Talk:Lamphun/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang Lamphun

Sited in mid-town, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai (วัดพระธาตุหริภุญชัย) 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.

Located on Inthayongyot Road almost opposite Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the Hariphunchai National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติหริภุญชัย). 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 is 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 (อนุสาวรีย์พระนางจามเทวี) is located in the Nong Dok public park in town commemorating the first ruler of Hariphunchai.

In front of the Town Hall is the Suthewa Rusi Statue (อนุสาวรีย์สุเทวฤาษี). 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 or Wat Ku Kut (วัดจามเทวี หรือ วัดกู่กุด), commonly referred to a Ku Kut (กู่กุด), 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.

On the road parallel to the old city wall to the west of town is Wat Mahawan (วัดมหาวัน), 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 (พระรอดลำพูน), it serves as the model for the famous votive tablet.

Another ancient site related to the old history of the town is Wat Phra Yun (วัดพระยืน). The Ku Chang-Ku Mah Chedi (กู่ช้าง-กู่ม้า) 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.

The Ban Nong Chang Khun (บ้านหนองช้างคืน) 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.

Amphoe Pa Sang

Pa Sang 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.

About 7 kilometres away on the route to Li district is Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha (วัดพระพุทธบาทตากผ้า). Legend has it that the Lord Buddha once stayed here, leaving a trace of likeness of monk's saffron robe and his footprint on stone ground.

Amphoe Ban Hong

Ban Hong (บ้านโฮ่ง) is the site of a 1,400-years-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 (วัดพระเจ้าตนหลวง) with its 600-years-old Buddha statue, Wat Pa Puai (วัดป่าป๋วย) and Wat Dong Rusi (วัดดงฤาษี). The later two temples both maintain 100-years-old Ho Trai (scripture halls) built with wood in delicate patterns. Some of the natural attractions in the district include Tham Luang Pha Wiang (ถ้ำหลวงผาเวียง), 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.

Amphoe Li

Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom (วัดพระบาทห้วยต้ม) 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.

About 2 kilometres from Li is a group of five old pagoda known as the Chedi Ha Duang (เจดีย์ห้าดวง). The site is believed to have been an ancient town.

Covering an area of over 1,000 square kilometres is the Mae Ping National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่ปิง). 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 Namtok Ko Luang (น้ำตกก้อหลวง), 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.

Do

Festivals

The most well-known event in Lamphun is the Song Nam Phra That Hariphunchai (งานสรงน้ำพระธาตุหริภุญชัย), which dates back to the olden times. Held to celebrate the province's principal religious site, it takes place in May.

Another event is the Longan Fair (งานเทศกาลลำไย) in August which is designed to promote this hugely popular produce. There are the beautifully decorated Longan Parade and Longan contests.

Buy

The Pha Mai Yok Dok (ผ้าไหมยกดอก) is an elaborately woven material in traditional method. Originally used in the northern royal court, it became popular during the reign of King Rama VI. The distinctive craftsmanship and skills in producing this type of silk have endeared it to those who prefer the traditional designs. The main production centre is at Tambon Wiangyong of Mueang district.

A hand-made cotton fabric (ผ้าฝ้ายทอมือ) is also very much preferred by tourists. It is moderately priced and of designs and colours which have been improved yet retaining the indigenous feel and tradition. It is generally made into table-cloth, plate rests, drapes and other household uses. The market at Pa Sang offers a large collection to choose from.

Wood-carving products (งานไม้แกะสลัก) are made from soft-wood into animal figurines, dolls, utensils and decorative items. The natural textures of the wood are clearly visible which add beauty to the products. The main production centre is in Mae Tha district which is some 25 kilometres from town on the way to Lampang.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Lamphun

Ban Suan Choeng Doi (บ้านสวนเชิงดอย) 188 Lamphun-Ban Thi Road (Tel: 0 5350 3661, 0 5350 3654), 5 houses: 1,000-2,000 baht Lamphun Mansion (ลำพูนแมนชั่น) 283 Chammathewi Road (Tel: 0 5353 4687-9 Fax: 0 5353 4690), 12 rooms: 350-450 baht

Mon Saen Dao (ม่อนแสนดาว) 80 Mu 11 Tambon Nong Nam (Tel: 0 5351 1510 Fax. 0 5351 1510), 44 rooms, 590-4,400 baht Supphanit Holiday Inn (ศุภมิตรฮอลิเดย์อินน์) 204-10 Chammathewi Road (Tel: 0 5353 4865-6, 05353 4355), 59 rooms: 250-600 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 10:14, 4 February 2010 (EST)