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 serphants overhead) which was
brought to the temple by the Queen. Commonly known as
Phra Rot Lamphun, it serves as the model for the famous
votive tablet.
The Ban Nong
Chang Khuen 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.
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 objects
of arts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin
periods. A chamber in 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
Wednesday-Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
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 a “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.
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.
Another
ancient site related to the old history of the town is Wat Phra
Yuen. The Ku Chang-Ku Ma Chedi at the temple is surrounded on
four directions by standing statues. The Chedi itself is
cylinder-shaped and commemorates Queen Chamthewi's war elephant
and her son's steed.
