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.
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 art objects from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchi,
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 Wednesdays-Sundays from
9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
The Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue 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.
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,
commonly referred to as 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.
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
serpents overhead) which was brought to the temple by the
Queen. Commonly known as Phra Rot Lamph, 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. The Ku Chang-Ku Mah Chedi at the temple
is surrounded in 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 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.
Pa Sang District
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. 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.
Ban Hong
is the site of a 1400-year-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 with its 600-year-old Buddha statue,
Wat Pa Puai and Wat Dong Rusi. The latter
two temples both maintain 100-year-old Ho Trai (scripture
halls) built with wood in delicate patterns. Some of the
natural attractions in the district include Tham Luang
Pha Wiang, 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.
Wat Phra Bat
Huai Tom 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. 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. Its main feature is the Ping River, which floes
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 Ko Luang
Waterfall 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 is located some 20 kilometres off Highway No. 106
at Km. 47. |