While the crowds head three hours north to Chiang Rai's art-temples, some of the most rewarding day trips lie quietly to the south and east, and far closer. Lamphun was a kingdom before Chiang Mai existed; Lampang still runs horse carts past teak shophouses and guards one of the finest wooden temples in Thailand; and the craft villages on the city's edge have been making umbrellas and silver for generations. These are the underrated trips: historic, calm, cheap, and uncrowded. This guide covers them.
For the wider picture, see our day-trips hub.
Lamphun: the ancient kingdom next door
Only about 30 km (40 minutes) south, Lamphun was the capital of the Hariphunchai kingdom, older than Chiang Mai itself. Its centrepiece, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, is one of northern Thailand's most revered temples: a golden chedi said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, rising above a serene complex of Lanna viharns and a famous old bronze. The small, calm town and surrounding longan orchards make a peaceful, uncrowded half-day or day trip, a complete contrast to the busier sights.
Lampang: horse carts and a great Lanna temple
Lampang, about 100 km (1.5 hours) southeast (with Lamphun on the way), is a charming, under-touristed town known for its horse-drawn carriages, well-preserved teak old town, ceramics, and above all Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, widely considered one of the most beautiful and important wooden Lanna temples in Thailand. Set on a low hill behind old walls, its centuries-old open-sided wooden viharn, golden chedi, ancient murals, and famous pinhole-image effect make it a destination in itself. Lampang offers a slower, more authentic north away from the crowds.
The craft villages
Just east of the city, the San Kamphaeng and Bo Sang area is Chiang Mai's traditional handicraft belt:
- Bo Sang, the umbrella village: hand-painted paper-and-bamboo parasols and umbrellas, with workshops you can watch and an annual festival.
- The San Kamphaeng road: workshops for silk, cotton, silverware, celadon, and woodcarving.
- San Kamphaeng hot springs: a relaxing add-on, where you can soak and even boil eggs in the springs.
An easy half-day, only 30 to 40 minutes from the city, to see artisans at work and shop for crafts. See our markets and shopping guide.
Combining them
| Trip | Time | Best by |
|---|---|---|
| Lamphun only | Half to full day | Scooter, car, or train |
| Lamphun + Lampang | Full day | Private car or self-drive |
| Craft villages | Half day | Scooter or car |
Lamphun sits on the way to Lampang, so the two combine into one full day of ancient temples and northern-town atmosphere. Both towns are also on the scenic northern railway line, a pleasant and cheap way to travel.
Why these are underrated
While Chiang Rai's temples draw tour-bus crowds, Lamphun and Lampang stay quiet, authentic, and visited mainly by Thais. You can explore their ancient, important temples and old streets without the crush. If you want history and atmosphere over spectacle and crowds, and a shorter drive, these closer trips are the antidote to the busier day tours. Plan more with our day-trips hub and temples guide.