Someone recently asked me where they should spend the few "extra" days of their upcoming trip to Thailand. "Lampang," I replied without hesitation. "It's probably my favorite destination in Thailand right now."

Lampang is certainly not a glamorous place, nor does it offer an easily marketable range of activities. The tourist infrastructure is also not particularly well-developed – even if the city were on hundreds of lists tomorrow, it would struggle to accommodate all the new visitors.

However, it is relatively conveniently located – the journey from Chiang Mai to Lampang only takes 90 minutes – which means that if you are traveling in northern Thailand anyway, you should definitely consider a visit.

Is Lampang worth a visit?

Before I detail my Lampang itinerary, let me make one thing perfectly clear: Lampang is absolutely worth a visit. From the quality of the temples – and the food! – to the fact that few foreign tourists venture into the noisy streets of its charming, authentic center, Lampang is perhaps the most authentic place in Northern Thailand. For this reason alone, the journey by plane, bus, or taxi is well worth it.

Of course, there are circumstances under which I would advise against Lampang. For example, if you only have a week or less in Thailand, there might be places with more attractions. Similarly, inland Lampang might not be the best choice if you're primarily visiting Thailand for its beaches and islands.

My favorite activities in Lampang

Lose yourself in the old town of Lampang

On the one hand, Lampang's individual sights are extremely impressive, be it Lanna-style temples like Wat Pong Sanuk or the old teakwood house Baan Sao Nak. On the other hand, part of Lampang's magic lies in losing oneself in the lively bustle of the old town, where the locals live their daily lives as they have for decades and are hardly impressed by modern trends, let alone tourism.

Keep an eye out for horse-drawn carriages.

There's a reason why almost every Lampang guidebook features pictures of people being pulled by horse-drawn carriages – they're ubiquitous here! I myself have never ridden in one, as I generally disapprove of animal husbandry in Thailand. Nevertheless, they lend a certain charm to the experience and contribute to Lampang's nostalgic appeal.

Strengthen your abs at Aroy One Baht

Lampang is a true hidden gem for food lovers. Besides being arguably the best place in all of Thailand for Khao Soi (chicken curry soup), the Aroy One Baht restaurant offers perhaps the most affordable way in the entire kingdom to sample local specialties, including some found only in Lampang. You could call it Thailand's answer to a Japanese kaitenzushi restaurant, only with real people instead of a conveyor belt.

Visit one of the many museums in Lampang.

I'm not usually much of a museum-goer, as I've often explained on this (and my other) websites. Nevertheless, Lampang has some truly impressive museums, most notably the aptly named Lampang Museum in the city center, or Ban Pong Nak (my personal favorite) a little further north. The buildings that house these museums are just as interesting as the exhibits themselves!

Kiss the sky in the heavenly temples

One reason to stay overnight in Lampang instead of taking a day trip? This gives you time to visit Wat Chalermprakiat, the "Heavenly Temple," one of the most magical places in all of Thailand. If you have a driver or have rented a car, you can also visit Wat Phra That Doi Prachan, another impressive temple.

Accommodation in Lampang

Quite frankly, if you're planning a trip to Lampang and the Riverside Guest House isn't available, you should probably change your travel dates. For me, this charming house right on the Wang River in the heart of the city is the epitome of Lampang – and not just because of its authentic, traditional teak architecture. The hospitality of the owner, an Italian who has lived in Thailand for 30 years, makes a stay there an unforgettable experience.

On the other hand, it's possible that you'll only take a day trip from Chiang Mai to Lampang. In that case, you obviously won't need accommodation – at least not for that specific trip. I can hardly imagine that someone who visits Lampang for a day wouldn't want to return for a longer stay, even if that were months or years away.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Lampang

How far is it from Chiang Mai to Lampang?

Chiang Mai is about 90 minutes from Lampang by taxi or rental car; the journey takes longer by bus or train. In any case, it's definitely suitable for a day trip, although I would recommend an overnight stay in Lampang if your Thailand itinerary allows.

What is Lampang known for?

Lampang is known for the horse-drawn carriages that clatter through the old town, home to some of the most authentic (and least visited) Lanna-style temples in all of Thailand. The city is also famous for its "chicken bowls," a dish that originated here but is now popular throughout the kingdom.

How many days do you need in Lampang?

While some visitors can explore Lampang on a day trip from Chiang Mai, I recommend spending at least one or two nights there. This will give you enough time not only to discover Lampang's charming and often underrated city center, but also to take a day trip to Wat Chalermprakiat, which is a worthwhile attraction in itself.

Conclusion

Whether you're taking a day trip from Chiang Mai to Lampang or staying overnight, this underrated Thai city, in my opinion the true star of Northern Thailand, will enchant you. While Lampang isn't as centrally located as Chiang Mai, nor as centrally located as Chiang Rai for the nearby Golden Triangle, the experiences it offers provide an authenticity unmatched by any other place in Northern Thailand (and few places in all of Thailand). And all this is packed into a compact area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city, no matter how much or how little time you have. Book me to plan your Thailand trip and make your experience unforgettable.