Chiang Mai: Ancient City of Hariphunchai Temples & Food Tour｜Thailand

Lamphun delivers big culture in a calm, compact city, meaning you get a rich, meaningful experience without spending the whole day in traffic. It’s the perfect “premium escape” from Chiang Mai when you want something authentic, elegant, and refreshingly uncrowded with a little food adventure built in.

Your day starts with a 7:00 AM hotel pick-up in Chiang Mai Old Town (and selected areas). From there, we’ll drive to Lamphun, where ancient temples, legends, and delicious local flavors are waiting.

Our first stop is Khun Tan Tunnel, one of Northern Thailand’s most iconic railway landmarks. You’ll have time to take photos, stretch your legs, and hear the fascinating backstory of this historic mountain route. From there, we continue to the charming Tha Chomphu White Bridge, a picture-perfect local landmark with riverside views and a quiet sense of old Northern Thailand.

Next, we’ll take a brunch break and kick off the food side of the experience with your first tasting bite—a local favorite chosen for flavor and authenticity.

After brunch, we continue to Lamphun’s cultural heart: Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. This is the city’s most important temple, famous for its magnificent golden chedi, elegant Lanna design, and peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will point out the details and symbolism that most visitors miss. After the temple visit, we’ll then visit the Hariphunchai National Museum, where the story of the ancient Hariphunchai Kingdom becomes even clearer through thoughtfully displayed artifacts and regional history.

After the museum, we’ll stop for lunch, followed by two more local favorite bites before continuing to the afternoon’s cultural highlights.

We continue to Wat San Pa Yang Luang, often regarded as one of the 10 most beautifully ornate temples in Thailand.

Next, we visit Ku Chang Ku Ma (War Elephant Memorial Shrine), one of Lamphun’s most unique heritage sites—simple at first glance, but deeply meaningful once you hear the story behind it.

We’ll also stop at the Phra Nang Chamathewi Monument, where your guide will help you understand why her legacy remains so important in Lamphun today.

Finally, we head to Wat Chamadevi (Wat Ku Kut), one of Lamphun’s most atmospheric temples, best known for its rare square, tiered chedi and its strong connection to the legendary Queen Chamathewi.

After our final stop, we’ll begin the journey back to Chiang Mai, arriving in the afternoon depending on traffic and the day’s pace.