What can Lamphun, a small northern province, offer to a weekender?
Located 114 kilometres from the town centre, the national park has many waterfalls, grasslands and a big lake called Kaeng Kor with houseboats and restaurants.
Q: I’m heading to Chiang Mai this November and am thinking of making a side trip to Lamphun. I went there for an afternoon once while visiting Chiang Mai many years ago, but this time I’d like to spend a few nights outside the town centre. Any suggestions? Thank you, Anthony
A: The ancient city of Lamphun is located in the Ping River valley and surrounded by mountains. Located just 26 kilometres from Chiang Mai, it's an easy day trip. But if you want to spend more time here, there are also many places to go and most of them are off the beaten track. The Phra Phutthabat Takpha in Pasang district is the place to visit if you are interested in Buddhism and meditation. You can climb 200 steps to the large pagoda of four Buddhist masters or Chedi Si Kruba.
Mae Ping National Park is in Li district. Located 114 kilometres from the town centre, the national park has many waterfalls, grasslands and a big lake called Kaeng Kor with houseboats and restaurants. Book in advance with the Mae Ping National Park Tourist Centre at (053) 518060.
Another interesting attraction is Doi Khun Tan in Mae Tha district. It’s home to Thailand’s first railway tunnel and you can get off at the railway station next to the tunnel and climb up Doi Khun Tan. There are many bungalows with scenic viewpoints in the heart of this peaceful national park. Bungalows are available. Call (053) 519 216-7.
If you’d prefer a more local ambience, try Ban U-mong village homestay in Muang district (umongcity.co.th).
Have a good time in Lamphun!
Q: We are heading to Chiang Mai soon and looking for a boat trip along the river. Are there any boats offering dinner cruises? Thank you, Jenny
A: I agree that a trip along the Mae Ping river is a worthwhile excursion. Believe it or not, many repeat visitors to Chiang Mai have never done it. The river runs through the heart of Chiang Mai and offers a different view of the interesting scenery of this growing northern city.
Riverside Bar & Restaurant near Navarat bridge provides dinner cruises nightly at Bt110 per person. The cruise departs from the pier of the restaurant at 8pm, but you need to be there at least 45 minutes before to order your food. Advance booking is required: Call the restaurant at (053) 243239. The boat trip takes 75 minutes.
The restaurant has two fleets; the Riverside Princess can accommodate up to 50 people while Riverside Jasmine takes 30 people. It’s possible to charter a boat at Bt2,500 for a trip of 90 minutes.
Mae Ping River Cruise is another option. It runs between Farmer’s House near Wat Tha Luk to Wat Chai Mongkol pier on Charoen Prathet Road in the town centre. The dinner cruise, which seats 30, starts at 7.30pn. There’s a Thai set menu as well as a la carte. The boat returns to the pier at 9pm. It’s also possible to do a lunch cruise with this operator. For details, visit www.MaePingRiverCruise.com.
Hope you enjoy the boat trip!
