Lampang, also called Nakhon Lampang (Thai: นครลำปาง, pronounced [náʔkʰɔːn lampaːŋ]) to differentiate from Lampang Province, is the third largest town in northern Thailand and capital of Lampang Province and the Lampang district. Traditional names for Lampang include Wiang Lakon and Khelang Nakhon. The city is still growing rapidly as trading and transportation center. It offers much of the historic interest of Lanna as well as Chiang Mai, but without the overt commercialization. In the heart of the north, Lampang is also a good base for excursions and travel within northern Thailand.