In the Footsteps of Thailand’s Teak Wallahs
27-Nov-2025
Category: News Stories
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai invites us on a rare heritage journey, revealing how local life, communities and culture were shaped by the teak trade.
The hotel’s full day excursion ‘Lampang: Teak Wallahs, History and Horse Carriages’ traces the lives of the famed ‘gentleman foresters’ or ‘teak wallahs’ who worked for the European-owned logging companies that once dominated the forested north. In a vivid, culturally grounded exploration of two remarkable cities, find out how the teak era shaped local communities and left a legacy that endures today.
Lampang: Teak Wallahs, History and Horse Carriages:
The day begins with a scenic drive to Lampang, once the bustling heart of Northern Thailand’s teak industry, a city known for its iconic horse-drawn carriages. The first stop is the revered Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a fortified temple perched on an artificial mound. Explore its ancient assembly halls, ordination spaces and sacred Buddha images, while hearing the fascinating legends that have shaped the temple for centuries.
Stop at the charming 1916 Lampang Railway Station, one of Thailand’s most picturesque, before continuing to Wat Sri Rong Muang. Built by Burmese teak traders, this Shan-style temple is lavishly decorated, showcasing the artistry and cultural influence of the Burmese and Shan communities.
Lunch is served at Ban Phraya Suren, a restored heritage house once home to a teak-era administrator. The afternoon unfolds with a classic horse-carriage ride, passing through the old market, historic homes and the Burmese-style Wat Sri. Crossing the Wang River, enter the Forestry Quarter and visit the restored Louis T. Leonowens House, the former teak company office.
The tour concludes at Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, with a brief stop at the historic Rachadapisek Bridge, before returning to Chiang Mai, leaving guests with a vivid glimpse into Lampang’s teak wallahs and teak-era past.
(137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is represented in the UK market by Red Elephant Reps)
