About Lampang
Lampang is the third largest city in northern Thailand and a calm place with a character of its own. You can still see horse carriages in the streets, a tradition that gives the city a distinctive image. In the old riverside centre stand wooden houses, temples and a Saturday evening market on Kad Kong Ta street. Famous is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a wooden Lanna temple on a walled hill, about 18 km outside town. Lampang is also known for ceramics, especially rooster bowls, and for the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. The city is less touristy than Chiang Mai, but certainly worth it for those seeking tradition and quiet. Plan an overnight stay if you also want to see the temples outside the centre.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by train or bus (about 8 to 10 hours) or from Chiang Mai by bus (about 2 to 3 hours); in town take a carriage or songthaew. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Lampang
- Horse carriages A ride through town in a carriage gives a glimpse of local tradition.
- Wat Phra That Lampang Luang A wooden Lanna temple on a walled hill about 18 km from town.
- Kad Kong Ta A Saturday evening market in the old street by the river.
- Ceramics The region is known for its pottery, especially the rooster bowls.
