Lamphun travel guide: Hariphunchai temples and an easy day from Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, in the centre of town, is the province's most famous temple. TAT explains that its central stupa is said to date from around 897, built to house a hair of the Buddha, while the compound itself dates from the 11th century; the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory notes that it stands on the site of King Athitayaraj's palace. Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep temple was modelled on it.

Look for the 19th-century library, the giant bronze gong and the gold nine-tiered umbrella on the main chedi. Enter through the lion-guarded gate facing the river, dress modestly and remove shoes in the halls.

Wat Chamthewi and the queen of Hariphunchai

A short ride west, Wat Chamthewi (Wat Ku Kut) is revered because the ashes of Queen Chamthewi, the legendary first ruler of Hariphunchai, are believed to be enshrined in one of its pagodas. TAT describes murals of her life in the wihan and a small museum.

Its stepped chedis with niches of standing Buddha images are some of the oldest architecture in northern Thailand. Visit in the morning light.

Museums and yok dok silk

Next to the main temple, the Hariphunchai National Museum displays finds from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods, including inscription stones in Mon and Lanna scripts, according to TAT. Behind it, the Lamphun Community Museum covers the town's last century.

Lamphun is famous for yok dok silk, a brocade weave whose geographical indication was granted in 2007, as TAT notes. The town's weaving centres sell cloth and sometimes show the looms at work.

Getting there from Chiang Mai

TAT describes the trip as a 40-minute drive south of Chiang Mai. On the old Highway 106, a stretch of tall rubber trees lines both sides of the road — a pleasant start to the day.

Lamphun is also on the northern railway line, and songthaews run between the two towns. In town, the main sights are within walking distance of each other or a short tuk-tuk ride.

A half-day plan

One way to fit Lamphun into a morning from Chiang Mai.

• 08:00: leave Chiang Mai on the old road through the rubber trees.
• 09:00: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, then the national museum next door.
• 11:00: Wat Chamthewi.
• 12:00: lunch in town, then a weaving shop before heading back.