Lamphun

Situated in the river basin of the Ping River and surrounded by mountain networks, Lamphun is a famous historical site. The town was founded in 1663 and has its former name 'Hariphunchai' under the first reign of the Queen Chammathewi that was of Mon extraction. In the late 12th century, King Mengrai occupied the town and then integrated it into the Lanna Kingdom. Today, Lamphun still remains a small enchanting but old community. It covers the area of 4,506 square kilometers and is divided into 7 Amphoes: Pa Sang, Muang, Ban Hong, Li, Mae Tha, Ban Thi and Thung Hua Chang. It is about 670 km from Bangkok and 26 km from Chiang Mai.

Being a riverine charming historic city, Lamphun features a lot of natural and cultural highlights, including ancient sites and relics, hill tribe villages, forests, delightful lakes, spectacular mountains and two national parks. This province is also famous for its beautiful women and being producer of tasty longans.

Lamphun is home to one of the northern Thailand’s most significant temples, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai which shows the presence of Buddha relic and is made of gold; Hariphunchai National Museum which hosts many Lanna antiques in the region; Ku Kut Pagoda or Wat Chamma Thewi monastery which has the structure of Buddha Gaya Characteristics and houses relics of the first ruler of Hariphunchai, Queen Chammathewi; other remarkable temples as Wat Mahawan, known for sacred amulets; Wat Phra Yun, a 1000-year-old temple. Otherwise, tourists can choose to visit Nong Chang Khun village, the largest plantation of longan of Thailand; or witness the craft working in the centre of local handicafts with charming women in Amphoe Pa Sang; Doi Khun Tan National Park; Mae Ping National Park, etc.

Lamphun hosts some of festivals. The most well-known one is the Song Nam Phra That Hariphunchai which has existed for a long time and is held in the religious site in May. Another festival is Longan Fair which has Longan Parade and Longan contests, aims to promote the productivity of goods.