Lampang’s Kad Kong Ta Walking Street

One of the most interesting things to do in Lampang is to walk along the Old Market Road (Thanon Talad Gao, also known as Kad Kong Ta) which follows the Wang River between Ratchadapisek Bridge and the Riverside Guest House. In former times, this area was called Kad Kong Ta in the local dialect, translates as “the market on the road by the port.”

Kat Kong Ta, Walking Street of Lampang, Thailand by Suthida Auttaphut

Ratchadapisek Bridge

During the reign of King Rama V, Gong Ta was the main commercial centre of the northern Thai teak trade and home of several large British and Burmese logging companies. Chinese traders were also prominent amongst the growing trading community of the 19th century, providing food and merchandise necessary for life at the time and giving the road it’s other name of Talad Chin (Chinese Market).

Yean si ti ki

Yai Dang’s Shophouse

I have spent a lot of time in Lampang over the past 35 years, particularly at the house above belonging to one of  Lampang’s former Chinese merchants. You can read more about  Yai Dang’s adventurous and unique story and the history of this area here http://wp.me/p1dW6C-176 .

Yai Dang’s former wooden house opposite her old shophouse

The interesting mixture of this colonial trading community is represented in the well-preserved buildings and houses dotted along the road, constructed in a variety of Chinese, European and Burmese architectural styles, some of which have been tastefully renovated into gift shops, cafes and guest houses.

Mong Ngow Sin

Old Chinese Herbalist Shop

Inside the Chinese Herbalist Shop

Every weekend evening, the street is closed to traffic from 4pm to 10pm and transforms into a Walking Street Market (similar to the one in Chiang Mai) and fills up with local traders and craftsmen selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, antiques and local food. The market also provides nightly traditional Thai musical entertainment along the river bank.

Early Sunday evening, Kad Kong Ta transforms to a Walking Street Market

Local handicrafts

Fresh pineapple

Outside the Lampang Cultural Centre

A man from Sri Lanka selling egg custard tarts. He’s been living in Lampang for 10 years with his family!

If you don’t feel like walking along the 2 kilometer road, then there are plenty of horse drawn carriages to choose from! Amazing Thailand!!!

Horse drawn carriage

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