About Lamphun
Lamphun is the capital of the province of the same name and lies close to Chiang Mai. The town was once the centre of the Haripunchai kingdom, founded in the Middle Ages by the Mon, and still has many old temples. Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a royal temple in the centre with a golden chedi, and the Hariphunchai National Museum, across the road, tells the history. Wat Kukut has a pyramid-shaped stupa in Lopburi style, and Wat Phra Yuen is a temple from the eleventh century. Lamphun is also known for longan, a fruit grown widely here, and for woven silk. The town makes a quiet day trip from Chiang Mai and suits anyone seeking history and tradition without crowds.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Chiang Mai by bus or songthaew (about 45 minutes, roughly 26 km); the sights are close together. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Lamphun
- Wat Phra That Hariphunchai A royal temple with a golden chedi in the middle of town.
- Hariphunchai National Museum The museum across from the temple tells the region’s Mon history.
- Wat Kukut A temple with a pyramid-shaped stupa in Lopburi style.
- Wat Phra Yuen An eleventh-century temple with a large square chedi.
