Famous Historical places of Thailand

 
"Kelang-nakhon....Lampang"

[story by Nitikarn Sukin; photo by Nitikarn Sukin and Pongnut, from Kinnaree Magazine, January 2001, p79 - 84]


Lampang, was once called Kelang-nakhon or Gukkagutta-nakhon (Nakhon-kai; literally means "the chicken city"). Its provicial symbol is the white chicken in the Monthop.

It is the only province in Thailand where traveling by horse-and -cart is still a popular mode of transport thus adding to the unique charm of the province. Lampang is more than just the canopy-free horse-and-cart. The prevailing art of the province, combining parochial Lanna and Burmese cultures, is particularly noteworthy, and adds to other natural tourist attractions.

 

Horse-and-cart.


Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang

Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang is one of Lampang's oldest and most important temples. It has exited since the reign of Phra Nang Chamdevi (circa 13th B.E). The architectural style of the temple is particularly striking. Other Buddhist-related places include the Royal Vihara, the Chedi containing the holy relics. Moreover, it serves as the home of Phra Kaew Don Tao, the Patron Buddha Image of Lampang. There is a cerebration at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang every year on the full moon of the twelth lunar moon

The Buddha image of Chiang Saen at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang

Chiang Saen Buddha image in the Lanna castle at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.The castle is Burmese style influence
Additionally, in Lampang the world-famous elephant training schools is located at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in the vicinity of Bann Thung Kwian. It is Thailand's only training center for baby elephants.

The Elephant Conservation Center

Early morning at Baan Mae Mee

Hot spring of Chae Sawn National Park
Chae Sawn National Park features a hot spring of the same name and is well worth a stop-over. The hot spring is 73 degree Celsius water, where tourists can boil eggs in the mineral water. Not far from the Chae Sawn National Park, there is hilltribes group at Baan Mae Mee Nai. The home of the Sakew group of the Karen or Pakakoeyaw, whose lifestyle is coexisting between man and nature.

Salung Luang festival
 Lampang has many interesting cottage industries, including the making of traditional hand-woven cotton fabrics. Some of these are known as the "Baan Luang" cloth of the Mae Tha district and the "Baan Thung Gwao" cloth of the Muang Pan district. There is also a wood-carving industry at the village of Baan Luke Mae Tha where the villagers, for generation, have carved refined animals in wood. Lampang is a rich sourch of the best quality white clay in Thailand.
The important traditions of the Salung Luang and Songkran festivals are observed as a major event each year, from April 12 - 14. Artistically-decorated Salung Luang (water bowls) are prepared through the city.