Thailand

North Thailand / Lamphun

Photo: Statue of Queen Chammathewi, Lamphun

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Lamphun is an old town, several centuries older than Chiang Mai, some 25km (16mi) to the north. Founded by Mons around 660 A.D. , Lamphun became the center of a small Khmer kingdom, named Hariphunchai, around the year 1000, For about 100 years, Hariphunchai was just a vassal state of Angkor. But when the influence of Angkor waned in the decades around 1100, Hariphunchai became pretty much independent. The town and its kingdom were conquered by the ruler of the Lannatai kingdom, King Mengrai, in 1283, a few years before he founded Chiang Mai as his new capital. Queen Chammathewi, who governed the city in the second half of the 17th century, is the local hero.

Lamphun, approximately 670km (419mi) north of Bangkok, is the capital of a province by the same name. According to a publication of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, "this charming province is also noted for its beautiful women and tasty Longans." The province with an area of 4,506sqkm (1,739sqmi) is divided into the 5 districts of the town of Lamphun (Muang), Pa Sang, Ban Hong, Mae Tha and Li as well as the Thung Hua Chang sub-district.

Additional information on Lamphun:

Attractions

Authors note:

Tourism for idiots

I can understand some forms of tourism: for example, if people from cold countries want to go to a beach place in a warm country for two weeks. I can also understand those who go to a fun place to party. I can even understand parents who bring their children to Disneyland (though I personally regard this as a waste of money).

But the tourism you have in Northern Thailand and in Laos is for idiots.

Remote hill tribes! Wow. The Golden Triangle, the world's traditional opium-growing region. And you were there! Elephant trekking through the jungle. Real adventure!

The fact is that all of this is so totally commercialized, that it is no different from a theme park. Only less convenient.

But at least a theme park is honest in that it admits that it's all just show. On the other hand, North Thailand and Laos tourism promotion pretends that all of this is authentic. But it's a lie. It's all only about making stupid tourists spend money. Preferably a lot. For nothing of genuine value.