Wiang Kum Kam(One Day)
Wiang Kum KamWiang Kum Kam was a settlement long before it became King Mangrai's capital around 1287-90. Frequent flooding caused Mangrai to move, but the place remained important throughout the Lanna period. The site was later buried under mud when the river changed course during the Burmese period. The area was restored as a historical park during the 1980's. Surrounded by paddy and village houses, the extensive site has a pleasant rural feel, yet it is very close to Chiang Mai. The best way to see it is by bicycle or motorcycle.
Continue on Koh Klang Road past Wat Chedi Liam, to reach the McKean Institute. Follow the river to Ban Pa Dua for a pleasant rural ride and to see woodcarving.
The old viharn of this temple has been given a new roof and is brightly decorated. The result is an ornate and very colorful building that mixes the old and the new.
Wat Chang Kham is at the heart of Wiang Kum Kam. The temple contains the remains of former Wat Kan Thom as well as a spirit house that is revered as the home of the spirit of King Mangrai.
The temple has a Lanna-style chedi and a finely decorated new viharn built in 1987.
(Koh Klang Road)
The main feature of interest is the Haripunchai-style chedi built around 1286. It is a square stepped chedi with Buddha images in niches at each level.
The chedi is a replica of the Mahapol Chedi at Wat Chamadevi in Lamphun.
(KM.4 Koh Klang Road. Hours. 08:00-16:30. Tel: 817170)
This former leprosarium is a rehabilitation center set in beautiful, quiet grounds next to the river. Colonial-style architecture includes a church with flying Buttresses. The institute plans to open a museum in a building restored to its original 19th century condition.
Information about the institute is available at the office.
See also: [Rural Rides] [Forest Conservation] [Rice Barns]