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AMPHOE BAN HONG
Ban Hong
 Ban
Hong is the site of a 1,400-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 later 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.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Ban Nong Chang Khuen
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.
 Hariphunchai
National Museum
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.
Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue
The Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue is located in the Nong Dok public
park in town commemorating the first ruler of Hariphunchai.
 Suthewa
Rusi Statue
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
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.
Wat Mahawan
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.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
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.
Wat Phra Yuen
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.
AMPHOE PA SANG
Pa Sang
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.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha
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 of stone ground.
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