LAMPHUN

The city was founded in the 9th century by Mons, whose legendary ruler Queen Chamathewi created the Hariphunchai state that held sway in the region for a few hundred years, until it was absorbed into the Lanna kingdom. Her remains are interred at Wat Chamathewi, built by Khmer artisans and renovated by the Mons. The main chedi is on five levels, originally with a golden top, which was stolen. It is also known as Wat Ku Kut which means chedi without a top!

The town's main attraction is Wat Phrathat Hariphtmchai, built to house Buddha relics on the site of Queen Chamathewi's palace. The 46-metre Golden Chedi is topped by a nine-tiered umbrella of pure gold. There is a museum and a library within the temple's grounds. The district of Pasang is known for its cotton weaving industry and for its beautiful women. Overlapping into Chiang Mai arid Lampang, Mae Ping National Park surrounds the Ping River and features fertile forestland, sheer cliffs, reservoirs, islands and river rapids ideal for rafting.