Visit Hari Phun Chai National Museum (Lamphun)

Located just behind Wat Phra That Haripunchai, the Hari Phun Chai National Museum (or Hariphunchai National Museum) is an interesting visit for anyone wishing to learn more about the history of northern Thailand. This national museum of Lamphun houses a large collection of archaeological objects, religious art, and relics retracing the glory of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, founded long before the Lanna era.

History and role of the museum

Inaugurated in 1974, the museum was created to preserve the cultural heritage of the province of Lamphun, one of the oldest centers of civilization in the country. The name Hari Phun Chai refers to the ancient Mon kingdom that ruled the region between the 8th and 13th centuries. The collections on display illustrate the artistic, religious, and architectural evolution of this period, shaped by the influence of Theravada Buddhism and cultural exchanges with neighboring kingdoms.