Wiang Kum Kam Historical Site

Wiang Kum Kam is an interesting historical settlement and archaeological site along the Ping River in Chiang Mai. According to the history Mangrai King moved the capital of the Lanna Kingdom from Chiang Rai in Wiang Kum Kam, on the east banks of the Ping River in 1288, after the victory over the Mon city-state of Hariphunchai, the current Lamphun. The city's location was flat and subject to continual flooding, so in 1296 the King Mengrai chose the opposite river bank, more sheltered, to build the current Chiang Mai that became the new capital. Despite the constant floodings, Wiang Kum Kam continued to flourish throughout the Mangrai Dynasty until the end of the 16th century. The conquest of Chiang Mai by the Burmese in 1558 and other flooding events, they caused the decline of city and, as result ,it was abandoned by the people and later forgotten under meters of alluvium debris. Recently, in 1984, the Thai authorities were informed of the discovery of a number of ancient tablets just only 5 km southeast of Chiang Mai. Immediately they began the excavations and archaeologists quickly discovered the remains of the lost city. Archaeologists have found more than thirty archaeological sites, including many temples inside the old city walls in a rectangular shape. Some findings show that some urban settlements in this area is prior to 1288, when the capital was moved to Wiang Kum Kam, and date back to the 8th century. At the Wiang Kum Kam Information Centre there are several exhibition rooms where to see the details of the findings, and a nice media room explaining the history and importance of Wiang Kum Kam. Among those sites under the best conditions today are Wat Chedi Liem, who has never been hit by flooding, and Wat Chang Kam, or Wat Kan Thom. Wat Chedi Liem, formerly known as Wat Ku Kham, is the only temple in the archaeological zone Wiang Kum Kam with resident monks. Respecting its origins Mon inside, in addition to Buddhism, it is revered Brahma, the creator according to Hindu faith. The other most important are: Wat E-Khang known as Monkey Temple, Wat Nan Chang, Wat Pu Pia in a good state of preservation, the Wat That Khao, also known as White Stupa Temple, Wat Ku Padom and Wat Oong Dam or Black Buddha Temple.
Admission fee & Opening hours: The site is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 without ticket fee.
Getting there: Wiang Kum Kam is located just 5 km southeast of Chiang Mai in Tambon Tha Wang Tan. To reach the site from city center follow the Mahidol Road, Highway 1141, until the intersection with the Koaklang Road, then turn right and follow the signs up to the site.
Move around: The entire site is very large to visit on foot, although some visitors prefer to take their time to appreciate Wiang Kum Kam walking or by rented bicycle. The best way to move around is probably to hire a local guide provided with a horse cart per 2/4 people, about 300 THB for a tour of 1.30 hours, or use the open tram.Read More