Lampang is a provincial city in northern Thailand, slower and less visited than nearby Chiang Mai, which makes it worth the detour. The old town retains some of its teak-era character, with wooden shophouses and horse-drawn carriages that persist as a local curiosity rather than a tourist gimmick.
The city and its surroundings are known for Burmese-influenced temple architecture, reflecting the period when Burmese teak traders and craftsmen settled here. Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, about 20 kilometres south of the city, is one of the finest examples of northern Thai religious architecture — a cluster of chedis and carved wooden viharns set within a walled compound. Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, on the right bank of the Wang River, has a Burmese-style chapel with particularly refined decoration, probably dating from the late 18th century. Wat Chedi Sao (Temple of Twenty Chedis) sits in an open rice field north of town, its row of Burmese bell-shaped spires distinctive against the flat landscape.
Lampang is easy to reach from Chiang Mai by train or bus — about two hours — and makes a comfortable base for exploring the temples of the region.