Lamphun -?One of the Oldest City in Thailand
General Information of Lamphun
Are you looking for a small province, but with a rich historical background? Lamphun is absolutely the one that should provide what you are looking for. Lamphun is a city that is very close to Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. Only 26 kilometers away from Chiang Mai to be exact. The legend for this city is recorded and dated for more than 1,400 years ago which means that this city has a long history waiting for you to explore them all. In fact, this city is built long before the city of Chiang Mai and it was once integrated into the Lanna Kingdom. Its first ruler was Queen Chamthewi in which she is the only woman ruler in Thailand.
This is not a typical city that westerners or tourists would come to as it is a small city compared to most places. It is actually the smallest city in the entire northern region of Thailand. One thing that is charming about this place is its culture and tradition of the small community that has been living here for centuries. This city may be small, but you will gain a complete experience of the history, religion, and culture.
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How to travel to Lamphun
To travel here, it might be easier to travel to Chiang Mai first, then you can take a bus, songtaews or shared taxi, or minivans from there. However, you can also drive from Bangkok with a distance of 670 kilometers. It could potentially take you almost a whole day to reach here.
Things to do in Lamphun
Let us talk about the famous attractions in this province of Lamphun to reap the benefits of touring a small town to its fullest. The city may be small, but it does not lack attractions or places that you can go at all. However, those famous attractions are mostly small places that will usually take time to go through them all. The recommended method of traveling is to take a tram car to all of the attractions available. You can go to many attractions as much as eleven spots! Those eleven places are mostly telling its own story of history and religion. This is more like a journey that you can just sit through and enjoy the experience that you will get. In the eleven places that you will go, there are some key places that is worth mentioning about here.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan
The first place is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan which I fully understand that it is pretty mouthful to read that, so you can call this temple as Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. This temple has a long history embedded in it walls. The temple has been around for more than a thousand years which is exceptionally beautiful and well-preserved until this day. Additionally, this is a very important temple for the province of Lamphun as the temple is used to hold countless festivals and important rituals of the city. More importantly, the picture of the temple is used as the symbol of the province itself. So, you would understand how important this temple is.
Pha Daeng Luang
You can also indulge yourself with the nature by traveling to Mae Ping National Park which has many nature activities that you can enjoy. This place is a very famous attraction in this province! You can take a boat tour, take a look at the views of the nature, and do some sightseeing of the sun, mountains, and rivers at Pha Daeng Luang sightseeing spot. At Pha Daeng Luang sightseeing spot, you can also set up a tent to stay overnight and it is a must that you come up here to see the views. The next place you can visit at this national park is Kaeng Ko which is a massive body of water with amazing atmosphere, including greenish trees.
Ko Luang Waterfall
To end your trip, Ko Luang Waterfall is a famous and beautiful waterfall with seven levels. There is always water here and when it falls down to the ground, it produces a green color. There are many species of fish here and you can also have a picnic beside the waterfall.
?Local Tells?
For more exotic experiences, it is recommended that you take a closer look to the life of the people living here, including its people, culture, and places.
Khun Tarn Tunnel.
Why not aboard the train for a tour of the nature? You can take a train to Chiang Mai which will passes through the Khun Tarn Tunnel.
This tunnel has a record of being the longest train tunnel in Thailand with more than 1000 meters in distance and it was built in the year 1909.
Tha Chom Phu White Bridge
After you passes through the tunnel, you will get to pass the rice farms in which you will see the mountain and an outstanding white bridge from afar. You can take a look at the most beautiful train bridge in Thailand in this journey which is called the Tha Chom Phu White Bridge.
Wat Sun Pa Yang Luang
The next place is Wat Sun Pa Yang Luang which is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand with many detailed arts inside the temple. It is one of the five most beautiful temples in Thailand, especially its architectural style. The details are crafted on both its exterior and interior that you must see! If you have a chance to visit Lamphun, it is highly recommended that you should visit the locals living on the mountain.
Phra Bat Huai Tom
Phra Bat Huai Tom Community has awarded with the culture and handmade tour awards. There are five holy places you can visit and pay respect to in which each of them carries its own unique beauty. You can live at the homestays with the community here and dive in to their everlasting culture.
Paka Ker Yor is the name of the group of people that has been living here since centuries ago. You can take a look at their handmade goods and fabrics which are handmade by the mountainous people here with ancient method such as pants and bags.
Souvenirs
For souvenirs, longan is the most famous fruit here. You can buy it at the farm in a low price and you can also buy a longan cake which is equally tasty as eating it directly.
Living in Lamphun
The motto for Lamphun is ?The Renown Phra That Temple, Holy Buddhist Relic, Famous Longan, Quality Garlic, Beautiful Traditions, Hariphunchai, Land of Chamadevi?.
To get around in the city
you can either walk from place to place or hail a motorcycle taxi. Be sure to bargain with the price first before you get in. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle to move around the town as the road are pretty flat and there is not much car traffic here as much. Be sure to enjoy your time here with the nature and the history of the province!
Contact
Contact our local partner, @ TonyCooperatePage , if you would like to visit Lamphun
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