Nakhon Lampang Railway Station opened on 1st April, 1916, during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). Originally the northern rail line from Bangkok terminated here. By 1921, the Khun Tan tunnel had been dug north of Lampang and the railway line was extended through the mountains as far as Chiang Mai.

Lampang was originally founded during the 7th century Dvaravati period. Nothing remains from these early times, but the city is rich in temples, many of which have a distinctly Burmese flavour as Lampang had a substantial Burmese population in the 19th century, most of whom were involved in the logging industry.