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Often called Chiang Mai’s little sister, the city has a beautiful old town, city walls, a moat and some truly remarkable temples. Lamphun was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom, and thus has an important historical legacy. It offers many nice sights and cafes, which I will introduce to you here.
5 Insider tips in Lamphun and surroundings
Unlike Chiang Mai, only a few tourists find their way here. That is why the city has a very special charm and has retained its Thai flair.
In addition to the monasteries, temples and other well-described tourist attractions in many travel guides, there are also some true ones hidden gems in and around the city. Enjoy discovering the sights and activities in Lamphun!
1. Kruba Srivichai Monument
Not far from the city there is a large statue of the very venerable Kruba Srivichai, a very important monk from the last century. He played a crucial role in the development of the region and made significant contributions, especially in creating infrastructure and improving the living conditions of ordinary people.
The small monastery around his monument, Wat Doi Ti, is really hard to miss. Just drive towards the big monk and you will immediately find a parking space at his feet, from where you can comfortably walk up. At the foot of the monk there is a beautiful terrace with a beautiful view of the entire region. Highly recommended at sunrise!
2. Coffee from Lamphun
This is another Lamphun thing you shouldn’t miss! Afterwards I recommend one of the many really nice cafes in Lamphun. Of particular note are the cafes dedicated to the Slow Coffee movement. Here everything takes a little longer, everything is celebrated, everything is prepared with care, dedication and special dedication. Take your time and enjoy a coffee from the region S’Kov coffee.
This coffee comes from the only village in Lamphun province where coffee is grown. It comes from the Hmong people, one of the many hill tribes that live in Thailand.
3. Shiva Cave between Lamphun and Ban Hong (Tham Thep Namitra)
Once you’ve been revived, you’ll have to explore and discover some special and unknown places. Between Lamphun and Ban Hong, a bit hidden in the forest, is a cave with a breathtaking Shiva statue. This is true hidden gem and one of the Lamphun attractions that don’t appear in every guidebook.
This monument is breathtaking as you enter the cave. You must be in good physical condition and be able to climb stairs. However, no actual climbing is required. It is also advisable to take a good flashlight with you to explore the back part of the cave with its beautiful stalactites and intricate Buddhist figures. The cave is dedicated to three women, whose exact history I have unfortunately not been able to trace to this day.
See if you can find all three statues of the ladies in the cave. They are life size, made of wood and with a bit of luck you will find all three.
In Thai the place is indicated as ถ้ำเทพนมิตรา (Tham Thep Namitra). Here you will find more information and the exact location here.
4. Lannaland
Enchanted by this place, I recommend a visit Lanna Land. This small modern cafe is named after the ancient kingdom and comes equipped with some unique features. There is a small skywalk, animals to pet, an old VW bus to sit and relax in, as well as excellent cuisine that offers both Thai and some European dishes. Attentive staff and authentic flavors are guaranteed. All this at local prices, so really affordable.
5. In the belly of the earth: Tham Luang Pha Wiang
“Tham” (or “Tam”) is the Thai word for cave. Are you ready for another breathtaking cave? Tham Luang is one of the largest caves in this area and one of the best things to do in Lamphun. Located above a monastery in the forest, it is a fantastic place to dive deep into the mountain.
For a small donation for electricity, the monks are happy to turn on the lights. But don’t forget to ring the gong at the entrance! The spirits of the cave need to know you are there and protect you. Also take flashlights with you, because the back part is not electrified and it is incredibly exciting to follow the path to the last room. However, you should not be afraid of bats, because there are thousands of them here.
Please note: Try not to scare the animals and disturb them as little as possible. Thailand also has strict laws to protect these small flying creatures.
You might even be lucky enough to see one of the beautiful Beauty Rat Snakes, a species of snake that is completely harmless to humans and specializes in catching bats. This snake bears its name for a reason because it is truly beautiful.
For each of these Lamphun attractions and many others you can find a short video on my Youtube Channel (currently only available in German). I’m not a professional filmmaker. I do this purely as a hobby and out of enthusiasm for this beautiful nature, the landscape, the people and the delicious food. So be patient and I would love for you to visit my YouTube channel and maybe even subscribe.
About the author
Stefan Kluth has been living in Northern Thailand for several years and is gradually exploring the world there. People, festivals, markets and breathtaking nature. You can find his explorations on YouTube. His wife Sopha rents out a guest house to interested visitors and is happy to give valuable tips for excursions in the area.
Have you ever been to Lamphun and discovered its sights? Which Lamphun activities (and insider tips) do you think absolutely deserve to be on this list?
Photos: Photo 2 (View from the monument): Galina Ivankovich/shutterstock.com – Photo 6 (Cave): MOMARKCRESCENDO/shutterstock.com
