Wat Phra Kaeo Don
Tao On the right bank of Mae Nam
Wang is an old building which consists of an impressive chedi on a
rectangular base with a round spire topped with gilded bronze
plaques. A Burmese - style chapel topped by tiered roofs stands
against it. The chapel contains a Burmese style Buddha image with
particularly interesting decorations. The chapel probable dates from
the late 18th century.
Beautiful colours and elaborate harmony make
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao one of Thailand's best examples of Burmese -
style temples.
Wat Chedi Sao
(Temple of Twenty Chedis) is also on the right bank of
Mae Nam Wang, north of town. The temple is attractively
set in an open ricefield. The complex is impressive with
its Burmese - style bell - like spires.
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang Lies some 20 kilometers south
of Lampang and is one of the North's finest temples. The chedi towers above
surrounding trees. To the left of the chedi is a viharn with a carved wood
fa?ade and double - level roofs. Harmonious proportions and exquisite
interior decoration make Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang one of the best examples
of Northern - style religious architecture.
Wat Phrathat Chom Ping is
situated at Mu 5, Ban Chom Ping, Tambon Na Kaeo, Amphoe Ko Kha about 26 kms.
south - west of Lampang provincial city. The unnatural happening of this
temple is the shade of the pagoda reflexed on the floor of the convocation
hall through the hole of its window, this similar event also happened at Wat
Akkho Chai Khiri, Amphoe Chae Hom in Lampang.
The Elephant Conservation Centre is attached to the Veterinary
Section of the Northern Timber Work Division of the Forestry Industry
Organization and is the first centre in Thailand to train elephants for
forest work.
The Center is located in Ban Tung Kiewn,
Amphoe Hang Chat, on Lampang - Chiang Mai Highway 32 kms. from Lampang. At
the center, the elephants's activities such as bathing, working, log
pushing, etc. are held for show. In addition, the center has provided
elephant riding tourist route.
Doi Khuntan National Park is
located within Lampang and Lamphun, has an area of 225 squarekilometers and
an altitude of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking
Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km. 47 for 18 kms., but the
easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first
explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand's
longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers) on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway
line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters and
bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary part and the Royal
Forestry Department. Camping sites are also available ; campers must bring
their own tents and the camping equipment.
Wat Sichum This monastery is
situated on Lampang - Ngao Highway just passing the main entrance of Lampang
Teacher's Training College and branching off at km. 601 on the left to this
monastery. Its architecture is of Burmese arts having very sophisticated and
beautiful wood carvings on the structure of the Vihara while gold gilded
works are found on the walls, ceiling and big pillars in the Vihara,
regarded as another exquisite graceful beauty of Burmese arts. Its is
regrettable that the vihara's upper part which was made of wood was mostly
damaged by fire. Only the carved - wood arch at the entrance has been left.
Kiu Lom Dam and Reservior It is
located about 37 kms. from the township area on Lampang - Ngao Highway where
a left turn is to be made at Km. 623 - 624 through another 14 kms. to the
dam site. The dam is under the administration of the Royal Irrigation
Department, open to the public everyday from 06.00 - 18.00 hrs. but no
accommodation provided. Another mean is from the private sector whose
bungalows and pleasant raft tour are available for visitors who wish to
explore natural surrounding.
Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine This
shrine is located 50 kms. from Lampang township area on the right hand side
of Lampang - Ngao Highway. It is a big spirit shrine housing the statue of
Chao Pho Pratu Pha (The spirit ruling the area of Pratu Pha) highly revered
by Lampang inhabitants. The shrine was constructed in commemoration of a
brave soldier who was the right hand man of a king of Lampang who was killed
in a battle by the Burmese enemies at this Pratu Pha Pass.
Tham Pha Thai Forest Park Lies at
kilometer 665 on the Lampang - Ngao Road and hosts a big Buddha image and
colourful stalagmites.
Chae Son National Park covers areas in
Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Chae Son, Amphoe Muang Phan. Travel along Lampang - Wag
Nua Road, turn left at km. 58 - 59 and take another 17 kms. Attractive spots
are Hot Water Well, Namtok Chae Son, and Namtok Mae Mon. For detailed
information, please contact the National Park Division, Royal Forest
Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.
