Neil Aronson Lamphun Thailand is a great day trip area to visit when you are in Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. This historic city has several amazing temples, museums, activities, and very good food.
Since we live in Chom Thong, we are a short drive away from Lamphun city, as is Chiang Mai. I would consider this more of a day trip location, as there is not the nightlife you will find in Chiang Mai.
Lamphun City is one of the oldest cities in the country that dates all the way back to the 8th Century. It is located only about 40 minutes drive south of Chiang Mai. When visiting Northern Thailand most people visit Chiang Mai or even Chiang Rai. And for good reason, there is so many things to do in these cities. However south of Chiang Mai are the districts of Chom Thong and Lamphun you should consider visiting.
Located about 60 Km south of Chiang Mai, Lamphun Thailand is primarily surrounded by an agricultural region. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the city is home to less than 20,000 residents.
Lamphun was founded by Queen Chama Thevi as the capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom, the last and most northerly Mon kingdom in the area which now forms Thailand. Most famous for its historical temples, downtown area with museums and monuments, and good restaurants. The surrounding villages are very nice as well.
Due to its significant historical value, Lamphun Thailand is a wonderful place to learn about ancient Thai history and culture. It is a great place to make a day trip from Chiang Mai to see all the beautiful ancient Haripunchai temples and learn more about Hariphunchai, the northernmost Mon kingdom in the area.
These are some of the best places to visit, and eat at. We have discovered in the past couple years two of the coolest places for lunch you will find anywhere.
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8 Of The Best Places:
1. Wat Phra That Haripunchai
Wat Phrathat Haripunchai Woramahawihan is situated in the center of Lamphun city and surrounded by roads on all sides. Asadharos Road to the North, Chaimongkol Road to the South, Ropmueang Road to the East, and Inthayongyos Road to the West. It is about 150 metres from the City Hall and was built in the mid 12th century, during the reign of King Athitayarat
Wat Hariphunchai is a Lanna/Mon-style temple built in 1150 during the reign of the Haripunchai kingdom to enshrine another Buddha relic found here. The temple complex is huge and comprises many structures, all dated from different periods of time.
Before entering the temple area, you will pass a brick arch with mortar decorated with intricate patterns, which is ancient craftsmanship of the Sriwichai period.
When passing through the arch, you will find a large temple called “Wihan Luang”. There is a balcony all around the Wihan with a porch at the front and the back. It was built to replace the old Wihan in 1915 to be used for merit-making ceremonies and daily religious activities.
The interior enshrines 3 Buddha images made of brick and cement and gilded in lacquer on a glass pedestal, and there are many medium-sized metal Buddha images in the early and middle Chiang Saen periods.
The origin of the next picture, the Buddhist scripture tower, or Ho Tham, was engraved on the stone inscription recording that it was built by Phra Mueang Kaeo and his mother. It was meant to store a Tripitaka script and a golden Buddha image cast on the same occasion.
There are two main chedis (Stupa) on the grounds. One is the elaborate large gold one in the center of the property.
We last visited the temple last during Loy Krathong Lantern Festival. Therefor that is why you see all the lanterns everywhere!
2. Wat Chamadevi
For me, visiting Wat Chamadevi is one of the best things to do in Lamphun Thailand. I enjoy it more than the more popular Wat Hariphunchai. I feel like the buildings are as interesting, and it is not nearly as crowded. In fact, last time I was there, no one else was.
Wat Chamadevi, or as the local people call it Wat Ku Kut, is located on Chamadevi Road, Tambon Nai Mueang. It was built in 755 in the Lavo style. The Chedi is a square structure similar to Bodhgaya in India.
Each side of the Chedi has a standing Buddha image in the posture of giving blessings. The ashes of Queen Chamadevi, the first monarch of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, are enshrined within the Chedi. According to legend, Chao Anantayot and Chao Mahantayot, the sons of Queen Chamadevi, built it in the year 755 to enshrine the ashes of the Queen.
The Chedi got its name ‘Kukut’ from its tip part being broken off, where ‘Ku Kuthi’ refers to a Buddhist monk’s residence which may refer to the Buddha images placed in the arched bays around the Chedi.
Adjacent to the large pagoda is the main hall with its large Buddha image sitting on a brightly decorated altar. There is also a smaller Chedi located on the side of the ordination hall. Set against the line of columns on one side of the hall are three smaller Buddha images cast in colored glass. You’ll note that each of the images is costumed differently, representing the three seasons observed in Thailand.
3. Monuments & Museums
On the itinerary of the best things to do in Lamphun Thailand, is visiting monuments and museums. Being one of the oldest cities in northern Thailand there is a lot of interesting local history.
In the downtown area of the city is the Queen Cham Dhavi Monument. She was the first monarch and Queen of Hariphunchai, as noted above, she is buried at the temple of the same name. Also note, her name is often spelled also as Jamadevi or Chammathewi.
Walk less than 10 minutes away from this monument, and visit the Haripunchai National Museum. It is the best things to do if you are looking to learn about the Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai. The museum houses over 3000 historical artifacts, bones, relics, and antiques found in Lamphun.
The museum is located along route 106, behind Wat Hariphunchai, as is several other of the best things to do.
The Lamphun Community museum aka Khum Rachasampantawong is located just behind the national museum. It was the residence of prince Rachasampantawong, a prince of Chiang Mai who married princess Songhla of Lamphun. The building dates back to 1912. It is an interesting museum in a beautiful building.
On the corner across from Ko Hang Noodles on route 106, is the Lamphun Provincial Hall. I only mention it because if you are lucky in the courtyard often there are different are pop-up celebrations and markets.
4. Terracotta Gardens
Spread over more than 100 acres in Lamphun city, The Terracotta Garden is a sculpture park featuring hundreds of figures made of terracotta. This permanent exhibition boasts one of the most extensive collections of outdoor sculptures in Thailand.
he Terracotta Garden is own by the same family; it is actually the factory from where each pieces of art in this shop came from. Mr. Sutthipong Maiwan, the founder, started creating this garden in 1975. While using it as a factory for the shop and export market he also produced some of his masterpieces there.
Today, the garden is a serene place, a museum, a gallery, a workshop and a relaxing restaurant; it is also a lifetime project with plans for further creations for the next forty years.
Surrounded by waterfall, trees and terracotta, the restaurant at Terracotta Garden offers an innovative take on local cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes are Pad Thai with Shrimps and Beef Khao Soy. Belle had the Pad Thai, which was pretty fancy!
Travel Backpacks
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5. The Lamp Lamphun Farm & Cafe
Another unique restaurant we discovered is also sort of located in the middle of nowhere. The Lamp Lamphun Farm Cafe is more in a local neighborhood than in town. Located south of Lamphun city, toward Chom Thong, and in a really nice area. The good thing is Google Maps took us right there. Even my Thai relatives had never been. This unique restaurant has only been open for a few years.
Once inside the grounds for the first time, your eyes start looking all around at the many features, the large ponds, and of course the animals.
As stated on their Facebook page, “A farm-style cafe & restaurant built in a garden with a large pond and small canals winding throughout the area. There are many kinds of pets, ducks, geese of various breeds, mini-pygmy goats, delicious food, excellent service, good atmosphere, catering services, and farmstay accommodations, the most complete in Lamphun”.
Most guests are sat in their own private cabana like Thai hut along the pond, with fans and what seemed like your own private server. And we even had our own little chicken hanging out and watching us eat. I suppose he was waiting for food.
6. Enjoy Local City Food
For me one of the best things to do anywhere is to find some coffee or a cappuccino. Well right outside Wat Hariphunchai there is a great place. Apply named, with very friendly staff and a great cappuccino.
Back To Basics is another unique coffee shop located a block south of the main entrance to Wat Hariphunchai, on the main Mueang Nai road across from the river.
Enjoy local noodles
After I visited the temple with my wife’s family, we needed lunch. My wife’s mom’s local friend was with us, and took us to a place I will recommend forever. Ko Hang Noodles is on the corner of route 106 just across from the Lamphun Provincial Hall. Most dishes are about 60 baht and so simple yet delicious.
Also highly recommend to eat is at Longan Noodles Restaurant, located across the Kuang river from Wat Hariphunchai. You can walk there in less than 5 minutes. I have not been, but I hear the restaurant is known for its delicious Longan, a sweet local fruit, and their use of it in noodles.
Local Markets
Just across the road (Mueang Nai) from Wat Hariphunchai are several local markets located along the river. Here you can find hand made products. On Friday nights this is where the walking street is located.
If you want to check out a local open market, go to Lamphun Chatuchak Market.
7. Skywalk- Wat Doi Ti
A newer attraction in Lamphun Thailand is the Wat Doi Ti Skywalk – which offers panoramic views of mountain landmarks in Lamphun and Chiang Mai. Visiting this glass-bottomed skywalk will be able to see the Si Kru Ba pagoda and Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha, two of Lamphun’s iconic religious attractions from up top.
You can also see Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon, the latter being the tallest mountain in Thailand at 2,600 meters above sea level.
Near the skywalk on the mountaintop is a shrine to Kru Ba Sri Wichai, one of the most revered monks in Thailand that houses the largest statue of him in the kingdom.
Located in Wat Doi Ti in the Pasak sub-district of Muang district, the skywalk is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Admission is 50 baht (US$1.40) per person, with free entry for children under 120cm, seniors over 75, disabled visitors, and monks.
8. Play Golf In Lamphun
If you are looking to play golf in Thailand, then you can add it to your itinerary and stay an extra day or two. Golf is one of the best things to do in the area.
Gassan golf group is the largest golf complex in northern Thailand. Gassan consists of three challenging 18 holes golf course set amongst different charming location with stunning peaceful view. offering various levels to suit all standards of golfers. Each golf course provides accommodation with a wide range of facilities.
The Gassan Legacy Golf Club is north of Lamphun city. It was recently opened in 2005 and is considered one of the top courses in Chiang Mai, perhaps Thailand.
Book the resort here on Agoda.
Gasson Panorama Golf Club, is part of the same Gassan group as above. Opened initially in November 2006 the Gassan Panorama Golf Club is the third course in the Gassan Group. The course reopened in 2017 as at the same time took on its new name. At 7,761 yards the longest course in the kingdom, its unique distinction comes from all 18 holes designed around the contour of a large lake in Chiang Mai.
These courses feature great resorts. Check here on Agoda for bookings.
Please drop us a note if you want more information, and enjoy your travels.
