Lampang
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General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: North Thailand, Thailand
Area: 12533 square kilometers
Languages Spoken: Thai
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: November to April and -
International Access: -Description
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 12,534 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.Since most visitors come on a day trip, the standard sights are usually to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Chedi Sao. Some tours also take in Ban Sao Nak, a large wooden mansion close by Wat Phra Kaeo.Location
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Located in the centre of Lampang city. Ban Sao-nak is a teak wood house in a combination of northern Thai and Myanma architectural styles which is distinctive and individual with its 116 teak pillars. It is a private residence of Khunying Valai Leelanuj, the principal of Lampang Kallayanee School where Khan Toke Dinner and Northern performances are shown to tourist on special request.
This Park is located within Lampang and Lamphun, has an area of 225 square kilometres and an altitude of of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km.47 for 18 kms., but the easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand''s longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers)on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters and bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary part and the Royal Forestry Department.
The 20 white chedis of Wat Chedi Sao are unique in Thailand, with their beautiful articulation crowned with a little golden canopy. Another well preserved example of the Burmese style, they stand amidst vast paddy fields in the north of the town.
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, built in 1680 and one of Thailand''s most revered temples, is very picturesquely situated on the Menam Wang.The little bot (c. 1800) in the center, with its recently renovated central tower, is particularly worth seeing. An outstanding example of classic Burmese architecture, rich woodcarving frames the arched openings, the pillars are decorated with fine scrollwork and the imaginative and colorful relief on the magnificent coffer ceiling is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, enamel and small pieces of glass, the colors and shapes working together with the building''s proportions to form a harmonious whole. Another interesting feature is the copper Buddha. The adjoining stepped building from the later Bangkok period is distinguished by beautifully carved wood inlaid with blue ceramic tiles. The wiharn at a slight distance from the main buildings holds a Buddha in the Chiang Mai style, and there is some fine carving in a small museum near the entrance.The clay elephant in the garden serves as a reminder of the events surrounding the famous emerald Buddha.
Wat Si Rong Muang on the Takrao Noi Road is in the Burmese style and has finely carved gables and pillars.
This monastery is situated on Lampang-Ngao Highway just passing the main entrance of Lampang Teacher''s Training College and branching off at km. 601 on the left to this monastery. Its architecture is of Myanma arts having very sophisticated and beautiful wood carvings on the structure of the Vihara while gold gilded works are found on the walls, ceiling and big pillars in the Vihara, regarded as another exquisite graceful beauty of Myanma arts.