The Ban Nong
Chang Khuen is the most famous longan growing area in the
country. The orchards are located some 8 kilometres before
Lamphun and with a further 7 kilometres 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.
Hariphunchai National Museum
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 prehistorical human skeletons and objects
of arts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin
periods. A chamber in devoted to a collection of inscription
stones in 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.
Phra Nang Chamthewi
Statue
The Phra
Nang Chamthewi Statue is located in the Nong Dok public
park in town commemorating the first ruler of
Hariphunchai.
Suthewa Rusi Statue
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 he 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.
Wat Chamthewi
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.
Wat Mahawan
On the
road parallel to the old city wall to the west of town
is Wat Mahawan, an old temple built since the times 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.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
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-metre tall golden
Chedi whose present appearance was the result of the 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 arch 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.
Wat Phra Yuen
Another
ancient site related to the old history of the town is Wat Phra
Yuen. The Ku Chang-Ku Ma Chedi at the temple is surrounded on
four directions by standing statues. The Chedi itself is
cylinder-shaped and commemorates Queen Chamthewi's war elephant
and her son's steed.
Pa Sang
Pa Sang
Pa Sang district is a handicraft centre and
famous for its handmade cotton materials which are produced
mainly in Ban Nong Nguak. Also at this village is an ancient
temple noted for its beautiful arches in indigenous
Burmese-influenced style.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha
About 7
kilometres 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 of likeness of monk's saffron
robe and his footprint of stone ground.
Ban Hong
Ban Hong
Ban Hong
is the site of a 1,400-year-old community dating back to the
Hariphunchai Kingdom. Located some 40 kilometres 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 Puai and
Wat Dong Rusi. The later 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
oddly-shaped stalactites. There are accommodation facilities
for tourists in the district town.
Li
Chedi Ha Duang
About 2
kilometres from Li is a group of five old pagoda known as the
Chedi Ha Duang. The site is believed to have been an ancient
town.
Mae Ping National Park
Covering an
area of over 1,000 square 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 forest-lands
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 kilometres 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 kilometres off Highway
No.106 at Km.47.
Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom
Wat Phra Bat
Huai Tom is the largest temple in the district, boasting a large
Lanna-style Chedi 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
kilometres off Highway No. 106 at Km. 47.
