Exploring the Ancient Beauty of Lampang in Thailand

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, make sure not to miss a visit to the historic city of Lampang in the northern part of the country. 

Since the 7th century, Lampang has been a part of the ancient Dvaravati Kingdom. By the 11th century, it fell under the rule of the Khmer Empire, and from the 16th to the 18th century, it was under the dominion of Myanmar. The temple architecture here bears the distinctive style of Myanmar.

I started my day in Lampang with a delightful breakfast on the balcony of a small hotel near the riverbank. The distant crowing of roosters added a charming touch to the surroundings. It's been a while since I've heard this sound. Lampang is the only city where horse-drawn carriages are still a prevalent mode of transportation, especially for tourists.

Lampang – The City with the Rooster Emblem

According to legend, when Lord Buddha visited this place, the god Indra, concerned that the locals wouldn't wake up early to greet him and show their respect, transformed into a rooster to wake them up. The largest white rooster at the entrance of the Phra That Luang temple is the symbol of Lampang.

Venturing outside the city, I visited the Thai Elephant Conservation Center at the National Elephant Institute, with an entrance ticket costing around 80 baht. Since 1969, this has been a facility dedicated to domesticating elephants for use in the timber industry. It officially became a center in 1992. The center includes a treatment and rehabilitation area for older, injured, or sick elephants, as well as a training department for mahouts. Here, you can't miss the impressive and unique performances by the elephants.

The show kicks off with a musical interlude created by the melodious trumpets of the elephants. They gracefully kneel and spray water from their trunks to greet the audience. The soccer-playing elephants are equally captivating, with one kicking a ball into the goal, while another stands in front of the net, using its trunk to duel for possession... I can't believe how they train elephants to do that!

But it's the segment where the elephants use their trunks to paint that truly left me in awe. It's only up close, witnessing the artworks of flowers, grass, the sea, and trees, that you can truly appreciate it. I took an elephant ride around the forest, where the professionally trained elephants, upon sensing a rider preparing to mount, gracefully kneel down and use their trunks to lift the person gently. Along the way, if they spot tourists ahead, the elephants will use their trunks to greet them or gently tap their heads, expressing friendliness. I was thoroughly pleased with this visit to the elephant camp and even purchased a painting created by one of the elephants as a keepsake.

With a not-so-dense population and a serene atmosphere, Lampang doesn't have a night market and attracts fewer Western tourists. Yet, Lampang possesses a tranquility and ancient charm. Here, you'll find ancient wooden houses in Chinese style with red lanterns hanging in front of the doors.

The locals seem genuinely simple and relaxed, not as busy and rushed as in other major cities in Thailand. They stroll leisurely, take relaxed breaks, gather in front of shops for lively conversations, and always wear a warm smile along with the customary Thai greeting, 'Sawadee,' when meeting anyone; that's their culture.

A noteworthy aspect here is the influence of Myanmar on the ancient structures, most notably seen in the temple architecture. Phrathat Lampang Luang Temple is one of the most sacred and famous temples in Lampang.

Perched atop a hill, the temple offers a serene panoramic view of surrounding mountains. The highlight of the temple is a large, golden-clad stupa situated in the central area. Surrounding the grand stupa are numerous small Buddha statues arranged on all four sides, and beneath the gracefully curved roofs are rows of bronze bells that occasionally resonate with a gentle breeze.

Visiting the temple in the late afternoon, as the sun sets, provides the most beautiful moment to admire the sunset. Around, the silhouettes of ancient horse-drawn carriages, still used today as both transportation and a nod to the past, linger.

Article and Photos by: Thu Giang

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide