Lamphun Travel Guide: Located just 25 kilometers south of Chiang Mai, the formerly fortified city of Lamphun and its surrounding province remain a hidden gem for foreign tourists. The region offers a wealth of attractions, including the fortifications of the old town, the bustling market, the famous Wat Phra That Harinpunchai temple – one of the most beautiful and revered temples in Northern Thailand – the longan fruit (similar to lychees) cultivated here and celebrated in its annual August festival, the mountains with the impressive Wong Luang Waterfall and numerous hilltop temples, and the artisans, particularly weavers and potters. Route 106, for example, offers stunning mountain scenery heading south from Lamphun. The city of Lamphun was founded by Queen Chama Thevi as the capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom, the last Mon kingdom in what is now Thailand. The Wat Chama Thevi temple in the city is said to house her ashes, and a statue of her stands near Lamphun's main market. When King Mangrai still lived in the north, he was visited by traders from the Mon kingdom. Upon hearing of Lamphun's wealth, he decided to conquer the city, even against the advice of his advisors. The kingdom of Haripunchai was incorporated into the Lanna kingdom through a clever ruse in the 13th century. Since a violent conquest of the city was considered impossible, he sent the skilled tradesman Ai Fa to gain the trust of King Yi Ba. Over time, Ai Fa rose to the position of prime minister and so undermined the king's authority that King Mangrai, angered by his king, was able to easily defeat him in 1281 and incorporate the city and its riches into his kingdom. For information on all ways to get around Lamphun, please see our "Getting Around Lamphun" section.

Accommodation in Lamphun: While the hotel selection in Lamphun is limited, it's sufficient for the few tourists who stay there. The choice is quite small near Wat Phra That Harinpunchai or in the city center, but the Pickbaan seems to me to be the best choice in terms of location, quality, and charm. Find accommodation in Lamphun. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories less than 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // grey Less prices not available in the city selection ("All prices are available at any time") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); arrow_circle_right Show all properties in Lamphun

Practical information about Lamphun: The city of Lamphun itself is easily reachable from Chiang Mai in a day, either by public transport, train, or songthaew (shared taxi). However, to explore the entire province, transportation is almost essential. I didn't see any scooter or car rental companies in Lamphun, which isn't surprising, as the city isn't really used to foreign tourists. These are rather rare, except during special occasions like Loy Krathong, when some tourists choose Lamphun over Chiang Mai.

How do you get to Lamphun? You can reach Lamphun from Bangkok by train. The journey takes about ten hours, depending on the train type. One of the most comfortable and interesting ways to reach the city is by sleeper car. The fare includes not only the train journey but also an overnight stay. However, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance to guarantee a sleeper berth. This can be done via the SRT website or via this 12go link. Alternatively, there are buses that also take about ten hours from the Thai capital to Lamphun. Most buses to Chiang Mai, whether you board in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, or Phitsanulok, stop at the highway a few kilometers before Lamphun. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi into the city for about 100 baht. Although the construction of a second airport for Chiang Mai is planned for Lamphun, currently, to reach Lamphun by plane, you must first land in Chiang Mai and then travel to the city by road. From Chiang Mai, you can reach Lamphun by train. The journey is very quick, as the route is only 25 km long. Alternatively, light blue songthaews (shared taxis with benches in the back) depart regularly from next to the iron bridge, almost opposite the Chiang Mai Tourist Office (TAT Chiang Mai). The ride costs 30 THB and takes about half an hour. [arrow_circle_right] See all travel options to Lamphun

What's the best way to get around Lamphun? Tuk-tuks and rickshaws are readily available in front of the train station. Due to its proximity to Chiang Mai, you can now also use the Grab app to book a car with a driver. However, for excursions into the surrounding area, your own transportation is recommended.

Ritual bathing ceremony for Phra That Hariphunchai Chedi. This festival usually takes place in May. More about the ritual bathing ceremony for Phra That Hariphunchai Chedi.

Lamphun – The Festival of a Hundred Thousand Lanterns and Loy Krathong: This festival usually takes place in November. More about Lamphun – The Festival of a Hundred Thousand Lanterns and Loy Krathong

Ping Hang and Sai Ua Festival: This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Ping Hang and Sai Ua Festival

Other sights in Lamphun: Wat Phra Putthabat Pha Nam (5 stars): This hilltop temple, about 100 kilometers from Lamphun, greets visitors with a huge statue of a standing monk. The monk's mummy is also kept in the temple. From its upper level, there is a magnificent view over the valley and mountains. National Museum Hari Phun Chai (5 stars): This museum, located directly behind Wat Hari Phun Chai, traces the history of Lamphun. It is interesting for learning more about the historical context, architectural style, and traditions.

How do you ask for directions to Lamphun in Thai? I want to go to Lamphun / Yak pai thi Lâmpoun. Where is Lamphun? / Lâmpoun yu thi nai?