Thailand
Lampang
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. . . . . . .Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem, Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1,000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma.
. . . . . . .Lampang is administratively divided into the following districts: Mueang, Thoen, Mae Phrik, Ngao, Ko Kha, Wang Nuea, Mae Tha, Chae Hom, Sop Prap, Seom Ngam, Hang Chat, Mae Mo and Mueang Pan.

Horse-drawn Carriages
. . . . . . .Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limit. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour places such as markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples in town.

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao
. . . . . . .This centuries-old temple on Phra Kaeo Road used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now installed in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large Chedi containing the hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient Vihan housing a reclining Buddha and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.

Wat Phra That Chom Ping
. . . . . . .Using the same route as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang but taking a left turn at the district office and continue on for 14 kilometres is Wat Phra That Chom Ping. Another age-old temple of Lampang, its unique feature is the reflections in natural colors of Chedi which appear on the floor within the dark interior of the Ubosot.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
. . . . . . .Some 20 kilometres to the southwest of town in Ko Kha district is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a paradigm of temple building of Lanna. The temple itself is prominently sited on a hillock surrounded by wall. The entrance arches, called Pratu Khong, is adorned with fine plaster designs. The wall-less main Vihan houses a bronze Buddha statue called the Phra Chao Lan Thong. To the back is a golden Chedi in Lanna architectural style containing a Holy Relic. Also in the back is another Vihan with beautiful murals on wooden walls, said to be the oldest in the North. The temple also has a large collection of ancient wooden utensils.

Doi Khun Than National Park
. . . . . . .The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun Than National Park forms a natural boundary between Lamphun and Lampang provinces. The northern rail line to Chiang Mai runs through the longest rail tunnel in the country, which is 1,352 metres long and takes five minutes to traverse. The mountain has both virgin jungle and pinery.
Many tourists choose to walk from the Khun Than Station up the mountain, a distance of about 7 kilometres. There are four rest areas on the way. Visitors may also camp overnight but must provide for their own food. The best time to take the trip is between November and February when the weather is fine and cool.

Thai Elephants Conservation Centre
. . . . . . .Thai Elephants Conservation Centre is located in the Thung Kwian forest park in Hang Chat district, about 32 kilometres from town on the route to Chiang Mai. It is the only facility in the world devoted to the raining of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as labor. There are performances and training demonstrations. The art of making wooden elephants is also demonstrated. There are 2-3 shows daily. Visitors can enjoy feeding these intelligent giants or ride them to see the natural surroundings. The centre provides health care for the elephants.
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