Amphoe Muang
Ban Nong Chang Khuen
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.
