How old is Lamphun city?

Lamphun is traditionally considered to have been founded as the Haripunchai Kingdom around 660 CE — making it one of Southeast Asia's longest continuously inhabited cities. It predates Chiang Mai (founded 1296) by over 600 years. The kingdom had strong links to the Dvaravati civilisation in central Thailand.

Can I visit Lamphun as a day trip from Chiang Mai?

Easily — it is only 26 km away and the round trip including the main temple can be done in half a day. The scenic old road lined with yang-na trees makes the journey itself worthwhile.

What is Lamphun famous for producing?

Lamphun is known for its longan (lam yai) orchards which produce some of Thailand's finest fruit, ripening in August. The province also produces traditional woven textiles. Longan Festival in August is a major local celebration.

Lamphun Province Guide — Ancient Haripunchai Kingdom, Temple & Day Trip from Chiang Mai

About Lamphun Province

Lamphun is Thailand's smallest province by area and one of its oldest cities — the capital of the ancient Haripunchai kingdom, which predated the founding of Chiang Mai by several centuries. Just 26 km south of Chiang Mai, it is easily the most under-visited provincial capital in the north. The city's Wat Phra That Haripunchai enshrines a 50-metre gilded chedi said to be 1,000 years old and ranks among northern Thailand's most sacred sites. The drive from Chiang Mai to Lamphun along the old Superhighway is lined with tall yang-na trees forming one of the most beautiful canopy tunnels in the region.

Key facts

Population: 402,011 (2020)
Area: 4,506 km²
Density: 89 / km²
Districts: 8
Capital: Lamphun
ISO code: TH-51

National parks (2)

Doi Khun Tan National Park, Mae Ta Khrai National Park

All 8 districts

Ban Hong · Ban Thi · Li · Mae Tha · Mueang Lamphun · Pa Sang · Thung Hua Chang · Wiang Nong Long

Top Highlights

Wat Phra That Haripunchai
over 1,000 years old, one of northern Thailand's most important Buddhist sites
Haripunchai National Museum
Dvaravati and Haripunchai artifacts in a heritage building
Yang-na tree-lined road
beautiful double-row canopy on the old road from Chiang Mai
Lamphun silk weaving
the province produces traditional hand-woven cotton and silk textiles

Getting There

Lamphun is 26 km south of Chiang Mai — red songthaew buses run frequently from Chiang Mai Warorot Market for 15 baht, taking 45 minutes. By car, 30–40 minutes on the old road (scenic) or new highway. No airport or train station in the city itself — Chiang Mai Airport is the entry point.

Inside Lamphun

National parks (2)

Mae Ta Khrai National Park221,446 km²
Doi Khun Tan National Park25,529 km²

Districts (8)

Ban Hong ·Ban Thi ·Li ·Mae Tha ·Mueang Lamphun ·Pa Sang ·Thung Hua Chang ·Wiang Nong Long

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore more Thai provinces

Browse all 76 province guides

All Provinces

Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q240540 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

Was this page helpful?

ThailandKnowledge Editorial Team

Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.

Our editorial standards