About 150 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Lampang is situated on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang and lies 599 kilometers north of Bangkok at the junction of highways of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with an area of 12,543 sq.kms.

     Lampang lays claim to two unique features : it is the sole Thai town still using colourful horse drawn carriages as a means of everyday urban transport, and it claims to have the world's only training school for baby elephants.

     Both attractions account for the bulk of Lampang's Thai and foreign visitors, famous for the production of ceramic goods and mining operations. A great deal of ball clay, china stone, and lignite are extracted from the surrounding mountains. There are more than 200 ceramic factories in and around Muang Lampang. Most of ceramic factories are small to medium size operations mainly producing novelties (plant pots, dolls), tablewares, and building materials (tiles, railings), etc.The largest power plant in Thailand is located in Mae Mo district near the lignite mining area. The plant uses the abundant lignite as fuel. The largest concrete plant is also situated north of Mueang Lampang. This is also powered by the lignite. Limestone is another abundant mineral mined in Lampang.

      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.

     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.

      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.

     Kew Lom Dam and Reservoir A beautiful place that is very conducive to relaxation is the Kew Lom Dam, located only 37 kms. from the township area on Lampang - Ngao Highway where a left turn is to be made at Km. 623-624 through another 14 kms. to the dam site. The dam is under the administration of the Royal Irrigation Department, open to the public everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. but no accommodation is provided. Another mean is from the private sector whose bungalows and pleasant rafts tour are available for visitors who wish to explore natural surrounding