The authentic and quiet city of Lampang is filled with beautiful architecture and calming hot springs. Just a short ride away from the bustling city of Chiang Mai, you don’t want to miss out on everything that Lampang has to offer.
Its relaxed charm is perfect for travelers looking to get off the beaten track, and into more undiscovered territory.
Here’s a list of the top things to do in Lampang, Northern Thailand.
Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan (Temple)
Located just 20km South of Lampang, the beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan Temple overlooks the stunning Amphoe Mae Tha.
Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the lush greenery below and weather-dependent, you may be greeted with the smothering misty mountains below.
This temple is, without doubt, one of the most stunning scenes and one of the best things to do in Lampang.
Like any Thai Temple in the hills, you can expect plenty of steps to get to the top of this marvel.
Chae Son National Park
Chae Son National Park is a popular attraction with the locals. It’s situated in between picturesque valleys and beautiful mountains.
The park offers year-round opportunities for hiking, with multiple trails to follow. You’ll find waterfalls, caves, and hot springs in the park – though the latter are far too hot for bathing in!
Reaching temperatures of over 80 degrees Celsius, they’re used by visitors for boiling eggs which can be purchased from stalls around the springs.
Don’t be discouraged though, there are bathhouses, pools, and private huts for you to safely relax in the mineral waters.
For the more outdoorsy travelers, there’s also a camping site so that you can spend the night under the stars.
You can also rent your camping equipment at the park, so no lugging around heavy camping gear on your hike!
Be sure to check out the beautiful waterfalls in Chae Son National Park during your visit. The Chae Son National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Lampang for nature lovers.
Visit The Temple of Floating Pagodas (Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat)
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a temple complex that perches itself atop a mountain for some spectacular views.
Ascend a 300-step staircase through a lush green forest with crisp and fresh mountain air, and you’ll reach the ‘temples in the sky’ with their mystical and awe-inspiring views.
When you reach the top, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the views of the rolling valleys below.
Revel in this modern creation, which took two years to complete as the monks had to climb up and down the mountain on foot with the construction materials!
Kiew Lom Dam
Kiew Lom Dam is popular with the locals but remains a relatively hidden gem with tourists.
The dam is definitely something to add to your list of things to do in Lampang.
With views of jungles, mountains, and a fishing village – it has a very tranquil feel to it.
However, if you’re looking for something faster-paced you can opt to go on a rafting tour. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the cool waters to refresh and unwind.
Although not your traditional tourist attraction, the Kiew Low Dam is one of the best things to see in Lapmang.
See The Lights At The Ratchadapisek Bridge (“The White Bridge”)
The bridge was built pre-WWII over the Wang River. You can’t drive over it, but you can walk on a 75m wooden walkway and admire the surroundings.
However, the best views are at night from the riverbanks where multicolored lights illuminate the graceful arches and reflect off the calming waters.
Of course, it’s totally free and can make for a serene and relaxing night activity.
If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday evening, you can cross over the bridge onto Kad Kong Ta on Talad Gao road.
Kad Kong Ta is a large night market with numerous vendors of all kinds from clothing to restaurants and street food. It’s a relatively cheap market and is very popular with the locals.
We recommend Ratchadapisek Bridge (White bridge) as one of the best things to do in Lampang and a great photograph opportunity!
Go Caving at Tham Pha Thai National Park
As with most Thai National Parks, there’s an abundance of waterfalls, pools, mountains, and luscious jungles – not to mention some incredible biodiversity.
Truly, it’s hard to get tired of the scenery.
Tham Pha Thai National Park also boasts several caves and caverns that you can explore to get a different perspective on the natural environment.
The best part is that several of these caves have been fitted with walkways and lights so that inexperienced cavers can safely visit and see what’s on offer.
Phathai Cave was also visited by King Rama VII in 1926, and if you look closely, you’ll be able to see his initials inscribed on the inside of the cave.
Ban Huai Hok is another really interesting feature that you might not see in other parks.
Ban Huai Hok are the pre-historic paintings that depict marching figures.
The paintings are thought to be 2,000-3,000 years old and created by a nomadic society.
Such paintings are rare to find in Thailand, so if you’re a history buff you’re not going to want to miss out on this.
Indulge In History At The Baan Sao Nak
The Baan Sao Nak is an old wooden house built in the late 19th Century and doubles as a museum.
The museum brings together artifacts from different historical periods in Thailand, including the Lanna Kingdom period.
The house itself is built with teak pillars, and the architectural design is carried out in the Lanna style, whilst the balcony reflects the Myanmar style.
The relics inside the museum are centered around objects that were essential to the lifestyles of the Northern Thai people, so you can get a real taste of the history of the Lampang region.
You can take photos of the items, but they are quite fragile, so you won’t be able to touch them.
Entrance to the museum costs only 30 Baht, and this also includes access to the surrounding gardens. There’s also a small shop inside the museum for you to buy gifts, food, or drinks.
Wat Si Rong Muaeng Temple
Admire Shan Burmese architecture at the Wat Si Rong Muaeng temple, built by the Shan Burmese in the early 20th Century.
Burmese loggers came to Lampang in the 19th Century to work in the teak logging industry, therefore this richly decorated temple was constructed using teak wood.
Both the interior and exterior of the temple are richly decorated in the Burmese style.
The beautiful red color which dominates the surroundings is stark and enticing, it makes a difference from the white and gold temples that heavily feature in the Lampang region.
The temple grounds are open from 8am-5pm and the admission is free making this one of the best things to do in Lampang.
Lampang Emerald Pool (Lom Phu Kiew)
Lampang Emerald Pool or “Lom Phu Kiew” is an enchanting natural pool accompanied by a limestone cave.
The glistening crystal clear turquoise waters are a sight to behold, you can observe the schools of fish and bask in the ethereal beauty.
The depth of the pool is unknown, and it is said that a snake-God lives here.
For this reason, the pool is considered sacred, and swimming is strongly discouraged.
Don’t let that put you off visiting the tranquil waters though, after a short hike through a forested trail it’s well worth a visit.
Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum
Lampang is famed for its ceramic production and famous ‘chicken bowl’.
The Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum traces the history of the traditional pottery and features two dragon kilns, with some impressive pieces on display in the showroom.
Of course, there’s a gift shop where you can purchase some of these treasured ceramic masterpieces.
If you’re into arts and crafts, the museum also hosts workshops where you can have a go at painting your own Lampang-style chicken bowl.
The museum entrance fee is 100 Baht per Adult, with guided tours operating every hour.
Visit The Night Markets
There are a couple of Night Markets or Walking Streets in Lampang, so there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Each of these streets is steeped in cultural history and is well worth a visit.
The first of these streets is Lampang Cultural Road where you’ll find traditional performances, local snacks, street food dishes that you are unlikely to find elsewhere, and various wares and souvenirs.
The second street is Kad Kunta Walking Street, which is a cultural melting pot of architecture and people.
You’ll see a blend of Thai, Chinese, European and Myanmar cultures here.
The market is full of arts and crafts, as well as different foods.
If you didn’t get a chance to visit the Ceramic Museum, you can also pick up a chicken bowl from this market.
Take A Horse And Carriage Ride
Horse carriages were introduced about 100 years ago when there were many residents from Burma living in Lampang.
Today, Lampang is the only city that still has a lot of these horse carriages available and it’s a fun way to see the town.
Why not take a tour by horse and carriage whilst soaking up what Lampang has to offer?
Visit The Lampang Museum
Museum Lampang offers an introduction to the history of the town. With information well displayed in English and Thai, you can get to know the locals a little better.
Find out more about the history behind the horse carriages, or about the different dialects and languages spoken in Lampang. The museum is quite small so will only take a couple of hours of your time, but the informative and interesting displays are well worth those few hours.
Go Hiking at Doi Khun Tan National Park
The Doi Khun Tan National Park not only features lush scenery and a fantastic array of flora and fauna, but it also features the country’s longest rail tunnel.
A 1.35km tunnel that travels straight through the heart of the tropical jungles and parks.
Walk through the bamboo forest into meadows of wildflowers, orchids, and lily flowers and finish with a hike up one of the four mountain peaks.
The well-laid-out trails make it a suitable hike for any level. The park is open from 8am to 6pm every day and costs only 100 Baht per adult.
Visit the Hospital at the Friends of The Asian Elephant Hospital
There are two famous residents here named Motala and Mosha, they’re two elephants who have each lost a leg after stepping on land mines – they both have prosthetic legs.
If you’re an animal lover, it’s worth a visit.
The center is dedicated to the welfare of animals, the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the animals – and willing to answer any questions you might have.
You won’t find any elephant rides or paintings here, so there are no concerns about the animal’s well-being. You can enter by donation to the center to help them keep the majestic creatures safe!
Wat Chedi Sao Temple (“The Temple Of Twenty Pagodas”)
The name Wat Chedi Sao Lang means ‘the temple of twenty pagodas.’
The complex clearly features 20 beautiful white stupas with golden Lanna Kingdom/Burmese style architectural detailing.
The exact date of establishment is unknown, but it is thought to be over 1000 years old according to the amulets of Haripunchi. One of the most interesting relics in the museum is a 15th-century solid gold depiction of Buddha, which weighs 1507kg!
On-site, there is also a small museum within the pavilion that features numerous antiques and artifacts demonstrating the rich history of the temple complex.
Admission is free, but the temple is considered very sacred – make sure to dress appropriately and take pictures with consideration for the worshippers.
Summary: The Best Things To Do In Lampang, Thailand
If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic taste of Thailand, you should consider visiting Lampang.
This quiet town might seem like it has little to offer at first, but once you arrive, you’ll soon discover that there are plenty of hidden gems that tourists overlook.
Now that you know the best things to do in Lampang, Thailand, you’ve got a head start and are sure to succumb to the charms of this quaint town.
Make sure that you add Lampang to your Thailand itinerary and look at our other recommendations for The Best Places To Visit In Thailand to make the most out of your time there!
