11 Amazing Things to Do in Lampang, Thailand

11 Best Things to Do in Lampang

1. Admire the Shan-style Wat Si Rongmuang

After you have gotten your bike for the day from your hostel, one of the first temples you will encounter is Wat Si Rongmuang, and you will notice right away how it differs from all the other temples you have seen south from here.

Wat Si Rongmuang is a stunning Buddhist temple built in the early 20th century by a Burmese immigrant in a beautiful mixture of Shan and Lanna architectural styles that reminded me of the temples in Mandalay, Myanmar.

Why did the Burmese immigrate to build a temple here? Back in the late 19th Century, the teak logging industry was booming, bringing a lot of immigrants from Myanmar across the border. With them came their own unique style of temple construction, which is why Wat Si Rongmuang is so different from all the other temples you have seen.

Within the temple, you will find a richly decorated teak wood hall with building columns covered in glass mosaics, and the hall is filled with beautiful carvings and Buddha images to the brim.

Wat Si Rongmuang opens from 8 AM to 5 PM, although I went around 7 AM and they were already open, with not a single person except a monk cleaning the courtyard. The entrance is free, but you can donate if you wish.

Where to Stay in Lampang?

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2. Get a Glimpse of Chiang Rai at Wat Chiang Rai

After visiting Wat Si Rongmuang, continue riding your bike towards Lampang Clock Tower. From there, turn north, and you will arrive at Wat Chiang Rai on your right.

Wat Chiang Rai, as the name suggests, is a temple inspired by the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai. It is well-known worldwide for its unique and intricate white exterior, as well as its use of reflective glass in the plaster, which sparkles in the sun.

Although Wat Chiang Rai may not be as impressive as Wat Rong Khun, it is still a nice place to walk around and observe all the intricate details of the temple.

The light may not be the best in the morning as the front will be in the shade, so I would recommend you come and visit the temple around noon or after for the best photo you can get.

To the left of the temple, there is another hall with a beautifully decorated interior and an emerald Buddha image you should check out. There is also a nice, clean, free toilet you can use here in case you are looking for one 😉. It is always good to know where to go when the time comes 🤣.

3. Drop by at Wat Srichum

Just southeast from Wat Chiang Rai, you will find another Myanmar-style temple called Wat Srichum. It is another beautiful temple built by Myanmar immigrants during the teak logging boom in Lampang in the late 19th century.

The temple comprises a golden chedi, an ubosot, an assembly hall, and a stunningly decorated entrance to the ground with Mandalay-like Pyatthat style roofs that you can see from miles away.

The temple opens every day during daylight hours, and the entrance fee is 20 THB per person. The temple is a little further from the rest of the attractions, so you will unlikely encounter many tourists here.

4. Admire the Northern-style architecture at Wat Pong Sanuk Nua

After you are done exploring this side of the Wang River, it is time to take your bike and cycle across the river to the other side to explore the attractions there. One of the first temples you will encounter on the northern side of the Wang River is Wat Pong Sanuk Nua.

Wat Pong Sanuk Nua is a stunning Buddhist temple built in the late 19th century with teak wood, in a perfect mix of architectural styles between Lanna and Shan. As you guessed it, it was built by Myanmar immigrants back in the logging days.

The temple comprises a large, stunning golden Lanna-style chedi built on top of a mound that reflects sunlight in every direction. There are two assembly halls - one at the bottom of the mound and another behind the chedi, which houses a large reclining Buddha image.

The temple is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance is free for everyone. Be sure to spend some time and walk around the area to see all the beautiful little details the temple has to offer.

5. Bike through the Pahmai Road to Baan Louise

As you may have noticed, the trend of the attractions we have seen so far, Lampang had a very active teak logging industry in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

There is a whole road that was built to house the companies and people who had worked in the industry called Pahmai Road, which translates to Forestry Road. It is covered in large trees, making it a wonderful place to ride your bike around.

Ride along Pahmai Road until you arrive at Baan Louise, a former residence of Louis T. Leonowens and the office of the Louis T. Leonowens company, a teak logging company operated by him.

Louise's mother, Anna, was well-known in Siam as the British tutor who tutored King Rama V, and Louise grew up together with the king. He then got involved in teak trading later in the years and built this house as an office for his company.

Today, the house was renovated into its former self, and it has been turned into a small museum where you can see photos of Louise and his company, as well as paintings of the houses. The area is very well shaded by large trees, making it a perfect place to stroll around and escape the blazing heat of Thailand.

6. See How the Thai Elites Used to Live at Baan Sao Nak 🏛️ Best Museum

Not too far from Baan Louise, you will find another beautiful Lanna-style teak wood house called Baan Sao Nak. It is a large traditional house built in the late 19th Century by a wealthy family of Thai elites. They have preserved most of the antiques and furniture used back in the day and turned their house into a museum.

There are some really old antiques within the house, most of which are of Thai and Mon origin. You will also be able to see photos of the owners of the house through the 5 generations, from the original owner to the daughter who owns the place today.

"Baan Sao Nak", which translates to "the house of many pillars", is known for its 116 teak wood pillars that supported the house above it. The entrance fee is 30 THB, and you will get a guided tour around the house, as well as a free drink and a snack that you can enjoy within the house's garden vicinity. The house opens from 10 AM to 5 PM every day.

7. Visit Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram

Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram is the furthest attraction you will be visiting within Lampang city. It is located on the northeastern end of the city, but since you are already at Baan Sao Nak, the temple should not be too far away.

Constructed in the 16th/17th Century, Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram is a central temple of this neighborhood that dates all the way back to the 7th Century, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in Thailand.

The temple is a mix of Lanna, Burmese, and Shan architectural styles, and it comprises a large white chedi, mondop, ubosot, a few assembly halls, and, best of all, Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha image.

The entrance of the temple is adorned with extremely detailed sculptures of nagas on both sides sliding out from the temple. The amount of detail that goes into carving the patterns of these nagas is mind-boggling!

The temple ground opens from 6 AM to 6 PM. The entrance is free for everyone. There are certain areas where you will have to take off your shoes, so be sure to keep an eye out for that while exploring.

8. Walk Around Kad Kongta Night Market

If you are there on the weekend, be sure to drop by Kad Kongta Night Market where an entire street is turned into a night market, with shops and street food stalls set up along both sides of the road. The night market opens on Saturdays and Sundays, starting from 4 PM to 10 PM.

9. Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Temple ❤️ Must Visit

After spending a day exploring all the attractions in the vicinity of Lampang City, it's time to go off the beaten path and explore the surrounding remote temples around Lampang.

One of the largest temple complexes in Lampang is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, located 17 km southwest of Lampang. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is an old temple built in the 13th Century in a Lanna architectural style and is surrounded by a fortified wall.

Within the temple, you will find the iconic black/gold pagoda that dominates most of the temple complexes where you can participate in an activity to pour water onto the Pagoda for good luck. The temple opens from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and it is free to enter. Since the temple is so far away, getting there can be quite tricky, though.

Getting from Lampang to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

If you rented a car, getting there should be pretty straightforward. I would recommend you use the app Waze (android/iOS) and punch in the name of the temple, "Wat Phra That Lampang Luang", and the app will help you navigate to the temple parking space.

If you are looking for public transport, it will be a little more complex and might take longer than it should. You will have to hop on Bus #12 from Robwiang Road, which should cost about 40 THB, to get to Kho Ka. From there, you will have to get a motor-taxi to get to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, which will cost you about 120 THB.

You can also charter a bus for 600 THB to take you there. This is a good option if you are currently traveling in a big group, as you can then split 600 THB among yourselves.

As you can see, there is no direct route to it unless you have a private vehicle. The best option, especially if you are planning to visit the temples listed below as well, is to rent a car for a day. You will save time as well as costs compared to relying on public transportation. Additionally, you will get to enjoy the scenery of Lampang's countryside at your own leisure.

10. Hike Up to See the Temple in the Sky at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat ☀️ Great Day Trip

This is by far one of the most photogenic attractions in Lampang. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, or as it is known, the temple in the sky, is a temple built on top of a mountain peak overlooking the landscape of Lampang's countryside.

What is amazing about this temple is all the white pagodas they have built that are scattered throughout the limestone jagged peaks, which totally live up to its name.

Once you arrive at the parking lot of the temple, you will first have to get a Song Taew up the steep road, and then you will have to walk up about 300 steep steps that will take you from the base to the top in about 30 minutes.

There are several stops along the way, so there's no need to rush. Just enjoy the view of the mountains and slowly make your way up. There were a lot of elderly locals doing the climb when I was there, so you should have no trouble reaching the top.

At the top of the temple, you will find several areas you can walk up to. There is a resting spot under the temple where you will find a temple bell and a stunning view of the mountains.

You can also hike up to a small pagoda, pay respect to it, and check out the view of a mountain on the opposite side of the Pagodas in the Sky. For the best view of the Pagodas in the Sky, you will have to climb up a little bit more to a small assembly hall on stilts where you will be able to see all the pagodas lined up along the mountain peak.

The temple is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 200 THB for foreigners and 20 THB for locals. You will also have to pay an additional 60 THB for a roundtrip ride on a Song Taew up the mountain before you can start climbing.

Getting from Lampang to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

If you rented a car, getting there should be pretty straightforward. I would recommend that you use the app Waze (android/iOS) and punch in the name of the temple, "Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat", and the app will help you navigate to the temple's parking space.

If you want to do it via public transportation, which I do not recommend, it will take you an entire day and cost you a total of 600 - 800 THB, which is almost the same as renting your own car.

To travel to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat with public transportation, you will have to take Bus #15 from a Song Taew Station to Chae Hom, which will cost you about 80 THB. Once you arrive at Chae Hom, you can get a motorbike to the base of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat for 200 THB, where you can then take the temple's Song Taew up to the trailhead towards the top.

You can also rent a motorbike for 250 THB for a day, but make sure you are a strong driver as you will be going up and down mountains and driving a distance of 120 km round-trip to visit this temple.

If you are in a big group, you can charter a bus for 1,350 THB, which you can then split among the members of your group. That way, you do not have to worry about getting there.

11. Relax at Wat Doi Prachan (Mae Tha) 💎 Hidden Gem

Last but not least, one of the most scenic temples and newest attractions in Lampang is Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha, a temple built on top of Doi Prachan mountain with a view of the mountainous landscape surrounding Lampang.

It is one of the best sunrise spots in the area, and if you are able to wake up early and get there on time, I would recommend you to do so. I decided to visit in the afternoon as I ended up going to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in the morning and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in the evening instead.

Once you are at the top, you will find a newly constructed assembly hall where, if you look out from inside, you will be able to get a stunning silhouette shot of yourself, the temple, and the breathtaking view of the mountains. So, be sure to go inside.

Outside the assembly hall, there will be a 2-level platform adorned with beautiful sculptures of nagas on a red-colored fence, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view of the mountains.

It is around a 30-minute drive south of Lampang city and, as of now, can only be reached via your own vehicle. So, if you have rented a car, be sure to drop by the temple.

The temple opens from 6 AM to 5 PM. To get up to the top, you can either walk along the trail from behind a Buddha image statue, which should take about 10 minutes, or you can pay for a Song Taew to take you up there for approximately 20 THB (it was free when I was there as it was during the New Year holidays).

Getting from Lampang to Wat Doi Prachan

If you rented a car, getting there should be pretty straightforward. I would recommend you use the app Waze (android/iOS) and punch in the name of the temple, "Wat Doi Prachan." The app will help you navigate to the parking space at the base of the temple where you can then either walk up or take a Song Taew to the temple.

What to Eat and Drink in Lampang?

1. Grab a Cup of Tasty Coffee at Ku Chang Heng

One of the best cafes in Lampang, and one that I have come to know the family who runs the place very well, as they took me around the city and showed me their beloved hometown, is Ku Chang Heng, a small family-run cafe located not too far from Memmoth Hostel.

The café is decorated in a Chinese teahouse style, with stunning red dragon paintings done by one of the daughters of the family. It is furnished with wooden furniture, giving a nice, cozy, open-air feeling. They sell Thai traditional drinks like Thai Milk Tea, strong Thai Coffee, and Thai desserts made by their mother.

The person running the café, Bank, also speaks very good English, and she would be more than welcome to talk to you about their hometown. If you are looking for an authentic experience in Lampang, be sure to drop by Ku Chang Heng.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

2. Have Lunch at Khao Mun Kai Ha Yak

If you find yourself somewhere near Wat Chiang Rai in the afternoon, be sure to stop by and have lunch at Khao Mun Kai Ha Yak, which was recommended to me by the family of Ku Chang Heng cafe.

The restaurant serves Hainanese-style chicken rice, which is a tasty dish of poached chicken and seasoned rice served with chili sauce and cucumbers. It also comes in fried or steamed options. Whichever you pick, you are sure to be mind-blown by their tasty chicken.

3. Have a Local Dinner at Aroy One Baht Restaurant

One of the most popular dinner places in Lampang, and you will see when you are there, is Aroy One Baht Restaurant, an old-style restaurant inside a 2-level wooden house that serves a variety of delicious dishes that you can eat with Thai-style rice soup.

The food usually costs about 40-50 THB per dish, which you can then proceed to order multiple of them with the Thai rice soup that costs 1 THB (hence where the name came from) per bowl and split among your friends. This place is best to come in big groups so you can try a lot of their delicious dishes.

You might have to be a little patient when it comes to finding a seat here, though, as it gets really crowded in the evening. But once they find you a seat, the food should not take more than a few minutes to be ready for you to devour.

Aroy One Baht Restaurant opens from 4 PM to 11 PM, so it is strictly for dinner. Make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

4. Drink the Night Away at Rgong Garden

If you are looking for a place to go out at night and be among the youth of Lampang, Rgong Garden is a great open-space area where you will be surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and a beer garden that you can choose from. It gets really crowded and more fun, especially on a Friday night, so be sure to align your visit with Fridays.

Looking for a complete foodie guide to cafes and restaurants in Lampang?9 Best Cafes And Restaurants In Lampang

When to Visit Lampang?

The best time to visit Lampang is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate, making it much more enjoyable to cycle around Lampang.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than during the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime. HOWEVER, now that the air quality is getting WORSE and WORSE, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Lampang, Thailand?

Getting to Chiang Mai, Thailand?

In order to get to Lampang, the fastest way is to fly into Chiang Mai International Airport before getting on a train or a bus to Lampang. There are several ways you can get to Chiang Mai, some of which can be direct, and some you will likely have to transit through Bangkok.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. From there, you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. If you don't mind transiting, you can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from many hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Chiang Mai, with transit through Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options, and they also provide direct routes from places like China to Chiang Mai.

To find a cheap flight to Chiang Mai, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Lampang, Thailand

By Bus: This is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Lampang. There are 7 buses connecting Chiang Mai Bus Terminal (Arcade 2) and Lampang Bus Terminal operated by Wintour that run from 7:00 to 17:30. The journey should take about 1 hour 45 minutes and cost around 100 THB per person.

To get a bus from Chiang Mai to Lampang, you can also book through here: Book a bus from Chiang Mai to Lampang, Thailand.

By Train: You can also take a train from Chiang Mai Train Station to Lampang Train Station since it is on the way to Bangkok, and there are a ton of trains connecting Chiang Mai and Bangkok. There are around 6 trains running this route from 5:00 to 22:00. The journey should take about 2 hours and cost around 30 THB (3rd class) to 50 THB (2nd class) per person.

To get a train ticket, I would recommend that you go to the train station and get it on the same day you want to depart, as there is no official way to book the train ticket online quite yet.

Getting from Bangkok to Lampang, Thailand

If you want to visit Lampang as part of a larger trip to Thailand, you can also begin your journey from Bangkok, where you will have two options to reach Lampang.

By Train: From Bangkok, you can catch a train from Hua Lamphong Train Station to Lampang Train Station. There are three trains at 8:30, 19:35 (overnight), and 22:00 (overnight). The journey should take around 9 hours, and it should cost you about 800 THB for a 2nd class seat.

To book a train ticket from Bangkok to Lampang, you can book through here: Book a train from Bangkok to Lampang, Thailand.

By Bus: There is also one overnight bus operated by Ponphriya Bus Express that leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal at 20:20 and arrives at Lampang Bus Terminal at 04:50 the next day. The bus costs about 500 THB per person.

Get on the one that goes through Kamphaeng Phet, and it should take about 5-6 hours before you arrive. The bus should cost you around 200-270 THB.

To get a bus from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet, you can also book through here, but it comes with fewer options: Book a bus from Bangkok to Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand.

Getting from Kamphaeng Phet to Lampang, Thailand

If you are currently in Kamphaeng Phet, while traveling in northern Thailand like I did, you have 2 options to travel from Kamphaeng Phet Bus Terminal to Lampang Bus Terminal. One option is to take a direct bus that leaves at 12:00 PM from Bangkok, but there is a high chance that you might not find any seat.

Another way, which is the way I went with, is to take the Song Taew to Tak Bus Terminal, which is a bigger hub than Kamphaeng Phet, and then get a bus from Tak to Lampang.

The Song Taew from Kamphaeng Phet to Tak will take you about one hour and cost 60 THB. From Tak to Lampang, there are several buses leaving every hour from 7 AM to 3 PM, so you can take one of those. The journey from Tak to Lampang takes 2.5 hours and costs 126 THB.

Looking for a complete guide to Kamphaeng Phet?A Complete Backpacking Guide To Kamphaeng Phet

How to Get from Lampang Bus Terminal to Your Accommodation?

From Lampang Bus Terminal, you can easily walk to Memmoth Hostel, which should take about 30 minutes. But if you have a lot of luggage, you can also take the yellow Song Taew that goes around the city for 20 THB. Simply ask them if they will pass your accommodation, and they should be able to tell you which yellow Song Taew to take.

The same goes for Lampang Train Station if you arrive via a train. You can either walk or take the Yellow Song Taew in front of the train station that goes around the city. Be sure to ask the driver whether they pass your accommodation before you get on.

If the Song Taew doesn't pass your accommodation, you will have to get a tuk-tuk or private taxi to take you there. Be sure to agree upon a reasonable price before you get in the taxi. The price range depends on your negotiation skills.

How to Get Around Lampang?

By Bike: The best way to get around Lampang is by bike. You can rent a bike for 80 THB for a day at Memmoth Hostel. With this itinerary, except for the last 3 attractions on the list, you should be able to go by bike.

By Rental Car: To visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, and Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha, the most convenient way is to rent a car, as you will be traveling almost 120 km roundtrip to reach some of these places.

To rent a car for a day, contact Lampang Car Rental on their phone 0982245055. Maybe ask the hostel staff to call for you if they do not speak English, and set up a pick-up/drop-off spot (They will deliver the car to Memmoth Hostel free of charge), the type of car, and for how many days.

All you need is a driving license and everything should be sorted for you. I rented an all-new Toyota Vios for 1,100 THB for a day with a 2,000 THB down payment that I got back when I returned the car unscratched. In the end, I spent around 500 THB extra on fuel for driving to all these three remote temples.

By Motorbike: You can also rent a motorbike for around 250 THB per day with a 1000 THB down payment, but I think it is overkill if you are just exploring Lampang City. I wouldn't recommend getting a motorbike to the 3 remote temples I recommended above if you are not a strong driver, as the distance is quite far and you will be going up and down mountains a lot.

By Horse Cart: Lampang is known for its preserved tradition of traveling around town on a horse cart, and you can do just that here. They often have a fixed tourist route that they will take you for 200 - 300 THB, taking about 15 - 20 minutes. You can ask the Memmoth hostel to organize a horse cart for you as well for the same price.

How Many Days to Spend in Lampang?

To complete this itinerary, you will need around 3 nights minimum so that you can have one day exploring the city and another to visit all the remote temples around Lampang. If you are looking to relax a little in Lampang, which I highly recommend over Chiang Mai, you can spend another night or 2 here just trying all the restaurants and awesome cafes in Lampang.

Day 1: Spend the morning visiting all the attractions on one side of the Wang River, such as Wat Chiang Rai and Wat Si Rongmuang. In the afternoon, explore the other side with visits to Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram and Baan Sao Nak. Finally, wrap up your first day at Kad Kongta Night Market. Before you end the day, ensure that you organize a car rental, so you will be ready to visit the remote temples the following day.

Day 2: Spend the second day visiting Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, and Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha with your rental car. That should take all day as you will be driving around for about 200 km.

Day 3 (Optional): Go café-hopping or restaurant hopping and relax in Lampang.

How Much Money Do I Need For Lampang?

From the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending for a two-day itinerary in Lampang as follows:

Accommodation: With a total of 3 nights in Lampang, you will be paying around 36 USD (1,135 THB).

Food: Food costs about 40 THB maximum, and the breakfast is free if you are staying at Memmoth Hostel. So, you can expect to pay around 160 THB for 2 days in Lampang.

Transportation: You will be paying 80 THB for a day of bike rental and 1,100 THB for a day of car rental, so in total, you can expect to pay 1,180 THB for transportation.

Activities: You will have to pay 50 THB to access Baan Sao Nak, 20 THB for Wat Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram, 20 THB for Wat Doi Prachan Mae Tha, and 270 THB for entry and transportation up Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, so in total, you will pay about 360 THB.

Total Budget for 2 days in Lampang: 2,835 THB (90 USD)

Is it Safe in Lampang, Thailand?

Like most of the less-traveled places in Thailand, Lampang is very safe. You might have to negotiate a little with the motor-taxi, but other than that, most people you will meet are genuine, so there's no need to worry too much about getting scammed like in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

That said, please exercise precautions like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Lampang?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Lampang, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Lampang, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. I personally use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Lampang, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Lampang, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Lampang, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are some articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3-day itinerary for Bangkok.
• For information on the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you ask? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day-trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities along the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.