Wiang Kum Kam — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Not to be missed, if you're interested in Thai history. Surely one of the prime sites to visit in all of Thailand, and certainly in Chiang Mai.

About 20/30 minutes from Chiang Mai city. Find it on your own using a map, or take a taxi.

Best done over a number of visits as there are many individual areas within the overall site. It's best to go to the recently opened museum (opened in 2016 I believe), first to get a good taste of what Wiang Kum Kam has to offer.

We were taken round the museum by a young volunteer with acceptable English, and she was most helpful (so got a good tip!).

The museum is extremely modern and uses the latest technology to get the story across, as well as having rooms of artifacts.

Outside the museum, the guides and volunteers have little English, and there is not much information at the sites either. A shame, but there you are. If you look around after visiting the museum and gleaning information from the internet, you will be as prepared as you can be right now.

I would advise going round the site on your own using a cycle or motorcycle.

Don't miss out on Chedi Liam, a superb stupa built around 1287.

An outstanding area, and thoroughly...

These ruins are important in Lanna, then Siam history, and the best part is you can do them yourself and take your time!

I took a taxi down from central Chiang Mai, then chose to walk the ruins for several hours. (Full disclosure, I’m a historian!) Beyond the info center - which should be your starting point - there’s little info. You can, however, find several good info sites online to have with you.

Several of the ruins are part of modern temples as well, with much more to see and drinks/toilets available. I chose to walk, but you can also rent bikes for a slower tour. Personally, I enjoyed seeing the surrounding residential area and chatting with locals. For those short on time, you can choose a horse and buggy or electric tram.

Whatever you choose, this is certainly a site with seeing - and there’s lots of ongoing construction as the various sites are upgraded. (But be warned, I expected a stray taxi or tuk-tuk at the closest temple to town, there was nothing. Just be...

Historically, very interesting but either go with a guided tour, or start by finding the small historical museum and spend time reading the printed information boards inside the small hut that is also called the historical museum. It's located beside car/motorcycle park where you can purchase small refreshments and also a massage. Check out the three bedroom Lanna style house while you are there. It's right beside the historical museum and toilets, I will post a picture below. It has some great memorabilia/traditional items inside as well. The original temple sites are simply ruins so.dont expect anything more. I spent about two hours there wandering around, so if you are going self-guided allow plenty of time. 3 stars because the historical information really needs to be displayed more clearly if they want people to truly understand the historical significance of the site. Although I can understand the negative reviews, I would visit again and bring a friend. Yes it's...