Lampang History

Lampang Introduction

Lampang province is second to none for richness in culture, tradition, religion, environment and history. The people of Lampang today still observe customs and traditions passed down from ancient times. It is a city with its own uniqueness, which comprises local architecture, temples, horse-drawn carriages, beautiful and pristine natural attractions, and a long history of elephant logging with a modern conservation centre lauded worldwide. All these things ensure Lampang is a destination with much to offer and explore.

Legend has it that the origin of the name Lampang was a pole that Lua Ai Kon, a Lua hill tribe man used to carry a cylinder of honey, coconuts, and bale fruits as offerings to the Lord Buddha who came to visit the area. The top of the pole was planted in the ground and became a khachao tree (Holopteleaintegriforia Planch.), which now can be seen next to the Wihan Luang (great image hall) at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. The Khachao tree is different from other trees because its branches turn down toward the earth. This auspicious tree of Lampang is believed to be over 2,500 years old.

Lampang’s city symbol is that of a white rooster and its symbol can be found everywhere, on road signs, bridges, buildings, or even the famous rooster-branded noodle ceramics bowls. It is believed that Lampang has had people living there for over three millennia. Evidence from human skeletons, old art works, archeology, pottery from the Hariphnchai period and shards from the Sankampaeng area are testament to a long and vibrant history.

Geographically, Lampang is a city located in the middle of a wok-shaped valley, encompassed by a ring of mountains.

How to get here:

By car from Bangkok, take Highway 1 to Kilometres 52 and turn left to follow Highway 32. Drive past Sing Buri, Chai Nat, to Nakhon Sawan. Then, turn left to follow Highway 1. Go on past Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and towards Lampang. The total distance is 599 kilometres, taking around 7 hours. From Phitsanulok, take a new road to Phrae’s Amphoe Den Chai and head for Lampang.

By bus The Transport Company Limited has daily air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services to Lampang. For more information, call Tel. 1490 www.transport.co.th

There are private operators offering bus services between Bangkok and Lampang:
– New Wiriya Tour, Tel. 0 2936 2205, 0 54227106
– Sombat Tour, Tel. 0 2792 1456, 0 5432 5624
www.sombattour.com
– Phon Phiriya Tour, Tel. 0 2936 2939, 0 29363554, 0 5421 8199
By train The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has daily express, rapid, and ordinary train services between Bangkok and Lampang. For more information, call Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4444, the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station at Tel. 0 54217024, 0 5431 8648 www.railway.co.th
By air there are many direct flights from Bangkok to Lampang every day by;
– Nok Air Tel. 1318 www.nokair.com
– Bangkok Airways Tel. 1771, 0 2265 5678
www.bangkokair.com

Distances from Amphoe Mueang Lampang to Other Districts
Ko Kha 13 kilometres
Hang Chat 18 kilometres
Mae Tha 26 kilometres
Soem Ngam 40 kilometres
Mae Mo 45 kilometres
Chae Hom 52 kilometres
Sop Prap 59 kilometres
Mueang Pan 69 kilometres
Ngao 83 kilometres
Thoen 96 kilometres
Wang Nuea 107 kilometres
Mae Phrik 125 kilometres

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