:: City Attractions

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.

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 p rehistorical human skeletons and objects of arts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods. A chamber is devoted to a collection of inscription stones in the Mon and Lanna scripts. Another displays ancient utensils, Lanna indigenous arts and carvings. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

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-met re tall golden Chedi whose present appearance was the result of 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 arc h 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.

The Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue is located in the Nong Dok public park in town commemorating the first ruler of Hariphunchai.

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 h e 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.

On the road parallel to the old city wall to the west of town is Wat Mahawan, an old temple built during the time 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.

Another ancient site related to the old history of the town is Wat Phra Yun. The Ku Chang-Ku Mah Chedi  at the temple is surrounded in four directions by standing statues. The Chedi itself is cylinder-shaped and commemorates Queen Chamthewi's war elephant and her son's steed.

The Ban Nong Chang Khun is the most famous longan growing area in the country. The orchards are located some 8 kilometres before Lamphun, with a further 7 kilometres travel after a right turn. On both sides of the road are numerous longan orchards. The fruits are in season during July-August. Longans were introduced to the area during the reign of King Rama V and have since spread into neighbouring provinces. There are several species today which are popular among consumers.

:: Pa Sang

:: Ban Hong

Pa Sang is a handicraft centre, famous for its handmade cotton materials, produced mainly in Ban Nong Nguak. Also at this village, is an ancient temple noted for its beautiful arches in indigenous Burmese-influenced style.

About 7 kilomet re s away on the route to Li district is Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha once stayed here, leaving a trace to the likeness of a monk's saffron robe, and his footprint in the stoney ground.

Ban Hong  is the site of a 1,400-year-old community dating back to the Hariphunchai Kingdom. Located some 40 k ilometres to the south of Lamphun, it offers a scenic and delightful vista of green fields and mountains. It also has several old temples built in admirable indigenous style, e.g., Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang with its 600-year-old Buddha statue, Wat Pa Pua i   and Wat Dong Rus. The latter two temples both maintain 100-year-old Ho Trai (scripture halls), built with wood in delicate patterns. Some of the natural attractions in the district include Tham Luang Pha Wiang , a cave some 15 kilometres south of the district town. Inside the cavern are odd-shaped stalactites. There are accommodation facilities for tourists in the district town.

:: Li

Covering an area of over 1,000 sq uare kilometres is the Mae Ping National Park. Its main feature is the Ping River, which flows through the forests in the park. On both sides are fertile forestland s with sheer cliffs providing beautiful natural scenery. Certain parts of the waterway spread out to form reservoir-like bodies of water with numerous small islands and rapids. Another attraction is the 7-level Ko Luang Waterfall , which is fed from lime streams. It is just 20 k ilometres from the park headquarters and accessible by road. Fascinating stalactites and stalagmites are to be found inside nearby lime caves.

Tourists wishing to stay overnight are recommended to contact park headquarters, which are located some 20 k ilometres off Highway No. 106 at Km.47.

Wat Phra Ba t Hua i Tom  is the largest temple in the district, boasting a large Lanna-style C hedi and an extensive place of worship built in laterite by Karens living in the vicinity, who were admirers of the highly revered Phra Kru Ba Chaiwongsa. The temple is about 5 k ilometres off Highway No. 106 at Km. 47.

About 2 k ilometres from Li is a group of five old pagoda s known as the Chedi Ha Duang. The site is believed to have been an ancient town.