A day trip to Lampang from Chiang Mai is perfect for travelers that want to explore one of northern Thailand's best-kept secrets. Lampang is a charming blend of old and new, with ancient temples existing next to trendy cafés and restaurants. Famous for its natural splendor, it’s home to several elephant sanctuaries.

The most popular attractions in Lampang are the hilltop temples, offering stunning views of the Wang River Valley. As a destination, Lampang remains relatively unknown, making it the perfect escape from Chiang Mai’s hustle and bustle.

Here's all you need to know about Lampang, one of the most exciting day trips from Chiang Mai.

How to get to Lampang from Chiang Mai?

Lampang is the third-largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Lampang province. The city is located southeast of Chiang Mai and is easily reachable through a short drive or guided day trip.

From Lampang to Chiang Mai by car or scooter

The journey from Chiang Mai to Lampang is just over 100 kilometers long and will take an hour and a half to complete by car. A journey by scooter is slightly shorter, taking an hour and fifteen minutes.

From Chiang Mai, head south towards Lamphun, then southeast towards the Doi Khun Tan National Park. Stay on the route as you pass by the national park and you’ll drive straight into Lampang.

Guided tour to Lampang from Chiang Mai

Given its proximity to Chiang Mai and Lamphun, Lampang is the perfect destination for a guided day trip. You’ll be able to enjoy air-conditioned travel to and from Lampang, as well as access to a passionate guide.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour to Lampang will start with a pickup from your place of residence in Chiang Mai or the pre-determined meeting point. From there, an air-conditioned vehicle will take you to Lampang.

The town of Lamphun is on the route to Lampang, and some day trips take advantage of this by incorporating the town and its amazing temples into the itinerary. The area between the cities of Lampang and Lamphun is home to a couple of elephant sanctuaries, and these may also feature on your tour.

Once you arrive in Lampang, you’ll start a tour of the ancient city — and get the chance to explore the temples for which this city is famous. Your guide will help you make sense of the rich history of the region — while also illuminating the temples’ importance to the local populace.

After the temple tour, you’ll enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, after which you'll board your transport and head back to Chiang Mai.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lampang?

Most of the day trips to Lampang focus on the temple complexes in this ancient city. Because the route from Chiang Mai to Lampang passes through Lamphun, some tours combine these two destinations into one tour.

Guided full-day tour to Lampang plus Lamphun from Chiang Mai

This guided full-day tour combines the two cities of Lampang and Lamphun into one brilliant experience. Apart from the intricate and beautiful temples, the cities offer an old-world charm that’s unique to this region.

After a day spent exploring temples and street-art-covered alleyways, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before making your way back to Chiang Mai.

Lampang and Lamphun small group day trip and temple tour

Even though Lampang remains unspoiled by large crowds, you could opt for a small group tour to make your experience even more intimate.

This small group tour is limited to 9 participants — and provides you with an amazing opportunity to explore the temples of Lampang and Lamphun at a leisurely pace.

You’ll finish the trip by taking a pony-drawn carriage through the streets of Lampang, a wonderful goodbye to an amazing day.

Private full-day tour to Lampang from Chiang Mai

A private full-day tour to Lampang is perfect if you want to enjoy almost total control of your tour’s itinerary. You’ll be able to determine where you want to go and how long you’ll stay at any destination.

Your knowledgeable guide will be ever-present, whether it be to provide more information or help you decide where to go next.

How much does a day trip to Lampang from Chiang Mai cost?

A day trip from Chiang Mai to Lampang usually costs between US$40 and US$120 per person. The cost will largely depend on the type of tour and the number of activities and sights it includes.

A guided full-day tour to Lampang and Lamphun from Chiang Mai will cost US$40 per person. This is slightly less than the Lampang and Lamphun small group day trip and temple tour, which costs around US$45 per person.

A private full-day tour from Chiang Mai to Lampang costs around US$120 per person, but your party will be the only people on the tour.

What will you see and do?

Most of your time will be spent exploring Lampang and Lamphun's beautiful temples — with some of the best examples of Lanna architecture on offer.

Lampang is sometimes referred to as the horse-cart city, as it’s the only major Thai city where you’ll encounter this quaint mode of transport. You can help care for these animals by taking a horse-cart ride operated by an NGO dedicated to the horses’ welfare.

The area is also known for its natural beauty and is home to several elephant sanctuaries.

When is the best time to visit Lampang?

The best time of year to visit Lampang is during the winter months of November to February. On average, February is the dryest month, making it the best time to experience what the city has to offer.

What are the other day trips from Chiang Mai?

Day trips to Doi Inthanon National Park from Chiang Mai
Day tours to Elephant Sanctuaries from Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep day trips from Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle day trips from Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao Cave day tours from Chiang Mai

Travel tips

Wear appropriate clothing when visiting places of worship.
Take insect repellant and a bottle of water.
Secure your valuables at all times.
Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

Lampang: Day Trips and Tours from Chiang Mai