Lampang is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is about 100 kms south of Chiang Mai. Lampang is on the Wang River which is a major tributary of the Ping River. This river flows into the Chao Phraya River at Nakhon Sawan. It was a major city during the period of the Lanna kingdom.

Just as Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai it was part of a Burmese kingdom until the late 18th century. In the late 19th century it became a major centre of the teak logging industry. In this period there was an influx of Shan and Burmese workers. They worked for the British teak logging firms such as the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation and the Louis T.Leonowens Company. The presence of so these workers resulted in Shan and Burmese influences in architecture.

The railroad from from Bangkok reached the city in 1916, six years ahead of Chiang Mai. In those days Lampang eclipsed Chiang Mai as the economic and political center of North Thailand.

Lampang attractions

The city boasts many attractions and deserves far more visitors than it gets. There are splendid temples such as Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the famous Wat Lampang Luang, Wat Pong Sanuk, Wat Si Rong Muang and many others. The city is known as the city of horse carts. In all our tours we include a ride by horse cart. There are not only temples to admire in Lampang. The city has a significant amount of teak wooden heritage houses such as the Louis T.Leonowens House and Ban Sao Nak.

Look here for the Things to do in Lampang.

A visit to Lampang is usually combined with a visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and/or the hospital of the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation. Many people visit the city on a day trip from Chiang Mai but we really feel you need two days to enjoy this great city. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are great “Walking Streets” in Lampang. They start around 1700 and at around 2200.