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Tourist
Attractions
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
 One
of the most important temples in Northern Thailand,
the attractive, Lanna-style Wat Phra That
Lampang Luang, is renowned for its impressive
16th century murals, graceful architecture, and
richly colored interiors. Inside the compound
are highly revered Buddha images, including Phra
Kaew Don Tao, allegedly carved from the same jadeite
block as the Emerald Buddha. The main buildings
were constructed in the late 15th century on the
site of an 8th century fortress. The complex was
built on a mound and fortified by 3 parallel earthen
ramparts separated by moats for protection against
attacks.
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao
 Another
interesting temple is Wat Phra Kaeo Don
Tao, believed to have been built during
the same time the town was founded. The only surviving
original building is the 50-m chedi. The temple
briefly housed the Emerald Buddha and a similar
jasper Buddha image during 1436-1468. Today, the
former is in Bangkok and the latter is housed
at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. The compound also
houses the Lanna Museum with religious Lanna artifacts
on displays.
Built in 1896, the Lanna-style
Ban Sao Nak (Many Pillar House)
got its name from the 116 square teak pillars
supporting the building. Now a museum, it is lavishly
decorated with Burmese and Thai antique crafts
consisting of lacquerware, silverware, and ceramics.
An architectural dream. This and other nearby
city attractions can be toured by a horse drawn
carriage for a novel experience.
The late 18th century distinctive
Lanna temple and copper chedi of Wat Pongsanuk
Tai provides a nice contrast to the 19th
century Burmese-style Wat Si Chum.
The latter was constructed mostly from beautifully
carved teak and the interior of the main chapel,
decorated in exquisite lacquerwork, depicts life
during the 19th century.
The city’s riverside Chinatown
on Talad Gao (Old Market) Road was once the site
of bustling commerce when travel relied solely
on the Wang River until the arrival of the railway
system in 1915. Nowadays, the narrow streets are
clustered with pretty wooden houses and shops
that have been there for more than one century.
The area was once home to businesses and residences
of affluent families. These old homes are valued
for their unusual mix of Thai, Chinese, Burmese
and British architectural styles.
Trekking Tours
 Established
to help preserve the nation’s majestic creatures,
the Thai Elephant Conservation Center
is regarded as one of the best elephant training
camps in this region but is less tourists-oriented
than other places. About 12 animals, aged 3-5
years, arrive each year to learn a variety of
tasks in the nearby forest during the 5-year training
period. The center stages regular performances,
provides a chance for tourists to feed the animals,
and houses a small museum.
On the opposite side of the highway, the Thung
Kwian Forest Market sells a variety of
wild plants and medicinal and culinary herbs.
Lizards, beetles, snakes and other endangered
species are also sold here, though the government
is trying to curb these sales.
Doi Khun Tan National
Park consists of a densely forested mountain
range that separates Lampang from Lamphun and
has 4 main peaks. The nation’s longest railway
tunnel, measuring 1,352 m., was cut through these
mountains to connect Lampang with other cities.
The Chao Por Pradupa Shrine is
dedicated to Phraya Chor Meu Lek (Iron Fist Aristocrat),
a prominent military leader of the former King
of Lampang. While engaged in battle with Burmese
invaders at the city gates, he was outnumbered
and stabbed to death. He died standing braced
against the wall with both of his swords still
in his hands. So intimidating was the stance that
it frightened the Burmese soldiers into retreat,
saving the city.
Extending over 3 districts of Lampang, the Chae
Sorn National Park is a densely forested
park featuring a large hot spring pool and an
impressive 6-tiered waterfall.
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Lampang
