used to take place here and learn about the history of this unique industry.
For those interested in history and culture, there is Ban Sao Nak, a historic house that gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchant families of the past. The house has been preserved and restored, and visitors can see the original furnishings and decorations.
The town is also known for its beautiful ceramics, which visitors can see being made at local shops and studios. The ceramics here are famous for their intricate designs and beautiful colours.
Wat Chiang Rai is a Buddhist temple located in Lampang, Thailand. The temple features a Lanna-style chedi and a large Buddha statue made of bronze. This is one of many great temples.
These temples showcase the diverse architectural styles and influences that have shaped Lampang's history and identity. Some of the most famous temples in Lampang include Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, Wat Chedi Sao, and Wat Pong Sanuk. Each of these temples has its unique charm and significance, and they are well worth visiting for anyone interested in Thai art, religion, and culture.
If you love elephants, you should visit Lampang. It has a huge area of 300 acres where they take care of sick elephants You can also check out the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, which is not far from Lampang. There are more than 50 elephants there that you can watch and learn about.
Weekend Market
For a fun and vibrant way to spend your weekend evenings, head to Talad Gao Road and experience the amazing night market. From 5 to 10 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the road is closed to cars and filled with stalls selling delicious food, desserts, local crafts and souvenirs. You can also admire the beautiful old buildings that blend Thai, Lanna, Chinese and European styles. Don't miss the live shows and the art gallery, where you can enjoy some local culture and creativity. The market is huge and it may take a while to go through it all.
Want to eat next to the river?
- Riverside Restaurant: This cosy spot offers a variety of dishes, from Thai to Western, in a relaxing atmosphere. You can sit on the terrace and watch the boats go by, or dine inside with live music. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
- Lampang River Lodge: To splurge on a fine dining experience, this is the place to go. The restaurant is part of a luxury resort, and it serves exquisite dishes made with organic ingredients. You can enjoy the views of the river and the mountains from the elegant dining room or the outdoor terrace.
There is much to see and do in Lampang that visitors could easily spend several days exploring the town and its surroundings. Just be sure to book accommodations in advance, especially during busy times like school graduation, as the town can fill up quickly. As I learned the hard way. Lampang has everything from history to culture.
Lampang is an underrated must-visit destination
Lampang Thailand, ancient temples to bustling night markets, our guide covers the top attractions, where to stay, and transportation options to Lampang. See the tours available and experience the charm of this historic town!
TRANSPORT
From Bangkok, the quickest way to reach Lampang is by taking a flight from Bangkok to Lampang Airport. Several airlines offer direct flights between these two cities, with flight times usually lasting around 1 hour and 20 minutes, scroll down to see what's available.
If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus or train from Bangkok to Lampang. Buses depart from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok and take approximately 9-10 hours to reach Lampang.
Trains depart from Don Mueang and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok and take approximately 11-12 hours to reach Lampang. You can get a sleeper train which I always love, you just get an evening train, sleep as you probably normally do and then you're there. Why pay for a hotel and then go?
Book your transport with the Asian Public Transport below!
Once you arrive in Lampang, there are various options for local transportation. You can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew (shared taxi) to get around the city, or you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore at your own pace. There are also private car and driver services available for hire if you prefer a more comfortable and personalized experience.
If you're travelling from Chiang Mai to Lampang, the most convenient way is to take a bus, which departs regularly from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the traffic and the type of bus you choose.
Another option is to hire a private car or taxi, which offers more flexibility and comfort, but at a higher cost. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to travel by car from Chiang Mai to Lampang.
If you prefer to take the train, you can take a train from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Lampang Railway Station, which takes around 2 hours. However, there are only a few trains running each day, so you need to check the schedule in advance.
Book your transport with the Asian Public Transport below!
Once you arrive in Lampang, there are various options for local transportation. You can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew (shared taxi) to get around the city, or you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore at your own pace. There are also private car and driver services available for hire if you prefer a more comfortable and personalized experience.
ACCOMMODATION
Lampang City Center: If you prefer to stay close to the main attractions and have easy access to local transportation, the city centre is a great option. You'll find plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in this area, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Riverside: Another popular area to stay in Lampang is along the Wang River, where you can enjoy scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. You'll find several boutique hotels and guesthouses in this area, offering a more upscale experience.
No matter where you choose to stay in Lampang, make sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel season or local festivals.
TOURS
After scouring the web, it appears that most popular tour sites don't have much to offer in terms of tours for Lampang. However, TripAdvisor is a shining star when it comes to Lampang as they have some great options for Lampang tours. So, take a peek at what TripAdvisor has to offer and you might just find the perfect tour for you.
Follow this link to start your online booking adventure!
Ayutthaya
Lop Buri
Nakhon Sawan - Bang Mun Nak
Phitsanulok
Sukhothai
Lampang - Chao Son
Chiang Mai
Driving option: Khao Yai
Looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience, you might want to consider customising your own tour to the north of Thailand. This tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the historical and natural wonders of central Thailand, before ending in the lively city of Chiang Mai.
You will begin your tour in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where you will marvel at the ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries that testify to the glory of the past. Then, you will travel to Lop Buri, a city with a unique Khmer-style temple and monkeys that live among the locals.
From Lop Buri, you will head to Nakhon Sawan and visit Bang Mun Nak, a town that preserves the traditional wooden architecture and culture of Thailand. You will enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality as you explore this quaint town.
Your next destination is Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. You will visit Wat Maha That, a temple that houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Then, you will continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Siam, where you will admire the beautiful ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
After Sukhothai, you will visit Lampang, a town known for its exquisite ceramics and rich heritage. You will learn about the history and culture of this region and see how the locals make their pottery.
Your tour will conclude in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. You will explore the vibrant city and its historic temples, as well as enjoy the nightlife and shopping options.
This tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of central and northern Thailand. You will discover the amazing history, culture, and nature of this region and create unforgettable memories.