Thailand Lampang Day Trip

Day 23 : Today is Lampang day trip with an old couple known in guesthouse. The distance between Chiang Mai and Lampang is 105km and it takes 1 hours 30 minutes to arrive there. We take Songthaew to bus terminal (20 baht per person) and buy bus ticket there. There do have different booth counter selling bus ticket to various part of Thailand including Bangkok, Hua Hin. The fare is 74 baht. For double decker bus, it cost 95 baht. You can rent a car and drive to Lampang too. The route is very straightforward and simple. The car rental per day is ranging 1300 to 1500 baht depending on manual car or auto car.

Lampang is an ancient town with the influence and culture mix of Burmese and Lanna Kingdom. Temple is the building that most obviously represents the mix of Burmese and Lanna Kingdom building architecture. So, for tourists who wish to visit Burmese style of temples and mix of Burmese and Lanna Kingdom styles of temples, just come to Lampang. Visit Lampang to discover the prosperity of Hari Poonchai to Lanna Kingdom with Wat Pong Sanook as highlight. This temple received the award of merit from UNESCO. It is located in an old residential part of town.

Another tourist’s attraction here in Lampang is horse carriages cart services. Lampang is the only city in Thailand that has horse carriages cart services. Because of its quite expensive fare compare to local transport Songthaew, horse carriages cart services is dedicated for tourists. For the standard routes of 3km, it’s fare is 150 baht, 200 baht for 4km Special Route, 300 baht with routes go to Wat Pong Sanook, Wat Phrakaewdontao, Luang Por Kasem, Wat Chedi Sao, and 500 baht for 2 hours city tour but one day in advanced booking is required. All price stated is based on per trip. So 2 people’s backpacker and traveler to have horse carriages cart service will be a great save.

If you have enough time or stay overnight in Lampang, you can visit Kad Kong Ta walking street market. It open every Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. Kad Kong Ta walking street is known for historical trading zone over 100 hears ago. The trade began along the bank of Wang River and later become center of trades. The buildings and houses were built with the mixed of Western, Burmese-Thai and Chinese styles. In 1916 after the railroad system which connected Lampang and other city was completed, the trading along this zone had declined. People who lived in this area had moved to settle close to the railway station and developed a new community called “GowJow”. However, this charming architectural has returned to its old memories and is one of the most visited, impressive and memorable spots where various handmade goods like weaving bag, Lanna handbag local style, Lanna paintings, resin product, clothes, shoes, and etc are sold.

There are other attractions located slightly far from the city of Lampang like Ko Kha District (15km), Muang Pharn District (69km), and Ngao District (84km).

Ko Kha District attractions has Wat Lai Hin, Wat Prathat Lampang Luang, Wat Prathat Jomping, Ko Kha Ancient Caveman, Pong Nam Rorn Hot Spring.

Muang Pharn District attractions have Waterfall, Hot Spring, Pamiang Village, Giewfin, Wat Sriluang Jaesorn, Wat Sob Lee, Wat Kuang Gom.

Ngao Districts have 3000 years Paintings, Phatai Cave, Lom Phu Keaw, Mae Khae Waterfall, Ban Bur Siliam (Hill Tribe Village).

In Lampang city, Saloong Luang Parade held every year on April 12th at 2pm. Emerald Buddha Parade were held every year on 13th April at 1.30pm and Sapaoyai Parade start at 6pm. November’s major events Long Sapao Jaowienglagorn Ceremony and Loykrathong (Floating Celebrations) at Muang District are worth to visit.