Lamphun Travel Guide

Discover the rich culture and natural beauty of Lamphun, Thailand with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your itinerary, explore top attractions, and indulge in local cuisine.


Lamphun, a small town located in the Northern River Valleys of Northern Thailand, is a hidden gem full of natural beauty, rich culture, and history. This charming town boasts an array of awe-inspiring temples, lush national parks, and mouth-watering cuisine that will leave you craving for more. In this comprehensive travel guide, we have curated a list of the best things to do, see, eat, and explore in Lamphun.

Introduction to Lamphun

Lamphun is a town located in the northern part of Thailand, around 670 km from Bangkok. It is a peaceful and quaint town full of traditional Thai culture and history. The town is surrounded by lush green rice fields, which make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lamphun is often overlooked by tourists, making it a perfect destination for those who want to avoid the crowds.

List of Places to Visit in Lamphun

From cultural attractions to natural wonders, Lamphun has something for everyone to explore. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss while visiting Lamphun:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Wat Phra That Hariphunchai: This ancient Buddhist temple is considered one of the most important temples in Thailand and houses a sacred hair relic of Lord Buddha.
  2. Hariphunchai National Museum: Visit this museum to explore the rich history of Lamphun and its surrounding areas.
  3. Chamthewi Museum: This small museum showcases the life and achievements of Queen Chamthewi, who played a significant role in establishing Hariphunchai as the capital of the Mon Kingdom.

Natural Attractions of Lamphun: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Doi Khun Tan National Park: This beautiful national park is famous for its stunning waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and hiking trails.
  2. Mae Ping National Park: This park is a hidden gem in Lamphun, with plenty of scenic hiking trails and a stunning waterfall.
  3. Chiang Mai-Lamphun viewpoint: This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the surrounding rice fields and hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lamphun

Lamphun is a paradise for adventure seekers, with plenty of hiking and biking trails available. Here are a few popular routes to explore:

  1. Khun Than Loop: This 45 km route takes you through stunning natural landscapes, including forests and mountains.
  2. The Waterfall Trail: This 7 km route takes you to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lamphun.
  3. Doi Phra Muen & Monolith Trail: This 5 km trail takes you to a sacred temple and a giant rock formation in the heart of Lamphun’s forests.

Best Things to Do in Lamphun: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a Thai cooking class to learn about traditional Thai cuisine.
  2. Visit local markets such as Ban Nong Chang market and Pao market to indulge in delectable street food and local products.
  3. Attend a traditional dance performance at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lamphun

Day 1: Visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and explore the ancient city wall and moat. Day 2: Hike through Doi Khun Tan National Park and visit the hot springs. Day 3: Explore the local markets and try traditional Thai food. Day 4: Visit the Chamthewi Museum and learn about the history of Lamphun. Day 5: Take a cooking class and learn about traditional Thai cuisine. Day 6: Visit the Mae Ping National Park and go trekking. Day 7: Relax and unwind at the Chiang-Mai Lamphun viewpoint.

Food and Drink Scene of Lamphun

Lamphun is known for its delicious cuisine and unique local products. Here are a few must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khao Soi: This traditional Northern Thai dish is made with egg noodles and curry soup.
  2. Sai Ua: This mouth-watering sausage is made with pork and local herbs and spices.
  3. Larb Moo: This spicy minced pork salad is a popular Thai dish that can be found in Lamphun.

Local Beverages

  1. Cha Yen: This sweet Thai iced tea is the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day.
  2. Lamphun Coffee: Made from locally grown coffee beans, this coffee has a rich and unique flavor.
  3. Lamphun Honey Tea: Made with locally sourced honey, this tea is a great way to warm up on a cold day.

Where to Stay in Lamphun: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lamphun has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are a few recommended options:

  1. The Grand Riverside Hotel: This luxurious hotel is located on the bank of the Ping River and offers stunning views of the river and the City Wall.
  2. The Silver of Khum: This beautiful guesthouse offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, with gardens and private balconies.
  3. Lamphun Place: This affordable hotel is located in the heart of the town and offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Lamphun: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lamphun is famous for its local products, including silk, cotton, ceramics, and wood carvings. Here are a few recommended places to shop for souvenirs:

  1. Lamphun Night Bazaar: Visit this night market to shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
  2. Ban Yuak Village: This traditional village is famous for its textiles and weaving techniques.
  3. TCDC Lamphun: This design center showcases the work of local artists and designers, including ceramics, textiles, and woodwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Lamphun

Lamphun is a town steeped in tradition and history, and it is important to respect the local culture and customs while visiting. Buddhism plays a significant role in the daily lives of the locals, and visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes when entering temples.

Best Time to Visit Lamphun

The best time to visit Lamphun is from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier. The town experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid weather throughout the rest of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lamphun

Do:

  1. Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
  2. Respect the local customs and traditions.
  3. Try the local cuisine and products.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect the local culture and traditions.
  2. Litter or damage the natural environment.
  3. Speak loudly or behave inappropriately in public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lamphun

Lamphun is a safe town with friendly locals. However, visitors should watch out for pickpockets and be cautious when exploring remote areas. Travelers should also be aware of the traffic on the roads and take necessary precautions while driving or biking.

Health in Lamphun

Lamphun is a relatively healthy town with no significant health risks. However, visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. It is also advisable to carry a first-aid kit and a sufficient supply of medication while traveling to remote areas.

Getting to Lamphun: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lamphun is easily accessible from major cities in Thailand. Here are a few options for getting to Lamphun:

Airports Near Lamphun

  1. Chiang Mai International Airport: This airport is around 25 km from Lamphun and offers several flight options.
  2. Lampang Airport: This airport is around 1 hour drive from Lamphun and offers flight options to Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand.

Bus Stations Near Lamphun

  1. Chiang Mai Bus Station Arcade: This bus station connects Lamphun to major cities in Thailand via bus.
  2. Lampang Bus Station: This bus station is around 1 hour drive from Lamphun and offers bus connections to Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand.

Other Options

  1. Private taxi: Taxis are available from Chiang Mai or Lampang to Lamphun.
  2. Car rental: Car rentals are available from Chiang Mai or Lampang.

How to Get Around in Lamphun

Lamphun is a small town, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also hire a car or bike to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Lamphun: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lamphun is surrounded by several interesting destinations that visitors can explore:

  1. Chiang Mai: This city is a short drive from Lamphun and is known for its stunning temples, lively night markets, and food scene.
  2. Lampang: This city is famous for its Lanna-style architecture and its horse-drawn carriages.
  3. Phrae: This ancient city is known for its teak wood carvings and traditional Thai architecture.

Conclusion

Lamphun is a charming town that is full of surprises and hidden gems. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the town’s rich culture, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, adventure seeker, or a food lover, Lamphun is a destination that should not be missed.

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