“Marvel at the rows of ancient shophouses featuring a blend of Thai, Chinese, Burmese, and European architecture, all exceptionally well-preserved. Indulge in rare, authentic local delicacies.”
Kad Kongta Night Market has a history spanning over 100 years, with its name literally meaning Market at the Riverside Alley. During the reign of King Rama V, this district served as the most flourishing commercial hub in the North due to its location along the Wang River, which was the primary transportation route for goods and teak wood. Historically, its significance lies in being a cultural melting pot where Chinese, Burmese, and Western merchants settled for the timber trade, making Kad Kong Ta a highly diverse ethnic and economic district of that era.
The uniqueness of Kad Kong Ta lies in the integrated architecture displayed across the buildings lining both sides of the street. Visitors can witness a seamless blend of styles, from Chinese shophouses to intricate Western-style perforated woodwork known as Gingerbread Houses,as well as structures influenced by Burmese art. This architectural beauty reflects the tastes and wealth of the owners in a bygone era. Most have been preserved in their original state, making tourists feel as though they have traveled back in time a century ago.
A must try experience when visiting Kad Kong Ta is tasting the unique local food of Lampang, such as Khao Pan Boran (traditional steamed rice flour served with chili paste and side dishes) and Yum Khao Kaep (a local snack salad that is difficult to find elsewhere). Furthermore, walking to observe the architectural details of significant buildings like Moung Ngwee Sin Housea half-timbered, half-masonry building that received an Architectural Conservation Award is a rewarding experience for history and art enthusiasts.
Today, Kad Kong Ta has been developed into a walking street during the weekends while firmly maintaining the community's original spirit. The significance of this place is not merely as a marketplace for trade, but as a conservation area that showcases the pride in Lampang’s heritage. Visiting here allows for an encounter with the charm of a "living old town" and serves as a model for sustainable conservation-based tourism development in Thailand.
All tourists are invited to experience the evening atmosphere of Kad Kong Ta, stroll through the beauty of ancient buildings glowing under soft lights, and support local products and homemade food to ensure this historical district continues to thrive.
How to Get There
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By Private Car: Located on Talad Gao Road, parallel to the Wang River. Accessible via the Ratsadapisek Bridge, with parking areas available around the old market district.
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By Horse-Drawn Carriage: You can directly hire a Lampang horse-drawn carriage from major points in the city to be dropped off at the entrance of Kad Kong Ta.
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By Songthaew: Yellow local trucks run near the market throughout the day.
Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: The market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 17:00 – 22:00. To photograph the ancient buildings without the market stalls, it is recommended to arrive before 16:30.
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Must-See Photo Spots: The Moung Ngwee Sin House and the alleys lined with ancient wooden homes.
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Recommended Food: Khao Pan Boran, Yum Khao Kaep, and Lampang-style "meatballs on a cutting board" (Look Chin Khiang).
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Attire: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress politely to respect the location and the residents who still live in these homes.
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Etiquette: As most buildings are private property with residents, photography and visits should be confined to authorized areas and must not disturb residents' privacy.
Admission Fee:
- No Admission Fee
Opening Hours:
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Open: Saturdays and Sundays, 17:00 – 22:00