Enter the province of Lampang: famous for its lumbering elephants, elegant mansions and Lanna-era temples. Inhabited as early as the 7th century, Lampang played an important part in the Hariphunchai Kingdom, later becoming a stronghold of British timber barons. We’ll depart Chiang Mai in the morning and drive 90 km (1 hr 30 min) southeast to begin our exploration of this “region less travelled”.

Our first stop is Jamdevi Temple (Wat Cham Thawi), home to a chedi surrounded by arches holding 60 Buddha statues; Queen Chama Devi’s ashes are said to be found inside. The unusual square ‘stepped pyramid’ pagoda is the oldest surviving example of its kind from the Dvaravati period ruling much of Thailand from the 6th to 11th centuries.

Next we’ll head to Wat Prathat Hariphunchai – a fantastic 9th-century temple complex by the river. Said to be Lamphun’s biggest, oldest and most attractive temple compound, Hariphunchai Temple got its name from the Mon Kingdom city that ruled this part of northern Thailand from the 9th-13th centuries and after it , we will have lunch at a local restaurant in Lampang.

After lunch , we will visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, said to be one of the best examples of Lanna-style architecture in the country. The temple complex houses a historical museum, massive brick gate, intricately-painted viharas, a sand-filled courtyard, bronze and copper stupas.. all in a tranquil setting.

Our final stop is Wawt Phra Chedi Sao Land aka the Twenty Pagodas, the temples also houses a 15th-century solid gold, The chedis' bases are built in the Lan Na style, and whose upper parts are built in the Burmese style.

Before we head back to Chiang Mai , we will visit a local market. It will be a pleasant drive on the way back as we will pass the scenic route along the tree-lined Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road. Lamphun’s section of the “old road” is lined by the province’s famous 30-metre high Yang trees. We’ll also see several fruit orchards, farms and paddy fields on the way home from a wholly satisfying day of adventure!