Bangkok Airways will launch a nontstop route from Bangkok to Lampang starting on March 25, initially with 12 flights per week. Passengers will no longer have to make a stop at Sukhothai.

In terms of exploring the Lanna culture of northern Thailand, Lampang is a charming small-town alternative to the increasingly congested Chiang Mai, about 90 minutes away by car. Lampang features large temples, colorful horse-drawn carriages, and teak-wood heritage buildings. It’s also close to an elephant conservation center where pachyderms play musical instruments and make paintings to entertain visitors.