Renowned for its productive longan orchards, its quality hand-woven silk and cotton, and its enchanting old-world charm, Lamphun has a long history and authentic Lanna culture that are the greatest attraction for travellers. With its provincial capital just 26 kms. south of Chiang Mai, Lamphun is a small province of 4,506 sq. kms. The town of Lamphun was originally the centre of the Mon Kingdom, known as Hariphunchai and believed to have been founded in the late 7th or early 8th century AD. The first and most famous ruler of Hariphunchai was Queen Chamma Thewi, whose legendary amorous and diplomatic exploits are the subject of numerous Lanna folk tales. Independence was finally lost in the late 13th century, when Lamphun was taken by King Mengrai and incorporated into his Lanna Kingdom.
