DESTINATION OF THE DAY
Lamphun

Steeped in over 1,300 years of history, Lamphun stands as northern Thailand’s oldest city, where the legacy of the Hariphunchai Kingdom still echoes through golden stupas and silk-weaving villages. Just 30km south of Chiang Mai, this compact province dazzles with UNESCO-proposed temples like Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, the elephant-shaped Ku Kut Pagoda, and the mythical Ku Chang Ku Ma monument honoring war elephants. Beyond its archaeological wonders, Lamphun tempts visitors with succulent longan fruit and intricate floral-patterned silk—a living testament to its Mon and Lanna cultural roots.

A Glimpse into the History

The Dawn of Hariphunchai (7th–13th Century)

Lamphun’s story begins in 661 CE when Queen Chamadevi, a Mon princess from Lavo (Lopburi), established Hariphunchai as the North’s first Buddhist kingdom. Under her rule, the city flourished as a spiritual and artistic hub, constructing iconic landmarks like the original Phra That Hariphunchai stupa and spreading Theravada Buddhism across the Ping River valley. The Mon-influenced Hariphunchai era left enduring legacies, from the ancient Mon script (precursor to Lanna alphabet) to the Loi Ha Moad festival, which evolved into today’s Loy Krathong celebrations.

Lanna Annexation and Cultural Fusion (13th–18th Century)

In 1281, King Mengrai of Lanna conquered Hariphunchai but preserved its sacred sites, transforming the city into a religious center for his new kingdom. The 15th-century bell-shaped redesign of Phra That Hariphunchai by King Tilokkarat reflected Chiang Mai’s Lang-ga Wong Buddhist art style. Lamphun’s artisans later influenced Lanna’s golden age, seen in temples like Wat Phra Yuen and Wat Chamadevi (Ku Kut), where pyramid-style pagodas mimic Myanmar’s Bagan architecture—a nod to shared Mon heritage.

From Sovereignty to Modern Province (19th Century–Present)

After centuries as a Lanna vassal, Lamphun was fully integrated into Siam during King Rama V’s reforms. The Yong and Tai Lue migrations in the 1800s revitalized its silk-weaving traditions, now showcased at Ban Nong Nguyak village. Today, Lamphun balances its archaeological treasures—like the Queen Chamadevi Monument and Lamphun National Museum—with thriving longan orchards and a serene pace untouched by mass tourism.

Things To Do In Lamphun

Marvel at Northern Thailand's Golden Landmark

Discover Mon-Style Pyramid Pagodas

Honor Lamphun's Legendary Queen

Learn Lamphun's 1,300-Year Legacy

Meet the Beloved Monk Builder

Other Attractions To Visit

• One of Lamphun’s four directional temples, Wat Phra Yuen, a13th-century sanctuary, was commissioned by Queen Chamthewi to house monks from Lahore. Its name derives from the ancient standing Buddha image, later joined by three additional statues installed during the Sukhothai era. The temple preserves a 600-year-old stone inscription and a 1929 ubosot (ordination hall) adorned with remarkably intact mural paintings.

• Lamphun Community Museum offers a charming glimpse into the province’s past through artifacts, photos, and household items from a century ago. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1912 royal mansion with a traditional hip roof, the museum showcases Lamphun’s cultural heritage in a serene garden setting. Visitors can explore exhibits on local history, from ancient Hariphunchai traditions to early 20th-century daily life.

• Wat San Pa Yang Luang is renowned as one of Thailand’s most exquisite temples, originally built in 531 as Wat Kom Lampong. Its stunning Prakong Hall, constructed in 2005, houses the sacred Phra Yok Kiew Buddha image and dazzles with intricate gold-lacquered stucco work from gables to pillars. Every angle of this temple showcases masterful craftsmanship, blending ancient heritage with artistic splendor.

• Ku Chang-Ku Ma is a pair of ancient stupas in Lamphun shrouded in legend. The cylindrical Ku Chang honors Queen Chamadevi’s mighty war elephant, while the bell-shaped Ku Ma is said to entomb her son’s royal steed. Locals still leave vibrant garlands at Ku Chang daily, though Ku Ma remains quieter—a curious contrast in devotion.

• The Old Rubber Tree Road stretches between Chiang Mai and Lamphun, lined with over 2,000 towering rubber trees planted during King Rama VI’s reign. Their dense canopy creates a serene tunnel of shade, perfect for peaceful drives or quiet moments away from city life. Visitors can stop to photograph the leafy arches, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate this historic route’s tranquil charm.

Best Places To Eat & Drink In Lamphun

1. Longan Noodle Restaurant

   

   Longan Noodles Restaurant is a must-visit eatery near Tha Singh Bridge, famous for its creative fusion of Lamphun’s signature longan fruit with savory noodle dishes. Their aromatic longan noodle soup with stewed chicken and refreshing naam lamyai (longan iced drink) offer a sweet-savory taste unique to this region. It’s the perfect spot to recharge after exploring Lamphun’s ancient temples.

   📍Wiang Yong, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun

2. The Terracotta Garden At Lamphun

Terracotta Garden at Lamphun blends art, nature, and dining in one serene escape. Wander among hundreds of terracotta sculptures from diverse cultures, then savor innovative Thai dishes like Beef Khao Soy or shrimp Pad Thai in a lush garden setting with waterfalls. Choose between open-air tranquility or air-conditioned comfort, all within this whimsical compound that feels worlds away from the city.

📍95 Moo 3, Rimping, Lamphun 51000 Thailand

3. Temple House Lamphun

This stylish café in central Lamphun serves exceptional coffee—like their signature Americano with local longan—in a chic, light-filled space converted from a shophouse. Beyond expertly brewed drinks, the menu features homemade cakes and creative espresso cocktails (think orange-infused espresso tonics) served with artistic flair. Upstairs doubles as an art gallery showcasing Lamphun’s talented woodblock printmakers and painters, making it a perfect cultural pitstop after visiting nearby Wat Phra That Haripunchai.

📍02 Intharayongyot Road, Lamphun

4. The Wooden House

The Wooden House delivers authentic Thai flavors through its seafood specialties, best enjoyed with local beer under strings of lights. As live music fills the air, the energetic yet welcoming vibe keeps locals and travelers coming back. Budget-friendly prices and efficient service make it a hassle-free choice for a memorable night out.

📍101 7 Nai Mueang, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun

5. Daokanong Lamphun Restaurant

Daokanong Lamphun Restaurant has been serving authentic Northern Thai cuisine for 50 years across three locations in Lamphun and Chiang Mai. Founded as Lamphun's first restaurant, this family-run eatery specializes in Lanna classics like Hang Lay curry, stuffed fried peppers, and pickled pork—dishes that draw both locals and visitors. With branches on Charoenrat Road, the Chiang Mai-Lampang highway, and inside Chiang Mai's moat, it promises a warm welcome and generations-old recipes in a bustling atmosphere.

📍180 Chiang Mai-Lampang Road, Si Buabarn, Lamphun

Classifieds

Robin Hood, Pattaya - Enjoy the best food & drink Pattaya has to offer at the fully airconditioned restaurant on the 2nd road - View the Robin Hood HERE

Scruffy Murphys, Bangkok - A traditional Irish pub in the center of Bangkok, yes please, there’s always a warm welcome, great food & a fantastic menu. Take a look at Scruffy Murphys HERE 

Amber Sauna, Koh Samui - There’s something steamy going on just on the outskirts of Chaweng, enjoy a red hot sauna, healthy steam room or take the plubge in their ice plunge. PS did we mention their delicious menu? See what you’re missing out on HERE

DID YOU KNOW?
You can get your Thai eSim card before you arrive…

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. You can grab your esim on the go before you arrive to Thailand to save expensive mistakes upon your arrival.