Lampang Travel Guide: Hidden Gem of Northern Thailand

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and our deep knowledge of Northern Thailand. Legend Travel Group since 2008.

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While most travellers rush from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Lampang offers something very different: the real Northern Thailand – a place that still feels undiscovered, where traditional Lanna culture is alive and well, and where you can experience daily life without the crowds.

This beautiful province is famous for:

• Beautiful Lanna temples with unique Burmese-style architecture

• The last horse carriage service in Thailand

• Ethical elephant conservation experiences

• Charming old town with historic teak houses

• Excellent local food scene (especially Khao Soi and Gang Hung Lay)

Perfect for travellers who want to experience authentic Northern Thailand without the mass tourism of Chiang Mai or Pai.

Lampang enjoys the classic Northern Thailand climate:

• Cool/Dry Season (November–February): 15–28°C → Best overall period
  Perfect weather, clear skies, very comfortable for temple visits and walking tours

• Hot Season (March–May): 25–38°C → Very hot, especially April
  Good for early morning and late afternoon sightseeing

• Rainy Season (June–October): 24–33°C, frequent afternoon showers
  Beautiful green landscapes, fewer tourists, excellent value

Best months overall: November–February and early March

1. Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram
   Home to the Emerald Buddha (same one now in Bangkok) for 32 years
   Spectacular Burmese-style chedi and beautiful murals

2. Horse Carriage Ride in Old Town
   The only place in Thailand where horse carriages are still used as daily transport
   Classic 30–60 minute ride through historic streets

3. Thai Elephant Conservation Center
   Ethical elephant sanctuary with daily shows, bathing, feeding
   Museum and elephant hospital on-site

4. Wat Chedi Sao (Seven Chedis Temple)
   7 small white chedis in perfect row – very photogenic
   Peaceful and rarely crowded

5. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
   One of the most beautiful temples in Northern Thailand
   Stunning Lanna architecture, ancient murals, and sacred Buddha image

6. Chae Son National Park
   Hot springs, waterfalls, and natural pools
   Perfect for a relaxing nature day trip

7. Kad Gong Ta (Old Market)
   Authentic local market with traditional Lanna food
   Try Gang Hung Lay (Northern-style pork curry) here

8. Ceramic & Celadon Workshops
   Lampang is famous for its ceramics – visit factories and workshops

9. Ban Sao Nak (Big House)
   Largest surviving teak house in Lampang (over 100 years old)
   Beautiful Lanna architecture and antiques

10. Night Bazaar & Riverside Walk
    Relaxed evening atmosphere compared to Chiang Mai
    Good local food and less crowded

Getting to Lampang

• From Chiang Mai: 1.5–2 hours by car or minivan (100–200 THB)

• From Bangkok: Direct train (8–10 hours) or fly to Chiang Mai then transfer

• Best base: Chiang Mai (day trip) or stay 1–2 nights in Lampang

Getting Around Lampang

• Traditional horse carriages (30–60 min: 150–300 THB)

• Songthaew (shared pickup trucks) very cheap

• Rent scooter (200–300 THB/day) – roads are good

• Tuk-tuks and taxis available but more expensive

Where to Stay in Lampang

• Budget: Lampang River Lodge, Wiengthong Hotel (800–1,500 THB)

• Mid-range: Lampang Luxury Hotel, The Riverside Guest House (1,800–3,500 THB)

• Boutique: The Lampang Hotel, Long Stay Home (3,500–6,000 THB)

Must-Try Food in Lampang

• Gang Hung Lay (Northern-style pork curry)

• Khao Soi (Northern curry noodles)

• Sai Oua (Northern sausage)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern chili dip)

• Sticky rice with mango

• Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders & knees)

• Remove shoes before entering temple buildings

• Wai (hands together) greeting is appreciated

• Ask permission before photographing people (especially monks)

• Bargain politely at markets

• Tipping is not common but appreciated in restaurants (10–20 THB)

At Legend Travel Group, we specialize in authentic Northern Thailand experiences that most tourists never discover. Our Lampang & Northern Thailand tours are designed for travellers who want:

• Real cultural immersion, not just photo stops

• Small groups or private tours

• Ethical elephant experiences

• Local food experiences with Thai families

• Flexible payment (only 10% deposit required)

• 24/7 support from real people who live in Thailand

Whether you want to:

• Do a full Northern Thailand circuit (Chiang Mai → Lampang → Chiang Rai → Golden Triangle)

• Combine Lampang with Sukhothai and Ayutthaya

• Add Lampang as a day trip from Chiang Mai

We create the perfect itinerary for you.

Contact Legend Travel Group today for your personalized Lampang & Northern Thailand itinerary.

Book your Northern Thailand adventure with us:

• WhatsApp: +84825862222

• Email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com

• Website: https://www.legendtravelgroup.com

Legend Travel Group – since 2008
Authentic Thailand & Southeast Asia experiences for discerning travellers