Lamphun province
Lamphun was established around the ninth century by a group of former Buddhist monks who had travelled from Lopburi and founded the state of Haripunchai. Their first ruler, Chamma Thewi, was the daugher of Lopburi's ruler and she established a dynasty lasting a few hundred years.
During this period, Lopburi was seen as the centre of learning for the region, and young novices travelled south to Lopburi for instruction. The state of Haripunchai fell in 1281 as a result of sly manoevring by King Mangrai who incorporated it into his northern Lanna kingdom.
Today the province is rather calmer, and although it may be a tempting place to relax for a few days outside Chiang Mai, the lack of decent hotels makes it a better day-trip destination.
Lamphun is known among Thais for its beautiful women and tasty longans. In August the capital plays host to the Longan Fair.
