Lampang

LAMPANG, also known as Nakhon Lampang is a city in Northern Thailand and the capital of Lampang Province as well.
It has been occupied by various civilizations, including Hariphunchai, Lanna, and the Burmese for more than 1000 years and has a rich archaeological record. It is also known for its nostalgic local transport, the horse drawn carriages.
Lampang was an important center of the timber industry in the early 20th century and saw an influx of migrants from British controlled Myanmar (Burma).
It is the third largest city of Northern Thailand and a trading and transportation center. The population ist approx.. 60000. Lampang lies 600 km north of Bangkok, resp.100 km southeast of Chiang Mai in the valley of the Wang River, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya. The city lies mainly on the south side of Wang River, although the old parts of the city had been originally developed in the north side of it.

HISTORY. Lampang was a major city in the Lanna Kingdome. However, its historical prominence is largely overshadowed by Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, which were the traditional seats of government, and whose histories were well recorded in chronicles. Following decades of warfare with both the Burmese and Ayutthaya during the 17th-18th century, the region was in decline, severely depopulated, and subject to Burmese control. In the late 18th century the local Burmese leader was assassinated at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and led to a rollback of Burmese rule over Lanna.

GETTING THERE. The city is an important highway hub, with a four lane highway link to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as a major highway to Phrae and Nan. From Lampang it is roughly a 1,5 hour bus ride to Chiang Mai. Nakhon Lampang Railway Station is a stop for the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train, approx. 10 hours from Bangkok. Lampang Airport is served by domestic flights from Bangkok.

ATTRACTIONS. It is here that tourists can still find horse-drawn carriages in regular use for transportation, an attribute to former colonial Myanmar (Burma). The horse-drawn carriage is one of the most memorable symbols of Lampang, as reflected in many traditional products. Historical Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (built in traditional architecture and famous for its murals from the 19th century) and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center are the most popular places visited by tourists. Many temples in downtown Lampang were built in Burmese style, originally endowed by the logging tycoons of the late 19th century.
Outside the provincial town and more popular with local visitors is Jaeson National Park, a compact park with natural hot springs and waterfalls.
Festivals. Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair is held during October/November around Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, featuring Lampang’s own historical backgrounds, long-established customs and traditions.
Khantok Chang Fair is organized on the first Friday and Saturday of February each year at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. There is an elephant show and the pachyderms are feasted with their popular fruits and vegetables which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people.
Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day is organized at the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station at the beginning of April to commemorate the first royal train that arrived to the station in 1916.