The historical city of Lampang, the second largest city in Northern Thailand, is not only a centre of great natural beauty, it also offers world-class educational opportunities for international students 

The night train is nearing the end of its 500 kilometer journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The passengers are just stirring awake when they feel the train slowing to a stop. Moving the curtain, they peer out to see where they are. The sun is just rising and the morning has opened up on what looks like a quiet, provincial city. Obviously not Chiang Mai. Satisfied there's time yet, the curtain drops and it's another quick nap before rising to greet that busy tourist and commercial center of the north, Chiang Mai. Unfortunately  for most passengers, this little peek through the curtains toward the end of their trip is the only contact they'll have with Lampang. Which is probably why it remains one of Thailand's best kept secrets. 

Inhabited as far back as the seventh century, Lampang has a long history in the development of what is now northern Thailand. During the 18th century it became the capital of the L1nna kingdom  for 15 years when Chiang Mai was desert- ed due to successive wars. Its real period of growth, however, occurred at the turn of the century when it became an important center for teak trade. During that time, over a dozen temples designed by Burmese artisans went up under the sponsorship of Burmese teak merchants. 

Now, Lampang is a growing city with modern conveniences and thriving businesses. But even with all this buying and selling as the city grows in its position as the second largest city in the north, L1mpang has still managed to maintain it's old world charm. Traditional shop houses, open air markets and an easy way of life all mix with the sights and sounds of commerce to produce a unique blend of the old and the new. 

Among the newer additions to the city is Lampang's only four year degree granting college. The campus is located on the outskirts of town at the foot of Doi Prabaht, one of the many mountains around Lampang. Yonok College was founded in 1988 by a Lampang native who was concerned that there were no four year colleges in his province. The school has since grown from 120 students to just over 1,700. With an offering of 5 degrees and 13 majors, one of them an International Bachelor of Business program taught entirely in English, Yonok is working hard to fight the "brain drain" that has drawn many of the north's promising students away to Bangkok in search of education and increased career opportunities. Yonok provides an alternative for these students, while at the same time drawing students from countries allover the world for its International Business Program. One of the school's basic beliefs is that with business becoming more and more global, it is extremely important to expose students to as much international -5 diversity as possible while educating them soundly in today's business lingua franca, English. This it attempts to do by maintaining a large international faculty and multiple international affiliations. Currently, Yonok College preserves close working relationships with Baylor, Texas Wesleyan and Stanford Universities, and Babson College, in the United  States; Okinawa International University in Japan; and Shantou, South China Normal, and Shanghai International Studies Universities, among others, in China. Through these affiliations, Yonok regularly receives visiting professors, and Yonok students are able to explore different parts of the world as exchange students, while earning credits toward their Bachelor's degree. Despite the school's global reach, however, Yonok remains small so as to maintain a comfortable, intimate environment to learn and grow in. 

But an education is not all Lampang has to offer. The natural beauty of northern Thailand is readily accessible. Waterfalls, hiking and  hotsprings are not far away at Chae Sorn National Park. The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is also located nearby. Yearly celebrations such as the Pineapple Festival, Thai Elephant Festival and all the national holidays such as Songkran and Loi Kratong are also celebrated in a grand fashion with traditional costumes and ornaments and plenty of festivities. So far, Lampang has somehow escaped the crass commercialism that first enveloped Bangkok and has now claimed Chaing Mai. It remains a big town with a small town feel. The air is clean, the people are friendly, and with an airport, a train station and buses that go to all corners of Thailand, the city is easily accessible. Thai culture is still prevalent. Only a few English signs and chain restaurants stand out as reminders of the onward encroachment of the West. Yet Lampang is close enough to Chiang Mai that when a weekend or a day calls for an immersion in English movies and a plethora of Western  food choices, it's easy to do. With the natural attractions, educational and business opportunities, and friendly people it has to offer, Lampang's new world! old world charm may not last for- ever. But for the time being, it remains one of Thailand's best kept secrets. .          

Yonok College
444 Lampang-Denchai Road

Lampang 52000   

Thailand

Tel : (6654) 265170

Ext : 109    

Fax :(6654) 265184

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