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Lampang Province is situated in the northern region
of Thailand. The capital city is formerly known as
Nakhon Lampang but nicknamed Meung Rot Mah (Horse
Cart City), which refers to the fact that horse-drawn
carriages are still a major form of public transport.
Indeed, slowing down a pace or two and taking a tour
in an attractive traditional horse cart is a great
way to explore the city.
Lampang boasts a long history which dates back to
more than 1,000 years. This is an area rich in archaeological
evidence, which reflects the ancient civilisations
of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma. There is a great
deal of interesting architectural styles to admire
in this area. A good place to start is at Ban Sao
Nak (House of Many Pillars), which is a huge teak
house built in 1985.
Many animal lovers come to the area to visit the
National Elephant Institute, which was formerly known
as the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Here you
can interact with and learn all about the mighty beasts
in a natural environment and also volunteer to take
can of them for a few days.
Lampang is also an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Nearby to the capital city you will find the stunning
Doi Luang National Park and the Chae Son National
Park. There are also many sparkling waterfalls in
the area such as the enormous 110 tiered Wang Kaew,
Wang Thong, Than Thong and Nam Tok Jae Sawn. Take
a swimming costume as most of these waterfalls have
large pools for bathing, a great way to cool down
and relax in the heat of the day.
Of course, in an area of such profound beauty and
history it is only natural that these aspects should
be reflected in the local temples. Temples of note
include Wat Si Rong, Wat Si Chum and Wat Phra Kaew
Don Tao, which was once home of the Emerald Buddha.
Also look out for Wat Pongsanuk, Wat Chedi Sao and
the extremely pretty Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.
Located 25 kilometers from Lampang is the bustling
Thung Kwian market, where you can sample the local
produce have a cheap meal at one of the many small
stalls and pick up a bargain or two.
Another great place to visit is the cotton weaving
villages of Jae Hom and Mae Tha, where you can watch
the cotton being woven on traditional wooden cotton
looms. This is also a good place to buy the wide range
of different products that are skillfully created
from the local cotton.
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