Things to Do in Lampang: Lanna Temples, Horse Carriages and Kad Kong Ta

Lampang is the north’s gentle alternative to Chiang Mai: a riverside city of teak houses, Burmese-style temples and horse-drawn carriages, with some of the oldest and most beautiful Lanna architecture in Thailand. It is an easy stop on the road or rail line north, yet relatively few foreign visitors linger. Spend a day or two and you can see a 500-year-old temple fortress, white chedis on a mountain crest, elephants at a government conservation centre and the weekend market on the old Chinese street by the Wang River.

• Best for: history and architecture fans, families, rail travellers, slow travellers
• From Bangkok: about 600 km; around 8–9 hours by road, roughly 9–11 hours by train, or about an hour’s flight
• Best time: November–February for cool, dry weather
• Don’t miss: Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Kad Kong Ta

Getting there and getting around

Lampang sits on the Northern Line, and its handsome old wooden railway station is part of the charm of arriving by train; services run from Bangkok towards Chiang Mai. There are also direct flights from Bangkok to Lampang Airport and frequent buses, and Chiang Mai is roughly 1.5 hours away by road. In town, the famous horse carriages make a leisurely sightseeing loop, while songthaews and taxis cover longer trips. For Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Lampang Luang and the elephant centre a car or hired driver is the easiest option.

Top things to do in Lampang

1. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

About 18 km south-west of town in Ko Kha district, this walled temple is one of the finest examples of Lanna architecture anywhere. Climb the naga stairway through the gate to find an open-sided wihan with carved woodwork, a towering golden chedi and small museums of temple treasures. Map

2. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn

In Chae Hom district, white chedis perch on limestone pinnacles high above the valley — one of the most dramatic temple settings in Thailand. Visitors usually ride a local pickup shuttle up the steep road and then climb a long, steep stairway; go early, wear good shoes and check opening hours before travelling. Map

3. Thai Elephant Conservation Center

On the road towards Chiang Mai, this government-run centre cares for elephants and runs an elephant hospital. Shows, bathing times and visitor programmes change, so check the current schedule; choose observation-based activities. Map

4. A horse-carriage ride

Lampang is the only Thai city where horse carriages are still a working symbol. A ride takes in the riverside, old streets and temples at a gentle pace. Map

5. Kad Kong Ta and the old Chinese street

Along the Wang River, old wooden and colonial-era shophouses line the street where Lampang’s teak traders once lived. On weekend evenings it turns into the Kad Kong Ta walking street with food, crafts and live music. Map

6. Ratsadaphisek Bridge

The city’s landmark white bridge over the Wang River, built in the early 20th century, is a short walk from Kad Kong Ta and lovely at dusk. Map

7. Ban Sao Nak

A grand teak house raised on more than a hundred posts, now a museum of antiques and Lanna-Burmese domestic life. Map

8. Wat Si Rong Mueang and Burmese temples

Teak wealth brought Burmese and Shan craftsmen to Lampang, and temples such as Wat Si Rong Mueang have layered wooden roofs and intricate interiors in Burmese style. Map

9. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao

A historic temple in town associated with the Emerald Buddha’s long journey, with a Burmese-style mondop and a tall chedi. Map

10. Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum

Lampang is famous for the rooster-painted bowls used in noodle shops across Thailand. This museum and factory tells their story, and you can paint your own. Map

11. Chae Son National Park

Hot springs, a multi-tiered waterfall and forest trails in the hills north of town; the hot spring pools are popular on cool mornings. Map

Suggested two-day itinerary

Day 1: Morning at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, lunch in town, an afternoon horse-carriage ride past Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Ban Sao Nak, then sunset at Ratsadaphisek Bridge and dinner at Kad Kong Ta on a weekend. Day 2: Early drive to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat before the heat, continue to Chae Son for the hot springs, or swap for the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum on the way to Chiang Mai.

Festivals and events in Lampang

Songkran / Pi Mai Mueang (13–15 April): Lampang celebrates Lanna New Year with temple sand-chedi building, processions and water play; for northern traditions see our Songkran in Chiang Mai guide and our Songkran etiquette guide. Loy Krathong / Yi Peng (around November): lanterns and krathong on the Wang River. Provincial fairs: Lampang holds an annual city celebration and Red Cross fair, usually in the cool season. Dates vary each year — check with TAT.

Travel tips

• Visit Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat early in the day; the stairs are steep and exposed to the sun.
• Dress modestly at temples; at some Lanna temples women are asked not to enter certain chedi areas — follow the signs.
• Agree the route and duration before a horse-carriage ride.
• Lampang is an easy day trip from Chiang Mai, but staying overnight lets you enjoy Kad Kong Ta.

FAQ

Is Lampang worth visiting?

Yes — it has some of Thailand’s finest Lanna temples, is quieter than Chiang Mai and is easy to reach by train, road or air.

How do I get to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat?

Drive or hire a driver to the base in Chae Hom, then take the local pickup shuttle and climb the stairs; check hours before going.

When is Kad Kong Ta held?

On weekend evenings along the old Chinese street by the Wang River; check locally for the current schedule.

Can I combine Lampang with Chiang Mai?

Easily — the cities are about 1.5 hours apart, and the elephant centre lies between them.

Keep exploring

• Lampang food guide: what and where to eat
• Chiang Mai travel guide
• Things to do in Sukhothai
• Things to do in Nan

Cover photo: The Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.jpg · Woonzen5558 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons