Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and Lampang City

Originally founded in the seventh century, Lampang is situated 91 kms (59 miles) southeast of Chiang Mai. Located in the valley of the Wang River, a tributary of the Ping River, this town is the second largest in Northern Thailand.

1. 8:30 a.m. Departure from 137 Pillars House.

2. 9:45a.m. Arrive at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Established in 1969 to preserve Thai elephants, this is a non-profit organisation is run by the Department of Forestry. After the show, ride for one hour in a “Howdah” through the nearby jungle or visit the elephant hospital where a veterinarian takes care of sick and injured elephants.

3. 12:00p.m. Visit Wat Phra Keaw Don Tao. Built in 1436, it is considered to be the most important temple in Lampang.

4. Enjoy lunch at a Thai restaurant in town.

5. 01:30p.m. Ride a horse-drawn carriage, a famous symbol of Lampang, around the market.

6. 02.00p.m. Visit Baan Sao Nak, a fascinating private museum. This huge ancestral mansion with 116 teak pillars was built in 1895.

7. 03:00p.m. Arrive at the most magnificent temple in the North, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This temple offers a spectacular display of the Lanna Kingdom’s religious architectural styles.

8. 05.00p.m. Return to 137 Pillars House.

Duration : 8.5 hours