Wiang Kum Kam

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient settlement, submerged and abandoned for more than 700 years even before the establishment of Chiang Mai. The temple is now restored along the Ping River. The main temple of this city is Wat Chedi Liem (Wat Kuu Kham), which is still the residency of the monks in the area. However, it is believed that Wiang Kum Kam is the earliest historic settlement in Chiang Mai established by the Mon people as the satellite town of Hariphunchai kingdom. The artifacts unearthed here as stelae with monuments, porcelain, Buddha statues, architecture prove a continuous and lasting historical area from the 8th century. Wiang Kum Kam used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na for a short time. After establishing Chiang Mai, Wiang Kum Kam continues to exist as a satellite city of Lan Na. A total of 42 ancient ruins have been excavated, most of which have been partially restored.

The ancient Wiang Kum Kam

The central area of Wiang Kum Kam is Chedi Liam Temple (formerly known as Kum Kham Temple), where there is a Burmese pavilion and a 5-storey building on a square typeface base of the early Lanna period. Other important buildings include Wat Chang Kham, the Center for Cultural and Local Knowledge, which showcases Lanna objects and traditional Lanna-style houses. The Wiang Kum Kam Information Center is located here, displaying excavated soil ceramics and artifacts in the gallery. All of these areas are worth visiting. Tourists should spend a little time here to feel the historic atmosphere and admire the architectural and cultural life of Thai people in general and the ancient city of Chiang Mai in particular.

Chedi Liam Temple

Wiang Kum Kam

Wiang Kum Kam’s opening hour is from 8am to 5pm. The entrance fee is free for all guests. Wiang Kum Kam is located 5 km southeast of the old city. Tourists can take either a taxi or motorbike to reach the destination. You can follow Route 106, or the Chiang Mai - Lamphun highway, from Chiang Mai city as the fastest route. Because Wiang Kum Kam is too large, it is impossible to walk around and explore every corner of the site. Tourists can choose to discover the ancient settlement by tram (500 Baht); horse and carriage (300 Baht), or rent bicycles (50 Baht). Certainly this place deserves as one of the 9 famous tourist destinations in Chiang Mai for your first visit.