Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tao was among four wát in northern Thailand to have housed the Emerald Buddha (now
in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew).
Thanon Talad Gao
Lampang's multi-cultural history can be seen along this riverside street, which is lined
with old homes, temples and shophouses showcasing Thai, English, Chinese and Burmese
architectural styles. It's also where the town's weekly Walking Street (
Click here
)
market
is held.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Wat Pongsanuk Tai
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Th Pongsnook; daylight hours)
Despite having lost much of its character in a recent
renovation, the
mon·dòp
at Wat Pongsanuk is still one of the few remaining local ex-
amples of original Lanna-style temple architecture, which emphasised open-sided wooden
buildings. To get an idea of what it was like previously, look at the carved wooden gate-
way at the entrance to the north stairway. There are a couple of informal museums on the
temple grounds displaying local artefacts, but they include little English explanation.
Baan Sao Nak
(85 Th Radwattana; admission 50B; 10am-5pm)
A huge Lanna-style house built in 1895 and sup-
ported by 116 square teak pillars, Baan Sao Nak was once owned by a local
kun·yĭng
(a
title equivalent to 'Lady' in England); it now serves as a local museum. The entire house
is furnished with mildly interesting Burmese and Thai antiques, but the structure itself and
its manicured garden are the highlights.
MUSEUM
Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum
(
www.dhanabadeeceramicmuseum.com
; off Soi 1, Th Phrabat; admission 100B; 9am-5pm)
Dhanabadee
claims to be the first producer of the emblematic 'chicken bowls' used across Thailand. In
2013, the company opened its doors to visitors and began running guided tours that span a
history of the chicken bowl in Thailand and the various steps involved in making them. At
press time the tour was only available in Thai, but there is some written English-language
explanation.
MUSEUM
Wat Chedi Sao
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
