Lampang’s Cultural Identity: A Living Museum for Creative Tourism

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lampang province is renowned for its rich and distinctive cultural identity, as reflected in the local way of life, architecture in the community, traditional practices, and local community beliefs. This study examines and analyzes Lampang’s cultural identity across multiple dimensions, especially those aspects that reflect its historical identity, architecture, way of life, and beliefs of the local community to analyze the potential of transforming these cultural assets into a living museum model that supports creative tourism. Methods: This study uses a quantitative research approach. The data collection tool used in this study was a questionnaire, which was administered to a sample of 400 tourists visiting Lampang province. A mixed method sampling technique was employed, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation. Results: The cultural identity of Lampang province has been acknowledged at a high average level, supported by several significant components. These include temples and religious sites (mean = 4.33), nature (mean = 4.32), history (mean = 4.25), and local architecture (mean = 4.23). It received the highest level of recognition and a high overall potential to become a living museum (mean = 4.17), reflecting Lampang’s distinct cultural identity— especially in the dimensions of local identity (mean = 4.28), the identity of way of life, local wisdom, and knowledge; the continuous transmission of cultural traditions; and the historical dimension (mean = 4.22), especially documented historical, cultural, and traditional heritage. At the same time, the main approach or the most important factors in promoting creative tourism are tourism experience design (mean = 4.24), community participation (mean = 4.22), and cultural identity presentation (mean = 4.19). Application of this study: The results of this study can be applied to formulate policies and developmental guidelines for Lampang province, establishing it as a model secondary city in the upper northern region that employs the concept of a living museum to promote creative tourism, which can enhance its economic strength and preservation of local culture. This requires integrated collaboration among the public sector, the private sector, and the local communities to ensure the cultural conservation process while generating sustainable economic value. Conclusions: This study indicates that Lampang has a distinctive cultural identity, including temples and religious sites, nature, history, and local architecture, all of which demonstrate high potential for development as a living museum. The development of Lampang as a living museum to effectively promote creative tourism should focus on key strategic approaches: tourism experience design, cultural identity presentation, along with community participation. By adopting an integrated approach, these measures will enhance the diversity and sustainability of creative tourism in Lampang.