Talk:Lampang/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang Lampang

Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limit. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour places such as markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples in town.

The centuries-old Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao (วัดพระแ��้วดอนเต้า) on Phra Kaeo Road used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now installed in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large Chedi containing the hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient Viharn housing a reclining Buddha and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.

To the west of town is Wat Si Rong Mueang (วัดศรีรองเมือง), a Burmese temple built in 1905 during the time when Lampang was the commercial and forestry centre. Major architectural works include the Viharn made of wood with several overlapping gables in the Burmese style. It is a temple with elaborate carving decorations and plaster designs adorned with colored glass fashioned with delicate craftsmanship.

Built during the reign of King Rama IV by Burmese, Wat Pa Fang (วัดป่าฝาง) is located on Sanam Bin Road. It has a large, glittering gold Chedi containing a Holy Relic brought over from Myanmar around 1906. The extensive Sala Kan Parian (preaching hall) is made entirely of wood with Burmese-style overlapping roofs. A small Ubosot has Burmese-style woodwork over its roof with beautiful plaster designs over its doors. Usually there are a considerable number of Burmese monks in residence.

Almost across Wat Pa Fang is Wat Chai Mongkhon (วัดไชยมงคล). The outstanding structure is the Kuti, monk's living quarters, which is a white cement building with Burmese-style wooden roof. Its columns are adorned with coils of golden wires in elaborate designs and colored glasses. The blinds and corridors are made of elaborately-fashioned perforated wooden sheet. Inside is housed a bronze Buddha statue of fine workmanship cast in Mandalay, Myanmar.

About 5 kilometres from town on the Lampang-Chae Hom road is Wat Chedi Sao Lang (วัดเจดีย์ซาวหลัง). Cooled and shaded by large trees, the temple has twenty Chedis is its compound, each made in the combined Lanna-Burmese style. A Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha statue is also enshrined here, commonly referred to as "Phra Chao Than Chai" by the local people. The door panels of the Ubosot are of ancient vintage with elaborate design.

Located on the Lampang-Ngao Road about five kilometres from town with a right turn at Km. 605 marker is Wat Phra That Mon Phaya Chae (วัดพระธาตุม่อนพระยาแช่). As it is situated on a hillside, it affords a clear view of Lampang. Its most outstanding feature is the long stair leading to the Chedi enshrining a Holy Relic.

Wat Phra That Sadet (วัดพระธาตุเสด็จ) can be reached by taking the Lampang-Ngao Road. After 17 kilometres, take a left turn and continue on for another 2 kilometres. One of Lampang's major sites, it is believed to have been built by Queen Chamthevi some 500 years ago.

To reach the Kiu Lom Dam (เขื่อนกิ่วลม), take the Lampang-Ngao road and turn left at km. 623-624 marker, which is about 38 kilometres from town. Then continue for a further 14 kilometres. Constructed for irrigation purpose, it has a scenic reservoir suitable for boating or rafting. At least a half-day tour is suggested. Visitors may opt for overnighting on raft. Places to see include cliffs, isles and fishing village. For more information, call 0 5433 4393, 0 5422 3772.

Thanon Talat Kao or Thanon Talat Chin or Thanon Khon Doen “Kat Kongta” (ถนนตลาดเก่า หรือ ถนนตลาดจีน หรือ ถนนคนเดิน “กาดกองต้า”) is a market next to the pier. In the past, it was a prosperous market. Since the reign of King Rama V, there were various communities arriving for business purposes such as the British, Burmese and Chinese. The latter has become the largest in number coming for trading purpose and establishing a gigantic community. Therefore, the locals called Kat Kongta as the “Talat Chin”- Chinese Market. The buildings on both sides of the river bank have a combination of European, Chinese and Burmese architectural styles. There are various styles of beautiful houses. Thanon Khon Doen - the Walking Street - starts from the foot of the Ratsadaphisek Bridge to the Fong Li building. From the evening of Saturday and Sunday until approximately 10.00 p.m., Thanon Khon Doen, “Kat Kongta” presents a local lifestyle of the Kat Kongta community. It is a cultural trace to the past. The locals will set up stalls offering articles, clothes, arts and various kinds of local food to be tasted such as Nam Ngiao, Namphrik Ong, Naem, as well as, local and contemporary musical concerts.

Amphoe Ko Kha

Some 20 kilometres to the southwest of town in Ko Kha district is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (วัดพระธาตุลำปางหลวง), a paradigm of temple building of Lanna. The temple itself is prominently sited on a hillock surrounded by wall. The entrance arches, called Pratu Khong (ประตูโขง), is adorned with fine plaster designs. The wall-less main Viharn houses a bronze Buddha statue called the Phra Chao Lan Thong (พระเจ้าล้านทอง). To the back is a golden Chedi in Lanna architectural style containing a Holy Relic. Also in the back is another Viharn with beautiful murals on wooden walls, said to be the oldest in the North. The temple also has a large collection of ancient wooden utensils.

Using the same route as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang but taking a left turn at the district office and continue on for 17 kilometres is Wat Phra That Chom Ping (��ัดพระธาตุจอมปิง) Mu 5, Ban Chom Ping, Tambon Na Kaeo. According to legend, it was constructed in the reign of King Tilokkarat of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. The amazing aspect of the temple is the natural-coloured reflection of the Phrathat passing through the hole of the window and appearing on the floor inside the Phra Ubosot all the time when there is light, both during the day and at night. Artefacts discovered in this area are also displayed at the temple.

Amphoe Hang Chat

Thai Elephants Conservation Centre (ศูนย์อนุรักษ์ช้างไทย) is located in the Thung Kwian forest park in Hang Chat district, about 32 kilometres from town on the route to Chiang Mai. It is the only facility in the world devoted to the raining of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as labor. There are performances and training demonstrations. The art of making wooden elephants is also demonstrated. There are 2-3 shows daily. Visitors can enjoy feeding these intelligent giants or ride them to see the natural surroundings. The centre provides health care for the elephants. For more information, call 0 5422 8034, 0 5422 9042.

The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun Than National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยขุนตาล) forms a natural boundary between Lamphun and Lampang provinces. The northern rail line to Chiang Mai runs through the longest rail tunnel in the country, which is 1,352 metres long and takes five minutes to traverse. The mountain has both virgin jungle and pinery.

Many tourists choose to walk from the Khun Than Station up the mountain, a distance of about 7 kilometres. There are four rest areas on the way. Visitors may also camp overnight but must provide for their own food. The best time to take the trip is between November-February when the weather is fine and cool. For more information, call 0 5351 9216 or visit www.dnp.go.th

Amphoe Ngao

Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อประตูผา) is about 50 kilometres from town on the Lampang-Ngao road near Km. 650 marker. Stacks of offering can be seen around the site and the shrine is considered sacred. Road-users passing by usually honk their car horns or set off firecrackers as a sign of respect. Legend has it that Chao Pho Pratu Pha was a great warrior of the Lampang ruler. He once fought Burmese invaders to block their advance at Pratu Pha and died fighting with his two swords still in his hands and his body still leaning against the hillside. The attackers were so frightened that they withdrew. To honour the brave warrior, the people build the shrine which has since become a sacred and revered place of worship.

Tham Pha Thai National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติถ้ำผาไท) is located between Mueang Lampang and Ngao districts just off the main highway at Km.665-666, some 60 kilometres from the provincial town. Cars can access right to the mouth of a cave within which are picturesque stalactite and stalagmites. There are also several smaller caverns, each with their own attractions. For more information, call 0 5422 0364 or visit www.dnp.go.th

Ban Chang Luang (บ้านจ้างหลวง หรือ ศูนย์ศิลปะชุมชนเมืองงาว), at 33 Mu 9, Ban Khoi in Tambon Ban Rong near the Phao Yao-Lampang road, is a facility established by Khru Kam-aye Dejduangta (ครูคำอ้าย เดชดวงตา). It has an extensive collection of wood-carvings made by Kru Kam-aye himself and serves as a school to train those intending to become artisans and to provide occupations for the local people. For more information, call 0 5422 0380 and 0 5436 5229.

Amphoe Mueang Pan

A major place for relaxation in Lampang is the Chae Son National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแจ้ซ้อน) which is located in Mueang Pan district area. It can be reached by taking Highway No.1035 taking a left turn at Km. 59. A further 17 kilometre is a lush forested and mountainous region with a 73 Celsius hot spring over rocky terrain, providing a misty and picturesque scene particularly in the morning. There are bathing facilities for health purpose.

One kilometre away is a clear, cool brook where tourists can take a dip in water fed by the 6-level Chae Son waterfall originating from winding brooks and streams flowing through high mountains. There are accommodations and camping areas for visitors. For more information, call 0 5422 9000 or visit www.dnp.go.th

Amphoe Wang Nuea

Namtok Wang Kaeo (น้ำตกวังแก้ว) is Lampang's the largest. It can be reached by taking the Lampang - Chae Hom - Wang Nuea route for a distance of 110 kilometres. On reaching Wang Nuea district, the waterfall is a further 26 kilometre further on.

Do

Festivals & Events

Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair (งานหลวงเวียงละคอน) is held just prior to the annual Loi Krathong event around Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, featuring Lampang's own historical backgrounds and long-established customs and traditions. A Khrua Than procession is organized with local people dressed in native attires carrying various traditional household appliances, some of which are of ancient vintage.

Khantok Chang Fair (งานขันโตกช้าง หรือ สะโตกช้าง) is organised on the first Friday-Saturday period of February each year at the Thai Elephant conservation Centre. There is an elephant show and the pachyderms are feasted with their popular fruits and vegetables which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people.

Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day (งานวันรถไฟรถม้าลำปาง) is organized at the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station at the beginning of April to commemorate the first royal train that arrived to the station 1 April, 1916. In the event, there will be an exhibition and Kat Mua market, where the participants will dress up in the traditional style of costume of some 80 years ago, when the horse carriage was first used in Lampang. The carriage service is also provided in the event.

Salung Luang Procession and Songkran Festival (งานแห่สลุงหลวงและสงกรานต์) is the unique Songkran festival of Lampang, organized during 12-14 April every year. On the 12 April, the Salung Luang procession will be beautifully decorated (Salung means a water bowl and Luang means large). The participants in the parade will dress up in the ancient Lanna style and carry a giant silver bowl around the city to receive lustral water soaked with turmeric and acacia from the people to be poured onto the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the revered Buddha image of the town enshrined at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Then, during 13-14 April every year, there will be a merit making ceremony at the temple, sand pagoda making, ceremony of pouring water onto the elderly, splashing of water, fairs and various forms of entertainment.

Buy

Hand-made Cotton (ผ้าทอมือ) comes in different patterns designed by different villages. Within Mueang Lampang district are several weaving mills and shops specialising in cotton materials.

Wood-carving (ไม้แกะสลัก) is a major industry at Tambon Na Khrua of Mae Tha district which is about 25 kilometres from the provincial town. Most of the local people make their living by producing wooden figures of animals in various sizes. It is a cottage industry of the locality for generations.

Terra-cotta or Ceramics (เซรามิก) produced in Lampang are of the best quality in Thailand. The indigenous with clay, added by the local craftsmanship, has helped to make Lampang the centre of such products, with scores of factories and shops dealing in this beautiful craft.

The Sa Paper (กระดาษสา) is fine product made from a type of soft wood. The process is purely traditional and the major producing center is the village of Ban Nam Thong. The Sa is mainly made into parasols, lampshades, decorative flowers and other souvenir items.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Lampang

• Arunsak (อรุณศักดิ์) 90/9 Bunyawat Road (Tel: 0 5421 7344, 0 5421 7532), 50 rooms: 120-200 baht
• Asia Lampang (เอเซีย ลำปาง) 229 Bunyawat Road (Tel: 0 5422 7844-7 Fax. 0 5422 4436), 73 rooms: 390-550 baht
• Benjarong (เบญจรงค์) Lampang-Phrae Road (Tel: 0 5422 5544), 46 rooms: 280 baht
• Khelang Nakhon (เขลางนคร) 719-20 Suandok Road (Tel: 0 5422 6137, 0 5422 2846-7), 75 rooms:200-360 baht
• Kim (คิม) 168 Bunyawat Rroad (Tel: 0 5421 7588, 0 5421 7721 Fax: 0 5422 6929), 40 rooms: 350 baht
• Kiu Lom Resort (กิ่วลม รีสอร์ท) 38 km from town, Kiu Lom Dam (Tel: 0 5421 7186), 300-2,500 baht
• Lampang (ลำปาง) 52 Suandok Road (Tel: 0 5422 7311-13), 52 rooms: 90-220 baht
• Lampang River Lodge (ลำปางริเวอร์ ลอดจ์) 330 Mu 11, Tambon Chomphu (Tel: 0 5421 7054 Fax: 0 2246 5679), 60 rooms: 900 baht www.riverkwaifloatel.com
• Lampang Wiang Thong (ลำปางเวียงทอง) 138/109 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 5422 5801-2 Fax: 0 5422 5803, Bangkok Tel: 0 2771 6176-8), 235 rooms: 838-2,125 baht
• 9 Mithuna (9 มิถุนา) 285 Bunyawat Road (Tel: 0 5421 7438, 0 5422 2261), 47 rooms: 90-260 baht
• M.R.Palace (มิสเตอร์ พาเลช) 5/2 Montri Road (Tel: 0 5422 7228 Fax: 0 5422 7228), 42 rooms: 480 baht
• Pin Hotel (พิณ) 8 Tambon Suan Dok (Tel: 0 5422 1509, 0 5422 2884 Fax: 322286), 59 rooms: 450-900 baht
• Romsri (ร่มศรี) 142 Boonyawat Road (Tel: 0 5421 7054), 40 rooms: 80-200 baht
• Sakol (สากล) 139/9 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 5421 7573), 40 rooms: 100-240 baht
• Siam (สยาม) 260/26-29 Chatchai Road (Tel: 0 5421 7472, 0 5421 7277, 0 5421 7642), 82 rooms: 129-292 baht
• Sri Sanga (ศรีสง่า) 213-215/1-2 Bunyawat Road (Tel: 0 5421 7070, 0 5421 7811), 33 rooms: 100-180 baht
• Thipchang Lampang (ทิพย์ช้าง ลำปาง) 54/22 Takrao Noi (Tel: 0 5422 4237, 0 5422 6501-6 Fax: 0 5422 5362) 130 rooms: 700-1,500 baht
• Thapthim Thong (ทับทิมทอง) Prasan Maitri Road (Tel: 0 5421 7142), 20 rooms: 100 baht
• T T & T Guesthouse (ทีที แอนด์ ที เกสต์เฮาส์) 128 Pamai Rpad Wiang Nuea, (Tel. 0 5422 1303, 08 4617 8183), 11 rooms: 200-350 baht
• Wiang Lakhon (เวียงละคร) 138/38 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 5431 6430-5 Fax: 0 5431 6427), 100 rooms: 930-2,500 baht

Amphoe Mae Tha

• Mae Tha Resort (แม่ทะ รีสอร์ท) Km.45 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road (Tel: 01-2117712), 104 rooms: 300-1,000 baht

Amphoe Mueang Pan

• Home Stay Ban Pamiang (โฮมสเตย์บ้านป่าเมี่ยง) Mu 7 Tambon Chae Son Ban Pamiang, (Tel. 0 5426 0146 www.pmhomestay.th.gs), 15 houses: 120 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 09:47, 4 February 2010 (EST)