Key Takeaways
1. Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang (วัดพระธาตุลำปางหลวง)
Overview
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is the most revered and historical temple in Lampang, Thailand. It has been a significant religious site since the reign of Queen Chammathewi in the late 15th century. According to legend, this temple is one of the most complete wooden temples in the country, showcasing numerous ancient architectures.
Architecture
The temple features a unique stupa design influenced by the Lanna style. It has a lotus-moulded base that supports its round-shaped body. The body is covered with Thong Changko, an alloy plate, and the top is made of gold embossed with various Prachamyam patterns. This stupa style has had a significant influence on other temples in the region, such as Phrathat Hariphunchai and Phra Borommathat Chom Thong.
Significance
Phrathat Lampang Luang is the designated stupa for people born in the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese zodiac. The construction of the temple was also started and finished in the Year of the Ox. Inside the stupa, the relics of Lord Buddha, including his hair and parts of his forehead and neck, are enshrined. The brass fence encircling the stupa also has historical significance, as it contains a hole from a bullet shot by NanThip Chang, a Lampang hero, at Thao Maha Yot, a ruler of Lamphun.
Location
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is located in Tambon Lampang Luang, Amphoe Ko Kha, Lampang.
2. Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan (วัดพระธาตุดอยพระฌาน)
Overview
Situated on a peaceful mountaintop called Doi Phra Chan, Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan offers breathtaking scenery of Amphoe Mae Tha. Visitors can admire the lush vegetation during the rainy season and the sea of mist in the morning during the cool season.
Location
Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan is located in Tambon Pa Tan, Amphoe Mae Tha, Lampang.
3. Wat PhutthabatSutthawat (วัดพุทธบาทสุทธาวาส)
Overview
Formerly known as Wat Chaloem Phrakiat Phra Chomklao Rachanuson, Wat PhutthabatSutthawat is acclaimed as an Unseen Thailand attraction. It is situated on a high hill and encompasses steep rocky terrain. The temple is known for its golden pagoda, which is installed with a sacred Buddha’s Footprint.
Access
To reach the upper part of the temple on the mountaintop, visitors need to drive for about 1 kilometer and then walk for another 1 kilometer. The journey may be challenging due to the steep terrain, but the effort is rewarded with a unique and tranquil experience.
Location
Wat PhutthabatSutthawat is located in Mu 7, Ban Thung Thong, Tambon Wichet Nakhon, Amphoe ChaeHom, Lampang.
4. Chae Son National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแจ้ซ้อน)
Overview
Chae Son National Park is a natural wonderland occupied by mineral streams and beautiful rocky reefs. The park is known for its hot springs, with water temperatures reaching approximately 70-80 degrees Celsius. Visitors can even use the hot mineral water to boil eggs, resulting in cooked egg yolks and soft egg whites.
Activities
Apart from enjoying the hot springs, visitors can explore the park’s lush surroundings and take a dip in the mineral baths provided for visitors’ comfort. The park is suitable for family outings and is open all year round.
Location
Chae Son National Park is located in Mu 8, Lampang-Den Chai Road, Tambon Wang Nguen, Amphoe Mueang Pan, Lampang.
5. Thai Elephant Conservation Center (ศูนย์อนุรักษ์ช้างไทย)
Overview
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center was initially founded to train elephants for logging work in the forest. However, when the government cancelled the forest concession, the elephants were left without work. The center then shifted its focus to elephant healthcare, breeding, and education.
Activities
Visitors to the center can witness the care provided to ill elephants and newborns at the elephant hospital. They can also observe the production of paper made from elephant dung, which is used to create various products like letters, envelopes, and notebooks. The center also offers elephant shows that highlight the logging activities, as well as opportunities for visitors to train as mahouts.
Location
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is located in Amphoe Hang Chat, Lampang.
6. Wat Si Rong Mueang (วัดศรีรองเมือง)
Overview
Wat Si Rong Mueang, also known as Wat Tha Khanoi Phama, is a beautiful Burmese temple in Lampang. It was built in 1903 by a wealthy Burmese man involved in the logging business. The temple showcases interesting Burmese art, including a teak wood wihan with a multilayered roof and colorful mosaics.
Architecture
The temple used to have nine small wihans in addition to its large principal wihan. However, only the large wihan remains today. The temple’s architecture reflects the Burmese style and is a testament to the rich cultural exchange between Thailand and its neighboring countries.
Location
Wat Si Rong Mueang is located in Amphoe Mueang, Lampang.
7. Wat Pong SanukNuea (วัดปงสนุกเหนือ)
Overview
Wat Pong SanukNuea is a significant temple in Lampang, consisting of two temples situated side by side: Wat Pong SanukNuea and Wat Pong Sanuk Tai. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantayot, a son of Queen Chammathewi of the Hariphunchai Kingdom. The temple is a collection of valuable art, cultural artifacts, and architectural wonders.
History
The temple has had several names throughout history, including Wat Si Chom Khlai, Wat Si Chiang Phum, Wat Don Kaeo, and Wat Phayao. The name “Pong Sanuk” originated from the Chiang Saen people who were captured and settled in the area. The temple received the Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation from UNESCO in 2008.
Location
Wat Pong SanukNuea is located in Amphoe Mueang, Lampang.
8. Kat Kong Ta Walking Street (กาดกองต้าถนนคนเดิน หรือ ถนนตลาดจีน)
Overview
Kat Kong Ta, also known as Talat Chin or the Chinese market, is an old market area along the Wang River. It has a long historical background as a trading center, especially for the Chinese community. The market area is characterized by over 100-year-old buildings that have been restored by the local community.
History
Lampang used to be a thriving trading center, and the market area along the river was bustling with activity. The local people called it Talat Chin because of the large Chinese trading community. Today, the restored buildings and the vibrant walking street market held every Saturday and Sunday bring the area to life.
Location
Kat Kong Ta Walking Street is located on Talat Kao Road, Amphoe Mueang, Lampang.
9. Cultural Route Walking Street (ถนนคนเดินสายวัฒนธรรม)
Overview
Cultural Route Walking Street is situated on Wang Nuea Road, near the entrance of Wat Pratu Thon Phueng. The road used to be part of the city wall and is now a cultural hub. Every Friday evening, the Lampang City Municipality organizes “Kat Mua Khua Laeng,” a cultural event that showcases local products, traditional food, and various handicrafts.
Activities
The walking street market offers a wide range of products, including organic vegetables, plants, local food, traditional desserts, retro items, antiques, basketry, amulet frames, carvings, silverware, cloth, shoes, ceramics, and toys. It is a great place to experience the local culture and support local artisans.
Location
Cultural Route Walking Street is located on Wang Nuea Road, Amphoe Mueang, Lampang.
10. Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เซรามิกธนบดี)
Overview
Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum was founded to honor the forefather of the Dhanabadee family, who established the first ceramic factory in Lampang. The museum showcases the history of the Dhanabadee company and the legendary “rooster bowl of Dhanabadee,” a famous ceramic product that has become a symbol of Lampang’s ceramic industry.
Exhibitions
The museum offers exhibitions on the history of the rooster bowl, the production process of traditional ceramics, and the cultural significance of ceramics in Lampang. Visitors can witness demonstrations of ceramic production and learn about the techniques used to create these beautiful artworks.
Location
Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum is located at 32 Wat Chong Kham Road, Tambon Phrabat, Amphoe Mueang, Lampang.
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