Lamphun and Lampang City Temples Small Group Tour – Full Day

The Lamphun and Lampang City Temples Small Group Tour promises an immersive exploration of northern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will journey to three remarkable temples, each with its own captivating history and architectural wonders. From the ancient chedi and Buddha statues of Wat Chamthewi to the revered Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and the stunning 13th-century Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, this full-day excursion offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s past. With an experienced English-speaking guide and a small group size, travelers can expect a comfortable and insightful experience. But the true allure lies in the stories these temples have to tell – stories that are about to unfold.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of northern Thailand’s cultural heritage, focusing on the ancient Buddhist temples of Lamphun and Lampang.
• Visitors will have the opportunity to explore three renowned temples, including the 6th-11th century Wat Chamthewi, the 9th-century Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, and the 13th-century Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.
• The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and admission tickets, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for a maximum of 15 travelers.
• Highlights of the tour include insights into the Dvaravati period, Mon Kingdom, and Thai history, as well as the opportunity to witness the impressive architecture and spiritual significance of the temples.
• While lunch is not provided, the tour offers good value for money, with the option for an additional horse-cart ride at an extra cost.

Tour Overview

The Lamphun and Lampang City Temples Small Group Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the rich cultural heritage and ancient Buddhist architecture of northern Thailand.

Over the course of a full day, the tour takes guests to three captivating temples: Wat Chamthewi, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.

Accommodating a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience, guided by an English-speaking expert.

Transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off at centrally located Chiang Mai hotels.

Though lunch isn’t provided, the tour’s price represents a reasonable value, offering a well-curated itinerary and insightful commentary on Thailand’s remarkable historical and spiritual legacies.

Itinerary Highlights

As the first stop on the tour, visitors explore Wat Chamthewi Temple (also known as Wat Ku Kut), featuring a chedi with 60 Buddha statues.

This oldest surviving example from the Dvaravati period (6th-11th centuries) provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Next, the tour visits Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a 9th-century temple complex and the largest and oldest in Lamphun, named after the Mon Kingdom city that ruled from the 9th-13th centuries.

The tour’s key highlight is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a 13th-century temple that offers a captivating look into Thailand’s past.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Wat Chamthewi Temple (Wat Ku Kut)
2. Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
3. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
4. Insights into the Dvaravati, Mon Kingdom, and Thai history

Wat Chamthewi Temple

At the outset of the tour, visitors explore Wat Chamthewi Temple, also known as Wat Ku Kut. This 6th-11th century temple features a chedi with 60 Buddha statues, making it the oldest surviving example from the Dvaravati period.

Travelers spend around an hour at the site, taking in the historical significance and architectural details. The temple’s enduring presence serves as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Admission tickets are included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of Lamphun’s illustrious past.

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

After visiting the ancient Wat Chamthewi Temple, the tour proceeds to the larger and older Wat Phra That Hariphunchai.

This 9th-century temple complex is the largest and oldest in Lamphun, named after the Mon Kingdom city that ruled the region from the 9th to 13th centuries.

Highlights include:

1. The impressive chedi, rising 54 meters tall, adorned with intricate carvings and golden stupa.
2. The Viharn, or main prayer hall, featuring Lanna-style architecture and ancient murals.
3. The Mondop, a square-shaped reliquary structure housing sacred Buddhist relics.
4. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunity to observe religious practices of local devotees.

The tour allots 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore this historically significant temple complex.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

The tour now moves on to explore the 13th-century Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a key highlight of the day.

This historic temple is renowned for its impressive architecture and religious significance. Visitors will admire the intricate carvings and golden chedi that tower over the complex.

The tour guide will provide insights into the temple’s history and its role in the region’s Buddhist heritage. Participants will have ample time to wander the grounds, snap photos, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions, making it a must-see destination on this comprehensive tour.

Transportation and Logistics

For the Lamphun and Lampang City Temples Tour, round-trip hotel transfers are included, providing a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.

Pickup options include:

1. Free hotel pickup for central Chiang Mai hotels.
2. A designated meeting point at Tha Phae Gate for those outside the free pickup area.
3. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day.
4. While lunch isn’t included, the tour guide will provide recommendations for local dining options during the breaks.

Additional Costs and Inclusions

The tour package includes an English-speaking guide who will provide insights and historical context throughout the day. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are also included. However, some additional costs to be aware of are personal expenses and lunch. An optional horse-cart ride is available for 500 THB per cart, accommodating 2 people.

Inclusions	Exclusions
English-speaking tour guide	Personal expenses
Pickup and drop-off at hotel	Lunch
	Horse-cart ride (500 THB/cart for 2)

Guest Feedback

Majority of travelers expressed satisfaction with the Lamphun and Lampang City Temples tour experience, highlighting the historical insights provided by the knowledgeable guide Nicy and the comfortable air-conditioned transportation.

Some constructive feedback included:

1. A few travelers felt the tour was overpriced for visiting a few temples.
2. The tour’s focus on temple visits may not appeal to those seeking a more diverse cultural experience.
3. The optional horse-cart ride at an additional cost was perceived as unnecessary by some participants.
4. A small number of travelers desired more free time to explore the sites independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended for the tour. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the temple grounds.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may be suitable for children, though it focuses primarily on temple visits which may not hold their interest for the full day. Parents should consider their children’s attention spans and interest in cultural sites.

Can I Customize the Itinerary?

Travelers can request customizations to the tour itinerary, though changes may incur additional costs. The tour operator strives to accommodate personalized requests where possible to enhance the overall experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is 15 travelers. The small group format allows for a more personalized experience and easy navigation of the temple sites.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Not Staying in Chiang Mai?

Yes, travelers not staying in central Chiang Mai can join the tour. The tour provider offers a designated meeting point at Tha Phae Gate for those outside the free pickup area.

Recap

The Lamphun and Lampang City Temples Small Group Tour provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore northern Thailand’s rich heritage. With guided visits to three remarkable temples, travelers can explore the region’s history and architecture. Though personal expenses and lunch are not included, the tour’s comfortable transportation and insightful commentary from an English-speaking guide make it a comprehensive and enriching journey for those interested in Thai culture.