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In this article, we will explore some of the top reasons why you should visit Lampang, Thailand and what makes this city a hidden gem worth discovering.
Lampang’s weekend markets are popular with locals and tourists, offering various goods and mouthwatering foods.
The markets take place in the Old Town along Kad Kong Ta Walking Street every Saturday and Sunday evening from 5 pm to 10 pm.
You can find numerous food stalls selling local delicacies such as khao soi (curry noodles), sai ua (northern Thai sausage), and grilled meats.
My favourite street snacks here were crispy squid bits, Taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake filled with various sweet fillings) and noodles covered in Northern Thai curry.
Vendors also sell clothing, handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs, and they have live performances and cultural shows here too. I experienced the Kad Kong Ta markets on both Saturday & Sunday nights, with Sunday night feeling much busier.
It’s an enjoyable street to walk along and the atmosphere is fantastic. Prices for food and goods are very fair and quite noticeably cheaper than the markets in Chiang Mai.
If you love markets as much as I do, you could also visit Talad Gao Market, on Sunday morning too. This market is known for its fresh produce, including locally grown fruits (delicious mangoes for 25 THB per kilo), vegetables, meat, fish, and curry/chilli pastes.
Vendors also sell handmade crafts, textiles, antiques, and second-hand items. You’re sure to find some unique souvenirs to from your time spent in Lampang, Thailand.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Lampang has so much character and street art.
At times, it reminded me of wandering the streets of Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia – also on a search for the best food in Penang.
In Lampang, I recommend you ride a bicycle around the Old Town and keep your eyes peeled for walls and alleyways appearing, with some colourful street art that tells stories about the city and its people.
My advice is to start at Wang River Street Art area, then explore from here.
Located 18km away from the centre of Lampang, Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is considered one of northern Thailand’s most magnificent and significant temples.
Enclosed by sturdy walls, the temple complex is home to a stunning chedi that houses a sacred Buddha relic. The Lanna-style wooden structures that grace the temple grounds are renowned for their historic and aesthetic value and are held in high esteem by Thai locals.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and its ‘floating pagodas’ offer a unique and rewarding sight for those willing to venture further out of town. Located 50km away (1hr 20 min by car or 2 hrs by motorbike) this temple is more difficult, and expensive to reach if you don’t have your own transport; but it’s certainly possible.
The temple complex is open daily from 07:30 to 16:30 and ticket price is 300 THB (9 USD) for adults and 180 THB (5 USD) for children. This price includes a songthaew ride to the second level of the complex. The final ascent is on foot, 800 metres of steep steps to the top.
The panoramic view from the top makes it all worthwhile. The Lampang Thailand region is stunning from this perspective.
From CHIANG MAI- This Private Spectacular Temples Day Trip takes you to two of Lampang Province’s striking Buddhist temples.
Discover Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and Wat Chalemprakiat
CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY HERE
Back in town, Wat Sri Chum, constructed by traders during the peak of the teak industry, is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it.
This is the biggest of all 31 Burmese temples in Thailand.
Other notable temples in Lampang that are well worth visiting include Wat Chedi Sao, Wat Si Rong Muang, Wat Chiang Rai, and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao.
If you’ve been travelling in Northern Thailand or the popular city of Chiang Mai, you have likely tried this deliciously rich, coconut curry & noodle soup dish.
Khai Soi is a classic Northern Thai dish with tender braised meat (chicken and beef are most common) in a coconut curry broth with both boiled and fried yellow noodles, served with pickled mustard greens, sliced shallots, and fresh lime on the side.
It’s one of my favourite dishes in Thailand, and I ate my way around Chiang Mai in search of the BEST Khao Soi dish in the city.
Ultimately, I found it – and you can read about it in my Food Guide for Chiang Mai.
The Khao Soi places in Chiang Mai are fantastic; however, I’ve found a bowl of Khao Soi during my visit to Lampang that beats them all! I visited this quaint little outdoor eatery, run by the friendliest little elderly couple, to enjoy a bowl of the best Khao Soi Gai (chicken) I’ve ever tasted.
The best part about this dish is the tender chicken, the delicious curry broth, the fresh noodles, and the perfect portion size. For 50 THB ($1.50), you can’t go wrong.
I enjoyed it twice while in Lampang, Thailand; it was that good!
Khao Soi House – Address: Hua Wiang, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang.
Lampang is famous for its well-preserved traditional Lanna architecture, seen in its wooden houses, temples, and other buildings.
As you explore the city, either on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, you’ll notice many fascinating buildings that will capture your eye.
Some notable examples include the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Temple (located 16km from Lampang) and the Baan Sao Nak museum in town. Unfortunately, this museum is temporarily closed; however, you can view the example of Lanna architecture from the exterior.
Note: I highly recommend you visit Lampang Museum. It’s free entry, and I found it very interactive. I learned so much about Lampang’s history and Lanna culture, and I appreciated that it was all well translated into English.
When I searched for Lampang Thailand hotels, this homestay sat at the top of the list like a shining star with superb past guest reviews.
The other thing that caught my eye, apart from the 5-star reviews and the great location, was the inclusion of an excellent Asian breakfast in the rate.
Tha Ma-O Bouteak Homestay was the best accommodation I’ve ever stayed at in Thailand, or equally fantastic to my home-away-from-home in Chiang Mai, Rena House.
The wonderful Mother and-daughter team here have thought of everything here to ensure guest comfort.
And the highlight of my stay happened to be the ever-changing hot Asian breakfast served each morning. Just look at these photos below!
This home-cooked Northern Thai food had the all-important ingredient. You know the one I’m talking about. Yes, each dish is cooked with love.
It was a welcome feeling to enjoy food and hospitality such as this when I travel and stay in different places each week.
I also loved that this homestay included free bicycles to get around town. It has such excellent value, starting from just $12 per night, including the amazing breakfast, and cold drinking water, fresh orange juice, toast/snack bar too.
I didn’t want to leave! I will definitely come back here to this accommodation when I return to Lampang in Thailand one day.
VIEW PRICE & AVAILABILITY at Tha Ma-O Bouteak Homestay
Lampang has a relaxed, friendly vibe no matter where you go in the city. I felt it in the centre of the town, cycling along the river, in the small residential neighbourhoods and exploring the many beautiful temples.
If you’re looking for a place to find peace for a few days, disconnect online and reconnect with nature – I recommend Lampang.
Lampang is the only city in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used for transportation. They were first introduced in the 1900s when the northern train route reached Lampang—originally used to carry goods from the train station when the city was booming because of the teak wood trade.
After the decline of the teak trade, the local people used horses and carts as a regular form of transport. However, it’s only in more recent times that the carriages have carried tourists.
So, if you’re not riding your bicycle around town to visit the temples, cute artsy coffee shops and street art, take a leisurely ride through the city’s streets via horse and carriage and enjoy the sights.
Lampang is home to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, a sanctuary for elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries.
The centre cares for around 50 elephants, and visitors can learn about these magnificent animals and their history in Thailand, as well as their behaviour, diet, and daily care.
Visitors can also participate in activities such as feeding and bathing the elephants under trained staff’s guidance.
The TECC is also involved in research and conservation efforts to preserve Thailand’s wild elephant population. In addition, they work closely with local communities to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of elephant conservation.
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Upon arrival in Lampang, I noticed that pictures and statues of roosters were everywhere! You will see them at roundabouts, on street signs, at temples and shrines, public spaces and markets, and painted on ceramics and buildings.
I discovered that the reason for all the roosters in Lampang is rooted in the local culture and history of the region.
The association between roosters and Lampang also stems from an ancient legend surrounding the Buddha’s visit to the area.
The tale, passed down through generations, recounts how the Hindu deity Indra was concerned that the people of Lampang would oversleep and fail to offer alms to the Buddha. To solve the problem, Indra transformed himself into a rooster and crowed loudly at dawn, rousing the residents from their sleep and ensuring they would be up in time to make their offerings.
The legend has become deeply ingrained in Lampang’s culture, with roosters symbolising the city’s history, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.
Furthermore, in northern Thailand, including Lampang, roosters symbolise strength, courage, and good luck.
Lampang is known for its high-quality ceramics made using traditional techniques. You can visit the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum and see the skilled artisans at work.
Entrance Fee: 100 THB
If you’d like to browse for more ceramics, then stop by at the Ceramics Market in town. There are approximately 15 small ceramic stores here, with many great pieces at the right price.
If you wish to stay closer to the new city area or would like some other suggested accommodation options, here are some recommended hotels in Lampang for every budget.
BUDGET HOTEL: Ma Chic & Cozy – A clean and comfortable hotel with a fantastic breakfast included in the rate.
Most importantly, it’s well located with friendly staff, and a great budget to mid-range option for hotels in Lampang. CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY
MID-RANGE HOTEL: Le Neuf Nakorn Lampang – Modern, clean, and well-maintained hotel in Lampang. It’s well located to reach Old Town Lampang and close to some great restaurants and eateries.
The rooms are clean and spacious, including a kettle, tea/coffee, a hairdryer, and a large fridge. CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY
LUXURY HOTEL: The Space Hotel Lampang – A recently built, modern hotel with large and spacious rooms. Comfortable beds, with Japanese-style toilet. The staff offers excellent customer service.
The daily breakfast offers buffet, American, or Asian options. This hotel offers excellent value, in a top-rated location. Highly recommended. CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY
We have many travel guides and tips for Thailand—what a delicious country!
Our 26 helpful tips for travel in Thailand are good to know before you arrive.
Start by tasting these top 12 Thai dishes and then explore more of this incredible cuisine. We love to eat here, and Thailand is featured in our top 10 best countries for food lovers.
There are many reasons why it’s the perfect destination, and here are 15 amazing things to do in Thailand to help plan your next trip.
Our ultimate Southeast Asia packing list covers what to take (and what to leave at home). Learn a few basic Thai expressions to impress the locals!
If you plan on travelling to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand (which I highly recommend), our post about where to stay in Chiang Mai—our accommodation guide will be helpful to you.
Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise, our food guide on its best restaurants and places to eat is essential reading!
For those looking to stay a little longer in Thailand, this country is a digital nomad & remote workers’ heaven! Read our detailed digital nomads guide to both Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai and Ko Samui vs Ko Phangan for remote workers.
Some of our favourite places include Kata Beach, on the island of Phuket – here are ten awesome things to do in Kata Beach, and of course we put together this ultimate food guide for Phuket Town.
We recommend visiting Lampang, a lesser-known (but fantastic) city – here are 11 reasons to visit Lampang!
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1 Comment. Leave new
Always count on your blog for the best and most authentic recommendations (especially food!!). Added Lampang to my list for when I return to northern Thailand later this year!