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Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Ayutthaya
Bangkok
Pattaya
Cha-Am
Hua Hin
Samui Island
Phuket
Krabi
Phi Phi Island
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LAMPHUN
The
city was founded in the 9th century by Mons, whose legendary ruler Queen
Chamathewi created the Hariphunchai state that held sway in the region
for a few hundred years, until it was absorbed into the Lanna kingdom.
Her remains are interred at Wat Chamathewi,
built by Khmer artisans and renovated by the Mons. The main chedi is on
five levels, originally with a golden top, which was stolen. It is also
known as Wat Ku Kut which means chedi without a top!
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The
town's main attraction is Wat Phrathat Hariphtmchai, built to house Buddha
relics on the site of Queen Chamathewi's palace. The 46-metre Golden Chedi
is topped by a nine-tiered umbrella of pure gold. There is a museum and
a library within the temple's grounds. The district of Pasang is known for
its cotton weaving industry and for its beautiful women. Overlapping into
Chiang Mai arid Lampang, Mae Ping National Park surrounds the Ping River
and features fertile forestland, sheer cliffs, reservoirs, islands and river
rapids ideal for rafting. |
