An ancient city with a hospitable population famed for its beautiful women, Lamphun retains its old-world charm and draws visitors to its natural beauty.
Lamphun, a small northern province sandwiched between Chiang Mai and Lampang has a long and storied history. Lamphun was founded as the city of Haripunjaya, a Mon kingdom-city, arguably part of the Dvaravati civilization, established in the ninth (perhaps seventh) century by former Buddhist monks from Lopburi. Haripunjaya was first ruled by Queen Camadevi, daughter of the king of Lopburi, who established a legacy for the province’s reputation for beautiful women. The kingdom she ruled over thrived for several centuries, exerting wide influence across the region, before King Meng Rai used subterfuge to conquer the town in late 12th century and integrate it into the Lan Na Kingdom based in nearby Chiang Mai.Today, Lamphun still retains the enchanting ambience of a small but old community, where life moves at a leisurely pace and remnants of the city’s fortifications remind visitors of the city’s proud history. Lamphun is some 670 kilometers from Bangkok and only 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Kuang River, Lamphun features a skyline made of temple spires and attractions across the province include ancient sites as well as forests, mountains, and lakes.
Nearly a thousand years after subjugation by the Lanna Kingdom from Chiang Rai, Lamphun remains a fairly sleepy province, particularly in contrast to its more popular and populous neighbor, Chiang Mai. This is in fact Lamphun’s allure. The charming provincial capital retains its fortified, moat-enclosed old city where the local population lives a relatively slow-paced lifestyle. Visitors will enjoy visiting exquisite temples via bicycle or samlor, bicycle powered cabs, and exploring a lush countryside where various hill tribe communities live and a number of natural attractions, including as Doi Khun Than National Park, feature many exotic plants and wildlife.
Key Tips
The admission for Mae Ping National Park is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Tourists wishing to stay overnight are recommended to contact park headquarters at Tel. 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th
Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 24 Hour
Category : Landmarks and Memorials
Attraction Details : The Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue is located in the Nong Dok public park in town commemorating the first ruler of Hariphunchai.
Suthewa Rusi Statue
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 18.00
Category : Landmarks and Memorials
Attraction Details : In front of the Town Hall is the Suthewa Rusi Statue. Legend has it that the Rusi, or ascetic, was the actual founder of Hariphunchai. As an ascetic refraining from worldly affairs he invited Phra Nang Chamthevi, a daughter of the King of Lopburi, to ascend the throne and helped her to firmly establish Buddhism in the land.
Hariphunchai National Museum
Operating day :Wednesday - Sunday
Operating time : 08.30 - 16.00
Category : Museums
Attraction Details : Located on Inthayongyot Road almost opposite Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the Hariphunchai National Museum. Displays and exhibits include historical development and archaeological items found in Lamphun. These include prehistorical human skeletons and objects of arts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods. A chamber in devoted to a collection of inscription stones in Mon and Lanna scripts. Another displays ancient utensils, Lanna indigenous arts and carvings.
The museum is open on Wednesday-Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The admission is 100 baht.
For more information, contact Tel. 0 5351 1186, Fax. 0 5353 0536 or www.thailandmuseum.com
Wat Chamthewi
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 18.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Wat Chamthewi, commonly referred to a “Ku Kut”, is located on the Lamphun-San Pa Tong Road and built in 1298 B.E. in the Lawo (Lopburi) style. The Chedi is a square structure similar to Buddhagaya in India. Around the Chedi are levels of arches holding a total of 60 Buddha statues. Ashes of the queen are enshrined within the Chedi.
Wat Mahawan
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 08.00 - 18.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : On the road parallel to the old city wall to the west of town is Wat Mahawan, an old temple built since the times of Queen Chamthewi. Enshrined here is a Nak Prok statue (statue with mythical serphants overhead) which was brought to the temple by the Queen. Commonly known as Phra Rot Lamphun, it serves as the model for the famous votive tablet.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 06.00 - 18.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Sited in mid-town, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai was built during the reign of King Arthitayarat, a descendant of Queen Chamthewi some 800 years ago. A principal landmark is the 46-metre tall golden Chedi whose present appearance was the result of the restoration work in 1443 by a king of Chiang Mai. It has long been regarded as a major place of worship. Other architectural works include the ancient-style brick arch adorned with fine designs and the pair of sculptured lions at the door. There are also a square-shaped Chedi and a Khmer-style Buddha statue. It is open at 6 a.m.-6 p.m. The entrance fee is 20 baht. Visit www.hariphunchaitemple.org for more information.
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