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AMPHOE HANG CHAT
 Doi
Khun Than National Park
The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun Than National Park
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
and February when the weather is fine and cool.
Thai Elephants Conservation Centre
Thai Elephants Conservation Centre 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
7051.
AMPHOE KO KHA
Wat Phra That Chom Ping
Using the same route as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang but taking a
left turn at the district office and continue on for 14 kilometres
is Wat Phra That Chom Ping. Another age-old temple of Lampang, its
unique feature is the reflections in natural colors of Chedi which
appear on the floor within the dark interior of the Ubosot.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Some 20 kilometres to the southwest of town in Ko Kha district is
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, 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, is adorned with fine
plaster designs. The wall-less main Vihan houses a bronze Buddha
statue called the Phra Chao Lan Thong. To the back is a golden Chedi
in Lanna architectural style containing a Holy Relic. Also in the
back is another Vihan 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.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Horse-drawn Carriages
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.
Kiu Lom Dam
To reach the Kiu Lom Dam, take the Lampang-Ngao road and turn left
at Kms. 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 staying
overnight on raft. Places to see include cliffs, isles and fishing
village.
 Wat
Chai Mongkhon
Almost across Wat Pa Fang is Wat Chai Mongkhon. 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.
Wat Chedi Sao Lang
About 5 kilometres from town on the Lampang-Chae Hom road is Wat
Chedi Sao Lang. 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.
Wat Pa Fang
Built during the reign of King Rama IV by Burmese, Wat Pa Fang 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 a Burmese-style
woodwork over its roof with beautiful plaster designs over its doors.
Usually there are a considerable number of Burmese monks in residence.
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao
This centuries-old temple 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 Vihan housing a reclining Buddha and a museum exhibiting
ancient relics of the Lanna era.
Wat Phra That Mon Phaya Chae
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.
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
Wat Phra That Sadet 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.
Wat Si Rong Mueang
To the west of town is Wat Si Rong Mueang , a Burmese temple built
in 1905 during the time when Lampang was the commercial and forestry
centre. Major architectural works include the Vihan 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.
AMPHOE MUEANG PAN
 Chae
Son National Park
A major place for relaxation in Lampang is the Chae Son National
Park, 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.
AMPHOE NGAO
Ban Chang Luang
Ban Chang Luang, 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. 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.
Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine
The Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine 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 sigh 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
The Tham Pha Thai National Park is located between Mueang and Ngao
districts just off the main highway at Kms.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.
AMPHOE WANG NUEA
Namtok Wang Kaeo
This is Lampang's largest waterfall. It can be reached by taking
the Lampang - Chae Hom - Wang Nuea route for a distance of 110 kilometres.
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