Rich in archaeological and architectural evidence reflecting the ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Myanmar, Lampang shows a great diversity in culture and possesses considerable historical interest. Lampang covers an area of 12,534 sq. kms., with its provincial capital, famous for its horse-drawn carriages, located 100 kms. southeast of Chiang Mai and 600 km. north of Bangkok. Set in the Wang River basin, the province has less spectacular highland landscapes than Chiang Mai, and its main attraction is cultural rather than scenic. It has been a cultural hub since the 7th century, when it was part of the Mon Kingdom of Hariphunchai and in the early 20th century was the centre of the teak trade, an important product during which time Burmese influences were prevalent. Attractions in Lampang include several well-preserved temples that display a blend of Thai and Burmese architectural styles, while a short distance outside town is Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, arguably the single most fascinating temple in the North. Moreover, Lampang is in its relaxed atmosphere and lifestyles more typically and traditionally Thai than Chiang Mai, and shows little change in spite of the growth of tourism. Blending cultural interest with nature conservation is Lampang’s remarkable Elephant Conservation Centre. Elephants played a major role as beasts of burden during the heydays of the teak industry, and although that era has passed, a number of the elephants have been given a new home at the centre, where visitors can see demon strations of their forestry skills, as well as the more recent accomplishments of elephants as painters and musicians.
