Lampang Tour
Visit the charming, historical and rarely visited north Thai town of Lampang
2-day escorted Lampang tour by road and rail
Lampang – a town not usually on visitors’ itineraries for north Thailand although we reckon it certainly deserves to be and indeed – all the more reason for visiting!
One of the oldest settlements in the region, the history of Lampang dates back over 1,500 years to the pre-Siamese, Mon, Dvaravati civilisation. This laid back provincial town, a short but scenic train ride south of Chiang Mai and surrounded by national parks and forested hills, is today considered the centre of the traditional Lanna (North Thai) culture and possesses some of the most spectacular ancient temples of this region of Thailand.
More recently Lampang was one of the major centres of the teak trade and fortuitously many of the 19th-century ‘gingerbread-style‘ merchants’ houses, offices and teak barons’ mansions can still be seen in and around town including the famous ‘Luis House’, constructed by Luis Leonowens, the son of the famous Anna of King and I fame!
Our 2-day, fully accompanied, tour from Chiang Mai takes in the picturesque Lanna temples and a visit to the old town of Lampang by traditional pony and trap as well as of course providing plenty of time to explore its present-day street-life, street food and local markets. Outside of town visits include a rural market as well as the province’s famous Elephant Hospital, run by the Friends of the Asian Elephant organisation.
An unusual, varied and rewarding side trip which would complement any of our Thai tours – or even Thai and Laos trips, that start or finish in Chiang Mai for anyone with a couple of extra days to spare. Note also that additional nights’ accommodation in Chiang Mai, before or after your mini-tour, are also available on request.
Our published price for a private tour is based on 2 persons sharing while for a single traveller, the price is £425 while reductions are available for larger groups or families.
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Lampang - local train and ancient temples
Transfer to Chiang Mai railway station for a scenic ride on the local train to Hang Chat Station in neighbouring Lampang Province. From here we’ll visit Wat Prathat Lampang Luang, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple of northern Thailand. After lunch drive to Lampang Town, still probably the leading centre of Lanna, (old North Thai), culture. Late afternoon walking tour of Thalat Gao Street in the centre of the old town and also the location for the town’s street night market. Overnight by the river in Lampang.
Overnight: Lampang Transport: Train, Walk, Meals: L,
Day 2 - Lampang - elephant hospital and country market
Morning tour of the town by traditional pony and trap – still in use in Lampang – including visits to Wat Si Rong Muang, a Burmese monastery, Wat Prakaeo Don Tao as well as Ban Sao Nok, a unique historic teak house. Heading back towards Chiang Mai our first stop is the fascinating Thung Kwiean country market followed by the famous Elephant Hospital. Lunch and an afternoon drive back to Chiang Mai. Late afternoon arrival and end of the programme.
Extra nights accommodation in Chiang Mai are also available on request
Overnight: Departure Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
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Hotels
Just a few of the many highlights
A fascinating and rarely visited destination the ancient town of Lampang in northern Thailand was the centre of the old kingdom old Lanna as well as a logging and trading centre during colonial times.
- Great off the beaten track destination; lots to see and very few tourists!
- Visit the famous Elephant Hospital run by the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation
- Scenic countryside, ancient temples, local markets and historic buildings
- Travel by local train through the mountains from Chiang Mai to Lampang
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Riverside Guesthouse Lampang view
- Central riverside setting in Old Lampang
- Small and friendly family-run location
- Comfy rooms with traditional north Thai decor
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
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