Sprawling along the Wang River, Lampang is a vibrant provincial capital renowned for its stunning Lanna-style temples. It’s also home to a walking street market that showcases some of the city’s best cultural landmarks.
Things to do in Lampang
Admire the Chiang Saen architecture of Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, which has an ordination hall decorated with mural paintings covered in gold leaf. The temple dates back to the late-18th century and is said to house a strand of the Buddha’s hair within its Mon-style chedi.
Don’t miss Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Lanna-style architecture in Thailand. Established in the 13th century, the temple is surrounded by fortified walls and includes the oldest surviving wooden viharn in the country.
Admire the traditional teak architecture of Ban Sao Nak, a wooden house that was built in 1895 and now houses an engaging display of northern Thai furnishings and artefacts. It combines Burmese and Lanna-style influences in its design, with 116 supporting wooden posts used in its construction, while the grounds are home to a centuries-old Saraphi tree.
Visit the Lampang Cultural Street Market on Friday evening to find stalls lining the remains of the city wall. Take in many of Lampang’s architectural charms while shopping for traditional handicrafts, feasting on northern Thai dishes and mingling with locals.
Getting around Lampang
Lampang is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Chiang Mai International Airport and is connected to both Chiang Mai and Bangkok by train. Songthaews are the main means of getting around Lampang, together with the iconic horse-drawn carriages.