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Lampang

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The symbol of Lampang -- bizarrely, perhaps -- is a horse and carriage, and indeed the eponymous provincial capital is the only town in Thailand still using this method of transport.

Lampang was once known as Kukutthanakorn, or City of the Roosters. The name was derived from a local legend that describes a visit by the Lord Buddha. Beforehand, the god Phra Indra was worried that the locals would not wake up in time to give him alms, so he created a white rooster to crow at dawn.

So if you're wondering why there is a statue of a huge white rooster in the centre of town (which you'll pass by on the inevitable horse and carriage tour), now you know.

The provincial capital of Lampang is a mid-sized Thai city which superficially doesn't offer much to travellers but upon closer inspection is home to some outstanding guesthouses, bars and restaurants along and a handful of sights.

Lampang's most famous attraction are its overpriced, cheesy horse carts, but the town also has a collection of wats and an excellent herbal massage spot. Otherwise, the middle of the day is best spent nursing a refreshing drink in one of the city's many riverside drinking holes.


Outside town, the province has a wide range of sights to see, including several sprawling national parks, a baby elephant training centre and historical temples built in both the Burmese and Lanna styles.

Orientation
The Tourist Bureau is on Boonyawat Road just past the clock tower and city park. They were extra friendly there but not particularly well informed. Even so, it is worth the short walk over there to pick up a free copy of the Lampang Tourist Map they distribute.

There is a decent internet cafe (20 baht per hour) now on the corner of Talad Kao and Thipchang, just up from the Riverside Guest House. They also function as a travel agent and have a motorbike for rent.



Text and/or map last updated on 26th March, 2010.

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