Lampang

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
12/08/2025
Aerial photograph of a large Buddha statue at Wat Prathat Doi Prachan, surrounded by lush greenery in Lampang, Thailand.
OK Pitiporn, Pexels

Lampang offers a tranquil escape in Northern Thailand, known for its deep historical roots and preserved local culture. Visitors immerse themselves in a relaxed atmosphere, exploring ancient temples and traditional ways of life.

For those seeking to connect with others, Lampang's night markets, such as Kad Kong Ta, provide a vibrant local experience with food and crafts. The city also features riverside cafes that offer a relaxed setting. While there is a low-key bar scene, Lampang is not a prominent destination for lively nightlife or a large backpacker social hub.

Top 6 Things to do in Lampang

Visitors to Lampang can immerse themselves in historical temple exploration, unique traditional transport, engaging cultural craft experiences, and the tranquil beauty of natural hot springs and waterfalls.

1. Experience a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

A horse-drawn carriage ride offers a unique and nostalgic way to see Lampang, as it is the only province in Thailand that still utilizes these carriages for tourism. One can enjoy a leisurely pace through the city's charming streets, passing by historical buildings and local life. It provides a delightful glimpse into Lampang's past as a significant trading hub. For a shorter experience, a minor town tour covers central landmarks, while a major tour extends along the Wangkwa Road to view old wooden houses. One can also choose an hourly hire to customize the route and include stops at specific points of interest.

Cost: Costs typically range from 150-200 THB for a 15-40 minute town tour, or 300-400 THB per hour for a more personalized ride.

Transport: Carriages are readily available in front of the old town hall, near hotels like Thip Chang Lampang Hotel and Wienglakor Hotel, and around tourist spots from early morning until late evening. Many areas are central and walkable to pick up a carriage.

2. Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a highly revered and historically significant temple, considered one of the most important in Northern Thailand. Its 13th-century Lanna architectural style is well-preserved, standing within a fortified wall, giving it a citadel-like appearance. Visitors ascend a naga-flanked staircase to enter, where they can explore the grand main prayer hall (Viharn Luang) and marvel at the golden chedi, which enshrines revered Buddha relics. The temple offers a sense of profound history and a peaceful atmosphere, distinct from the more crowded temples in other major Northern Thai cities.

Cost: There is no official entrance fee, but donations are welcomed.

Transport: Located approximately 17-21 km southwest of Lampang city. To reach it, one can take a blue songthaew (local shared taxi) from Lampang to Ko Kha (around 20 THB, 25 minutes), then transfer to a mototaxi for the final 3 km to the temple (around 40 THB). A more convenient option is hiring a private taxi for a round trip from Lampang city center, which may cost around 350-400 THB.

3. Explore Kad Kong Ta Walking Street

Kad Kong Ta Walking Street offers a vibrant and authentic local market experience, particularly lively on weekend evenings. The street, lined with beautifully preserved old wooden houses blending Western, Burmese, Shan, Chinese, and Lanna architectural styles, transports visitors to Lampang's past as a bustling trade community. One can stroll along, sampling a wide array of local foods and drinks, browsing handicrafts, souvenirs, and art from street vendors. Cultural performances often add to the charming, warm atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals and a delightful immersion into Lampang's social life.

Cost: Entry to the walking street is free; costs apply only to purchases of food, drinks, and goods.

Transport: The market is held on Talad Gao Road, which becomes partly pedestrianized from Ratchadapisek Bridge. It is easily accessible by walking or cycling from many central Lampang accommodations. Public transport like songthaews can also take visitors close to the area.

4. Discover the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum

Lampang is renowned throughout Thailand for its ceramics, especially the iconic 'chicken bowls.' The Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum provides a fascinating insight into this local heritage. Visitors can learn about the history of Lampang's ceramic industry, from the discovery of kaolin clay to the evolution of production techniques and designs. The museum often features live demonstrations of the chicken bowl making process, including the use of traditional Dragon kilns. Engaging workshops allow one to try painting their own ceramic pieces, creating a personalized souvenir.

Cost: The entrance fee is 100 THB for adults and 60 THB for children. English-speaking guided tours are typically offered hourly. Fees for workshops to create personal ceramics vary depending on the activity chosen.

Transport: The museum is located outside the immediate city center. While there is no direct public transport, one can hire a songthaew to reach the museum.

5. Relax at Chae Son National Park

Chae Son National Park, situated in a lush, mountainous area about 75 km from Lampang city, offers a refreshing escape into nature. Its main attractions are the natural hot springs and a multi-tiered waterfall. Visitors can experience the unique activity of boiling eggs in the 82°C hot springs, or enjoy a relaxing mineral bath in private huts. The park's misty morning views around the hot springs are particularly picturesque. Beyond the hot springs, one can explore the six-level Chae Son Waterfall, which is about a kilometer away, and enjoy walking trails through the tropical forest.

Cost: Entrance fees for foreigners are 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. There is an additional fee for vehicles (30 THB for cars, 20 THB for bikes). Private mineral baths cost 50 THB per person.

Transport: Located approximately 75 km from Lampang city. Public songthaew services operate from Talat Kao Road in Lampang, with the journey taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, renting a scooter (around 250 THB per day) or a car (800-1000 THB per day) provides more flexibility for exploring the park and surrounding areas.

6. Visit Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao Suchadaram

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao Suchadaram holds significant historical importance as it once housed the revered Emerald Buddha for 32 years in the 15th century before it was moved to Chiang Mai and eventually Bangkok. This ancient temple, said to have been founded in the 7th century, features a distinctive 50-meter chedi that is the only surviving structure from the original temple. Visitors can admire the unique Burmese-style architecture seen in its Buddha statues and various buildings. The temple offers a peaceful environment for contemplation and learning about its rich past.

Cost: Admission is 20 THB per person.

Transport: This temple is located within Lampang city, near Wiang Nua District. It is often within walking or cycling distance from the city center, or easily reachable by a short songthaew ride.

Check out our other pages on Lampang

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Thailand

Central Thailand
Eastern Thailand
Northeastern Thailand
Northern Thailand
Southern Thailand - Andaman Coast
Southern Thailand - Gulf Coast