 Lamphun Travel & Hotel Guide, Thailand
Wat Phra That Haripunchai, Lamphun (26 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Lamphun is an ancient city in northern Thailand. Today it is the provincial capital of Lamphun Province. The city is located 26 km to the south of Chiang Mai. It was founded in the 9th century, and once served as the capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom, which flourished between AD 750 to AD 1281. The city is located by the banks of the Khuang River.
Guide to Lamphun Hotels
It's never easy finding the hotel that's just right for your stay. Still, by taking a little time to do your research, you increase your chance of getting a good hotel at the best price. Go through the list of hotels in Lamphun which we've put together, arranged city by city, with full description, star rating, address, location map and evaluation. Pick the hotel of your choice and view the rates offered by different booking sites. Yes, we show you prices from different websites, so you don't have to visit them one by one.
Main stupa, Wat Phra That Haripunchai (26 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
More about Lamphun
Lamphun has many Buddhist temples, including the most important in northern Thailand. Wat Phra That Haripunchai holds a sacred Buddhist relic - one of his hairs. It was interred in a chedi in AD 897. It is located within the temple compound which was built by King Athitayarat of Haripunchai in AD 1044. Of interest in this temple is its pyramid-shaped chedi.
Lamphun was captured by King Mangrai in 1281. He then established his capital 15 km to the north, at Wiang Kum Kam, in 1286. There, he erected Wat Chedi Liam, which has a square chedi, a copy of the one at Wat Chama Thewi in Lamphun. In 1896 King Mangrai moved his capital again, this time he established Chiang Mai.
Wat Mahawan, Lamphun (26 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Budget Travel to Lamphun
One way of getting to Lamphun is to hire a tuk tuk to take you there from Chiang Mai. Alternatively you can take a bus from Chiang Mai.
Budget Travel within Lamphun
Get a tuk tuk to drive you around the city to visit all its sights.
The square chedi of Wat Chama Thewi, Lamphun (26 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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Places of Interest in Lamphun
- Ku Chang
A cylindrical stupa believed to be the burial site of Phranang Chammathewi.
- Ku Ma
Bell-shaped stupa believed to be the burial site of the horse of Phranang Chammathewi's son.
- Lamphun National Museum
Small museum with an excellent collection of artifacts.
- Pasang
Cotton weaving village located just south of Lamphun.
- Tha Nang City Gate
City gate constructed by Chao Mae Chammadhevi, the queen of Hariphunchai.
- Wat Chama Thewi
Also known as Wat Kukut, this temple is noted for its two chedis, believed to be among the oldest in Thailand.
- Wat Mahawan
Ancient temple build by Princess Chamathewi around AD 657.
- Wat Phra That Haripunchai
The most important Buddhist temple in northern Thailand.
- Wat Phra Yuen
Temple built during the reign of Phranang Chammathewi and was originally called Wat Aranyikaram.
- Wat Phrabat Tak Pha
Buddhist hilltop pilgrimage centre with a Buddha footprint at the top of a flight of 469 steps.
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