Lampang

Lampang is situated on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang and lies 599 kilometers north of Bangkok at the junction of highways of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with an area of 12,543 sq.kms.

It is administratively divided into 13 Amphoes : Muang, Chae Hom, Hang Chat, Ko Kha, Mae Mo, Mae Phrik, Mae Tha, Ngao, Soem Ngam, Sop Prap, Thoen, Wang Nua, and Muang Pan.

Lampang lays claim to two unique features : it is the sole Thai town still using colourful horse drawn carriages as a means of everyday urban transport, and it claims to have the world's only training school for baby elephants.

Both attractions account for the bulk of Lampang's Thai and foreign visitors.

LAMPANG's ATTRACTIONS

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao On the right bank of Mae Nam Wang is an old building which consists of an impressive chedi on a rectangular base with a round spire topped with gilded bronze plaques. A Burmese - style chapel topped by tiered roofs stands against it. The chapel contains a Burmese style Buddha image with particularly interesting decorations. The chapel probably dated from the late 18th century. Beautiful colours and elaborate harmony make Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao one of Thailand's best examples of Burmese - style temples.

Wat Chedi Sao (Temple of Twenty Chedis) is also on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang, north of town. The temple is attractively set in an open ricefield. The complex is impressive with its Burmese - style bell - like spires.

Wat Phrathat Lampang Lunag Lies some 20 kilometers south of Lampang and is one of the North's finest temples. To the left of the chedi is a viharn with a carved wood facade and double - level roofs. Harmonious proportions and exquisite interior decoration make Wat, Phrathat Lampang Luang one of the best examples of Northern - style religious architecture.

Wat Phrathat Chom Ping Wat Phrathat Chom Ping is situated at Mu 5, Ban Chom Ping, Tambon Na Kaeo, Amphoe Ko Kha about 26 kms. south - west of Lampang provincial city. The unnatural happening of this temple is the shade of the pagoda reflexed on the floor of the convocation hall through the hole of its window, this similar event also happened at Wat Akkho Chai Khfri, Amphoe Chae Hom in Lampang.

The Elephant Conservation Centre is attached to the Veterinary Section of the Northern Timber Work Division of the Forestry Industry Organization and is the first centre in Thailand to train elephants for forest work. The Centre is located in Ban Tung Kiewn, Amphoe Hang Chat, on Lampang-Chiang Mai Highway 32 kms. from Lampang. At the center, the elephants' activities such as bathing, working, log pushing, etc. are held for show. In addition, the center has provided elephant riding tourist route.

Doi Khuntan National Park is located within Lampang and Lamphun. It has an area of 225 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km. 47 for 18 kms., but the easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand's longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers) on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters and bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary part and the Royal Forestry Department.

Camping sites are also available; campers must bring their own tents and the camping equipment.

Wat Sichum This monastery is situated on Lampang - Ngao Highway just passing the main entrance of Lampang Teacher's Training College and branching off at km. 601 on the left to this monastery. Its architecture is of Burmese arts having very sophisticated and beautiful wood carvings on the structure of the Vihara while gold gilded works are found on the walls, ceiling and big pillars in the Vihara, regarded as another exquisite graceful beauty of Burmese arts. It is regrettable that the vihara's upper part which was made of wood was mostly damaged by fire.

Kin Lom Dam and Reservoir It is located about 37 kms. from the township area on Lampang - Ngao Highway where a left turn is to be made at Km. 623-624 through another 14 kms. to the dam site. The dam is under the administration of the Royal Irrigation Department, open to the public everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. but no accommodation is provided. Another mean is from the private sector whose bungalows and pleasant rafts tour are available for visitors who wish to explore natural surrounding.

Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine This shrine is located 50 kms. from Lampang township area on the right hand side of Lampang - Ngao Highway. It is a big spirit shrine housing the statue of Chao Pho Pratu Pha (The spirit ruling the area of Pratu Pha) highly revered by Lampang inhabitants. The shrine was constructed in commemoration of a brave soldier who was the right hand man of a king of Lampang who was killed in a battle by the Burmese enemies at this Pratu Pha Pass.

Tham Pha Thai Forest Park Lies at kilometer 665 on the Lampang - Ngao Road and hosts a big Buddha image and colourful stalagmites.

Chae Son National Park covers areas in Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Chae Son, Amphoe Muang Phan. Travel along Lampang - Wag Nua Road, turn left at km. 58-59 and take another 17 kms. Attractive spots are Hot Water Well, Namtok Chae Son, and Namtok Mae Mon. For detailed information, please contact the National Park Division, Royal Forest Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.

Doi Luang National Park covers areas of Lampang, Phayao and Chiang Rai. The main attraction in Lampang area is Namtok Wang Kaeo, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lampang, with water cascading down 110 tiers from a top of a mountain which can be seen up to four kilometers away. Hilltribe villages are located on top of the mountain. Namtok Wang Kaeo is located in Amphoe Wang Nua,130 kms. from Lampang on Lampang Chae Hom Road.

Salung Luang Procession and Lampang Songkran Festival It is held during April 12-14 each year. There is a traditional procession, merit-making, paying respects to elders and traditional performances, etc.