Lamphun Travel Guide: Northern Thailands Ancient Capital of Peace, Temples, and Longans

May 24, 2025

Just 26 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, Lamphun Province often flies under the tourist radar—but it shouldn’t. Once the capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, this quiet yet historically rich province is filled with sacred temples, royal legends, lush countryside, and some of the sweetest longans in Thailand.

For travellers seeking authentic northern Thai culture without the crowds, Lamphun offers a peaceful and rewarding escape.

1. Must-See Attractions in Lamphun

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
This iconic Lanna-style temple is Lamphun’s spiritual heart. Dating back to the 9th century, its golden chedi draws pilgrims from across Thailand. Visit during the Candle Festival to see the grounds glow in traditional ceremony.
Ku Chang Ku Ma Stupa
Said to be the burial site of Queen Chamathewi’s war elephant, this ancient stupa is a mystical spot tied to Lamphun’s royal origins. Locals still make offerings here.
Hariphunchai National Museum
Located near the main temple, this museum houses artefacts from the Mon and Lanna periods, including Buddha images, pottery, and ancient inscriptions.
Lamphun Old City
Surrounded by a moat and ancient city walls, Lamphun’s old town is perfect for a slow stroll. The shady streets, teakwood homes, and quiet temples feel like a time capsule of northern Thailand.
Phra Nang Chamthewi Monument
This bronze statue honours Lamphun’s legendary queen and founder. Locals often stop here to pay respects and ask for blessings.

2. Lamphun’s Most Beautiful Temples

Wat Chamthewi (Wat Ku Kut)
Famous for its rare square-based chedi built in Hariphunchai style, this temple was dedicated to Queen Chamathewi and remains one of the most historically significant sites in the province.
Wat San Pa Yang Luang
Elaborately decorated with intricate stucco work and Lanna-style motifs, this temple is visually striking and often missed by guidebooks.
Wat Phra Yuen
Known for its tall standing Buddha images and peaceful grounds, this temple was a religious centre long before Chiang Mai rose to power.

3. Nightlife and Local Bars

Lamphun doesn’t compete with Chiang Mai when it comes to nightlife—but it doesn’t try to. Evenings here are more about relaxing with a drink in hand and enjoying a cool breeze.

Lamphun Bar & Café
A chilled-out spot for a local beer and occasional live music. Great for travellers seeking quiet conversation and local company.
Hug Lamphun Bar
A casual local bar with friendly staff, low prices, and football on TV. Ideal for a slow drink after a long day of exploring temples.

4. National Parks and Outdoor Escapes

Doi Khun Tan National Park
Spanning both Lamphun and Lampang provinces, this park is ideal for trekking and camping. Don’t miss Thailand’s longest railway tunnel or the pine-covered trails to the summit.
Mae Takhrai National Park
Located on the Lamphun-Chiang Mai border, this hidden gem features waterfalls, hilly jungle trails, and occasional hot springs—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

5. Sports Bars and Entertainment

Dedicated sports bars are rare in Lamphun, but:

Local restaurants and pubs may show big football matches on weekends.
For a full-on expat sports bar experience, head into nearby Chiang Mai where options like The UN Irish Pub and The Red Lion are popular with travellers.

6. No Beaches, But Still Water Fun

As a landlocked province, Lamphun doesn’t have beaches—but you’ll find:

Riverbanks for picnics
Forest waterfalls for swimming
Boat rides along the Ping River during the cool season

For beach adventures, it’s just a short flight to Krabi, Phuket, or Trat.

7. Where to Stay: Hostels & Resorts

Lamphun Will Hotel
Basic but clean and well-located in the town centre. Ideal for short stays or budget travellers.
Nornlamphun Boutique Hotel
A stylish, comfortable boutique option with traditional Lanna decor and friendly staff. Great value.
The Grand Jamjuree Resort
Quiet and slightly outside of town, this mid-range resort is ideal for couples or digital nomads seeking peace and space.
Lamphun Garden Home
A no-frills but cosy guesthouse favoured by backpackers.

8. Transportation Tips

Bicycles & Motorbikes
Lamphun’s flat layout makes it perfect for cycling. Rentals are cheap and widely available.
Songthaews (shared trucks)
These are the local rides for getting between neighbourhoods or nearby Chiang Mai.
Trains & Buses
Lamphun is on the Northern Rail Line. The scenic train from Chiang Mai to Lamphun takes under an hour and costs just a few baht.
Taxis
Available but limited—consider a Grab app or pre-booked driver if you plan to explore beyond town.

9. Unique Things to Do in Lamphun

Cycling Tours
Ride through rice paddies, temples, and weaving villages. Several operators offer half-day or full-day tours.
River Cruises
Enjoy a boat trip along the Ping River—especially beautiful in early morning or around sunset.
Local Markets & Walking Street
Lamphun’s Saturday Walking Street Market is a cultural highlight. Browse handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and regional dishes.
Textile & Ceramic Workshops
Visit artisan villages to see silk weaving, cotton dyeing, or traditional pottery in action.

10. Muay Thai in Lamphun

Lamphun Muay Thai Gym
A local gym offering basic but authentic Muay Thai training. A great way to support small-town sport and get in shape.
Train in Chiang Mai
For a more professional or tourist-friendly Muay Thai experience, Chiang Mai offers top-tier gyms like Lanna Muay Thai and Santai Gym.

11. Fun Facts About Lamphun

Hariphunchai Heritage: Lamphun predates Chiang Mai by centuries, making it one of Thailand’s oldest cities.
Longan Capital: Lamphun produces some of the country’s juiciest longans, celebrated during the Longan Festival every August.
The Red Cotton Tree: Locally revered and symbolic of Lamphun’s identity, the red silk-cotton tree blooms bright red in March–April.

12. Bonus Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit
Cool season (November–February) is perfect for outdoor exploring. August is fruit season—come hungry!
Respect the Culture
Dress modestly for temples. Remove shoes and hats before entering sacred spaces.
Combo with Chiang Mai
Lamphun is ideal as a slow-travel stopover or a peaceful day trip from Chiang Mai. The two cities pair perfectly for a well-rounded northern Thai adventure.

Final Thoughts

Lamphun is a destination for the curious and the calm. While its neighbour Chiang Mai bursts with tourists, Lamphun stays true to its roots: gentle, grounded, and full of stories. If you’re after stunning temples, a taste of ancient kingdoms, and longan orchards stretching to the horizon, this little province might just become your new favourite stop in Thailand.

Have you visited Lamphun?

Share your experience or favourite temple in the comments. Know someone planning a northern Thailand trip? Send this blog their way!

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