21attractions in a lovely and peaceful city of Lumphun
Lamphun is a peaceful city with a charming atmosphere, steeped in the ancient culture of Lanna. Upon arriving in Lamphun, visitors may immediately feel the relaxed, laid-back vibe of the place, as the locals live a simple, slow-paced life, adhering to many traditional ways of life. The city center is home to beautiful, old temples and features a variety of local architectural styles to explore. Beyond the city limits, there are charming, natural areas to discover, as well as unique communities with their own local characteristics. If you’re planning a visit to Lamphun, be sure to check out some of the standout attractions the province has to offer.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan is an ancient and sacred temple located in Lamphun that has been around for more than a thousand years. It is an important sanctuary in the North and holds special significance for those born in the year of the Rooster. The temple features a beautiful Lanna Thai pagoda that contains the relics of the Buddha’s hair in a golden urn. Visitors must pass through a grand brick archway decorated with intricate stucco patterns, a craftsmanship technique used in the Srivijaya period, before entering the temple grounds. The archway is topped with a tiered roof and guarded by a pair of large lions. Inside the temple, there are many important ancient sites to visit, including the Wihan of the Lord God Tanjai, the Wihan of the Red God Ong, the Four Footprints, and the Viharn of the Reclining Buddha. It is a place of great spiritual significance and is worth paying respects to during a visit.
Phra Phutthabat Phra That In Kwaen
Phra That In Kwaen is located in Ban Namphu, Pa Sak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lamphun Province, and sits atop the mountain known as Doi Tham Hin. It is a replica of a famous temple in Burma and is believed to be the site of the Buddha’s footprint. The temple’s origins can be traced back to a story in which villagers noticed two large boulders stacked on top of each other on the mountain, seemingly teetering on the edge of a cliff. Despite their efforts to push and pry the stones apart with wooden beams, the top boulder remained in place. Later, a famous monk named Kruba Chaiyawongsa Pattana had a vision in which he saw the boulder, and his disciples went out in search of it, eventually finding it on the mountain. The temple was then built around the boulder, with the relics mounted on a rock and the top ball of the temple designed to mimic the appearance of Phra That In Kwaen in Burma.
Wat Cham Thewi
Located on Chamthewi Road in Nai Mueang Subdistrict of Mueang District, Wat Cham Thewi is an ancient temple that dates back to the Lanna Thai period. The temple is significant both historically and archeologically, as indicated by the stone inscription found at the site. This inscription suggests that the temple was built by the son of Queen Chamthewi, the first king of Nakhon Hariphunchai, as a place to offer the queen’s cremation. The temple features a square pagoda called the Suwanchankoti or Chamthewi pagoda, which is decorated with gold and designed in the Bodh Gaya style from India. The pagoda has tiers on each side with standing Buddha images in the blessing posture, and a total of 60 Buddha images can be found throughout the temple. Additionally, the pagoda contains the ashes of Phra Nang Chamthewi and is an important example of Hariphunchai architectural style.
Lamphun Community Museum
The Urban Museum is located in Lamphun city, behind the Hariphunchai National Museum. It is housed in an old building, over 100 years old, in the Chao Ratcha Samphanwong area of Lamphun. The museum tells the long history of Lamphun, a city with a rich Buddhist heritage that has prospered over the years. Visitors can learn about the city through photographs of people, events, and places, as well as through exhibitions of Lamphun artifacts and displays showcasing the way of life of the Lamphun people in the past. The museum is a contemporary space that brings the city’s history to life and offers a glimpse into the graceful, easy-to-understand culture of Lamphun.
Wat San Pa Yang Luang
Wat San Pa Yang Luang is located in San Pa Yang Luang Village in Muang District, Lamphun Province. It is known for its stunning stucco carvings, particularly in the Phra Khong Khiao Viharn within the temple. The carvings are highly detailed and showcase the artistry of the stucco work. In addition to the beautiful temple itself, Wat San Pa Yang Luang is also home to the Phra Buddha Anyaratana, which was brought to the temple by Mahanatee Sri Hariphunchai from the Mekong River.
Ku Chang Ku Ma
Ku Chang and Ku Ma are ancient places located together and are highly respected by the people of Lamphun. They are considered to be a sacred and priceless site, and people often visit to make wishes and pray for good fortune. The places are considered to be of both historical and archaeological significance, as well as being a source of spiritual importance to the local community, who believe that it is the burial site of Queen Chamthewi’s majestic war elephants and horses. The Chao Por Ku Chang Shrine was built near the pagoda in front of Ku Chang, and there is a replica of Grandfather Kam Nga Khiao for people to worship. It is believed that passing through the elephant’s belly at the shrine will bring good luck and help one achieve their goals in life.
Queen Chamthewi Monument
The Queen Chamthewi Monument is located in the Nong Dok Public Park in a sub-district of the city, about 1 kilometer away from the city hall. It was built to honor Queen Chamthewi, the first king of Nakhon Hariphunchai, who is revered as a virtuous and wise leader who brought Buddhism, art, and culture to the region, helping it to flourish. The monument was officially opened by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on October 2, 1982.
Mahawan Temple
Wat Mahawan Wanaram is located near the moat on the west side of Cham Thewi Road in the city of Lamphun. This temple has historical significance as it used to be the royal monastery of Phra Nang Chamthewi. One of the standout features of the temple is the Phra Phuttha Sikki, or Black Stone, which was invited by Phra Nang Chamthewi from Lawo. It is also known as the Phra Rod Luang or Phra Rod Lamphun, and is considered an important and highly prized Buddha image. The Phra Rod Mahawan was excavated at Wat Mahawan and is made of fine, heavy, and soft clay. It depicts the Buddha sitting in the attitude of subduing Mara and is adorned with diamonds and surrounded by Bodhi leaves on the floor and walls. The artwork at the temple is in the Dvaravati-Srivichai style, which is a specific form used in the Hariphunchai period.
Wat Phra Yuen
Wat Phra Yuen is an ancient temple located in Wiang Yong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lamphun Province. It is home to the Phra Yuen pagoda, an important archaeological site that is a Burmese-style Mondop with standing Buddha images on all four sides. The pagoda consists of five levels, topped by a bell-shaped chedi and a smaller round chedi, similar to the Ananda Pagoda in Bagan and the pagoda at Wat Pa Sak in Chiang Rai. It is a beautiful and striking pagoda that is worth visiting during a trip to Lamphun.
Hundred Thousand Lanterns Festival
The Hundred Thousand Lanterns of Lamphun Festival is an event in which hundreds of thousands of colorful lanterns are lit and offered as a tribute to Phra That Chao Hariphunchai and in honor of Phra Nang Chamthewi, the first king of Lamphun. The lanterns are hung at two locations: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahaviharn and the Queen Chamthewi Monument. This festival is held as part of the Loi Krathong celebration in Lamphun province and takes place annually between October and mid-November. It is a beautiful and festive occasion that is not to be missed.
Mae Tha District
Tha Chomphu White Bridge
Tha Chomphu White Bridge is located in Ban Tha Chomphu, Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province. It is a historic bridge that is known for its unusual curved shape and white color, which is inspired by western architecture. The bridge is made of reinforced concrete, which is unusual for railway bridges, which are typically made of steel. However, during the time of its construction, steel was not available, so the bridge was built with reinforced concrete instead. Despite this, the Tha Chomphu White Bridge has proven to be durable and is still in use today. It has become a popular spot for tourists to take pictures and is considered a main landmark of Lamphun Province.
Li District
Mae Ping National Park
Mae Ping National Park is a protected area that covers parts of Doi Tao District in Chiang Mai Province, Li District in Lamphun Province, and Sam Ngao District in Tak Province. The National Park Office is located in Li District, Lamphun Province. Mae Ping National Park is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and stunning scenery, including mountains, waterfalls, and wide fields. It is a peaceful and serene place that is perfect for people who love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Some of the must-see attractions within the park include:
Kaeng Ko
Kaeng Ko is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful scenery. It is also located halfway between the Bhumibol Dam in Tak Province and the Doi Tao Reservoir in Chiang Mai Province. In recent years, Kaeng Ko has become the center of water tourism in Mae Ping National Park, offering a range of activities such as boat rides on the Ping River, houseboat rentals, swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and more. Tourists can also visit other nearby attractions along the Ping River, such as Ruean Phae School, Um Pat, and Tham Chang Rong.
Doi Kra Tuek Viewpoint
The viewpoint at Doi Kra Tuek is located across from the protection unit and can be reached by taking a boat from Kaeng Ko, which is about 1 km away. The boat ride costs 20 baht per person and can be arranged through the national park. After crossing the river, visitors must walk up a steep hill for about 400-500 meters, so it is recommended to wear sneakers and protective clothing such as socks and long pants to protect against branches and other debris on the path. From the viewpoint, visitors can see the Ping River, inlets, lakes, and the surrounding mountains and forests. It is also a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Koh Luang Waterfall
Ko Luang Waterfall is located about 22 kilometers from the National Park Office and can be accessed by car. It is a popular waterfall known among locals and nearby provinces for its beautiful limestone formations and clear, undisturbed pool. The waterfall is formed by a river that flows through layers of gray-black shale and sandstone, creating a series of 7 descending levels. The area is rich in limestone, which leads to the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, adding to the natural beauty of the waterfall. The large pool at the base of the waterfall is clean and inviting, making it a perfect spot for swimming and enjoying the scenery.
Tad Sa Tor Waterfall
Tad Sa Tor Waterfall is located along the same route as Kor Luang Waterfall, and can be accessed by following a footpath that runs parallel to the falls. The waterfall is about 15 meters tall and flows down a rocky cliff into a pool of emerald-colored water at the base of the cliff. The pool is formed from soft brown limestone and the water from the falls has washed away some of the deposits, creating a terrace of stalagmites that resemble strange stalactites. Visitors can view the waterfall but are not allowed to swim in the pool.
Thung Kik
Thung Kik is located about 14 kilometers from the national park office and is a large, natural grassland surrounded by dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests. The area is characterized by hilly plains covered in grass, with pockets of dry dipterocarp forest scattered throughout. The scenery is beautiful and the grassland is home to various types of wild animals, including barking deer, wild boars, wild rabbits, and wild chickens, as well as many different species of birds. Thung Kik is a great place for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with easily visible birds such as the golden-backed three-fingered woodpecker, green woodpecker, bamboo forest, and field partridge.
Phra Bat Huai Tom Community
The Phra Bat Huai Tom Community is known for its unique traditions, culture, and beauty of temples, as well as its distinct way of life. The community is home to the Phra Bat Huai Tom Royal Project Development Center and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the way of life of the Pga K’nyau people, who are deeply rooted in Buddhism and have maintained their traditions and local wisdom. Visitors can choose to spend the night in a homestay with the community or take a day trip to experience all that the community has to offer.
Phra Mahathat Chedi Si Wiang Chai
Phra Mahathat Chedi Si Wiang Chai is a golden pagoda that can be easily noticed from a distance. It is an important and revered site in Li District. The pagoda was designed after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Burma and is also known as the “Shwedagon of Thailand.” It was built by Kruba Wong and his disciples as a way to pay tribute to the King on the occasion of his 60th anniversary of ascending the throne.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam
Wat Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam is a well-known temple located in Li District that is known for its beautiful views of the sunrise in the morning mist. The temple is an important place of worship for Buddhists and features a variety of buildings for worshippers to visit. One notable attraction is a large white concrete statue of Kruba Apichaikhao Pi dressed in sheep clothing, which is located at the base of Doi Pha Thorn. Every year from April 13-17, there is a special worship service held at the temple where people from all over the country come to make offerings and pay their respects.
Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom
Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom is a large temple located in Li District. It is an important spiritual center for the people of the area and is home to many beautiful buildings and shrines. One notable feature of the temple is a large concrete statue of Kruba Apichaikhao Pi, a famous monk, dressed in white sheep clothing. Every year, from April 13-17, there is a special worship service at the temple where people from all over the country come to make offerings and pay their respects. Inside the temple, there is a vihara where the body of Kruba Wong, another well-known monk, is preserved. It is said that the body does not decay and is on display in a glass case. The temple also contains a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, believed to have been left when the Buddha visited the area.
Wat Phra That Ha Duang
Wat Phra That Ha Duang is a temple that is home to five pagodas. It is said that when the ruler of the city of Hariphunchai, Phra Nang Chamthewi, heard about the appearance of five crystals in Li, she went to see for herself. Upon inquiring about the history, it was discovered that these were the fingerprints of the Buddha, formed when he washed his hands and the water flowed through his fingers and onto the ground. As a result, Phra Nang Chamthewi built Phra Chedi relics to cover the five piles of soil, as a sign of her faith. The temple is known for its beautiful and interesting buildings, including a golden chapel located at the entrance and a long Naga staircase leading to the ubosot, which contains a golden Buddha image.
