 The
city was founded in the 9th century by Mons, whose legendary ruler
Queen Chamathewi created the Hariphunchai state that held sway
in the region for a few hundred years, until it was absorbed into
the Lanna kingdom.
Her remains are interred at Wat Chamathewi, built by Khmer artisans
and renovated by the Mons. The main chedi is on five levels, originally
with a golden top, which was stolen. It is also known as Wat Ku
Kut, which means chedi without a top! The town's main attraction
is Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai, built to house Buddha relics on
the site of Queen Chamathewi's palace. The 46-metre Golden Chedi
is topped by a nine-tiered umbrella of pure gold. There is a museum
and a library within the temple's grounds. The district of Pasang
is known for its cotton weaving industry and for its beautiful
women. Overlapping into Chiang Mai arid Lampang, Mae Ping National
Park surrounds the Ping River and features fertile forestland,
sheer cliffs, reservoirs, islands and river rapids ideal for rafting.
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 how
to get there
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Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Nakhon Sawan via Sing
Buri and Chai Nat, then turn into Highway No. 11 and proceed to
Lamphun, a total distance of 670 kilometres.
Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses departs
from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Lamphun daily. Travelling
time is about 9 hours. Call 0 2936 0852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th
for more information. Indra Tour which is a private bus company
also operate air-conditioned bus to Lamphun. Call 0 2208 0840
for information.
Rail
Trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Raialway Station
every day. Call 1690 for more information.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then connect
a Chiang Mai-Lamphun bus which leave Chang Phueak Bus Station
every 15 minutes. Travelling time from Chiang Mai to Lamphun is
45 minutes.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
| Pa Sang 11 |
11 kms. |
| Mae Tha |
25 kms. |
| Ban Thi |
26 kms. |
| Ban Hong |
40 kms. |
| Wiang Nong Long |
45 kms. |
| Thung Hua Chang |
105 kms. |
| Li |
105 kms. |
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festivals
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Longan Fair
Another event is the Longan Fair in August which is designed to
promote this hugely popular produce. There are the beautifully
decorated Longan Parade and Longan contests.
Song Nam Phra That Hariphunchai
The most well-known event in Lamphun is the Song Nam Phra That
Hariphunchai, which dates back to the olden times. Held to celebrate
the province's principal religious site, it takes place in May.
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