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Free Wheeler Route 3 - Wiang Kum Kam &
the East Bank of the River Ping
Duration - (Half to One Day).
Brief Description Exploration of the Wiang Kum Kam area.
English signs give directions from Koh Klang Road. Round trip 10 kms. City Bus Route 2 terminates near the site.
3.1 Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam was a settlement long before King Mangrai’s capital around 1287- 90. Frequent flooding caused Mangrai to move, but the place remained important throughout the Lanna period. The site was later buried under mud when the river changed course during the Burmese period. The area was restored as a historical park during the 1980’s.
Surrounded by paddy and village houses, the extensive site has a pleasant rural feel, yet it is very close to Chiang Mai. The best way to see it is by bicycle or motorcycle.
Note - Mountain bikes may be rented quite inexpensively and can be arranged by Track of the Tiger. A combination of vehicle tour and 2 - 3 hours mountain biking makes for an excellent day out on this option.
Continue on Koh Klang Road past Wat Chedi Liem to reach the Mckean Institute. Follow the river to Ban Pa Dua for pleasant rural country side and to see woodcarving.
Note - Rice Barns
The barns are raised on poles to reduce threats to the seed stock and family rice supply from animals and from damp. Ladders to the barns are removed for added protection. These barns are still common in traditional villages in the countryside beyond Wiang Kum Kam.
3.2 Wat Sri Bun Ruang
The old viharn of this temple has been given a new roof and is brightly decorated. The result is an ornate and very colourful building that mixes the old and the new.
3.3 Wat Kan Thom
Wat Chang Kham is at the heart of Wiang Kum Kam. The temple contains the remains of former Wat Kan Thom as well as a spirit of King Mangrai. The temple has a Lanna style chedi and a finely decorated new viharn built in 1987.
3.4 Wat Chedi Liem (Koh Klang Road)
The main feature of interest is the Haripunchai - style chedi built around 1286. It is a square stepped chedi with Buddha images in niches at each level. The chedi is a replica of the Mahapol Chedi at Wat Chamadevi in Lamphun.
3.5 Mckean Institute
(KM 4 Koh Kland Road Hrs. 08.00 16.30)
This former leprosarium
is a rehabilitation centre set in beautiful, quiet grounds next
to the river. Colonial style architecture includes a church
with flying buttresses. The institute plans to open a museum in
a building restored to its original 19th century condition.
Information is available at the office.
Please
email us for current rates.
Free
Wheeler Route 3
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