"Wiang Kum Kam" subterranean city of Lanna 700 year By SunJohn

King mang rai

More than 700 years ago, King Mang rai is the King of Yonok city. He had occupied the Hariphunchai city. The city where is strategically well and center of trade and prosperity in the year. But then in 1837 he moved to establish Wiang Kum Kam in lowland near Ping River (original) and it was the first capital of Lanna.

     

     Because of Wiang Kum Kam was established in lowland near Ping River. This capital always flooding every year. So King mang rai collaborated with King Ngam Muang and King Ramkhamhaeng established the new capital called “Nop Buri Si Nakhon Ping Chiang Mai”(modern chiangmai) where has a better strategically and it was became to new capital.

Wiang Kum Kam was less important as a satellite town. Nevertheless, it was still very close to Chiang Mai until the end of King mang rai’s dynasty. After that it was collapsed of colonized of Burma and had the big flooding. Wiang Kum Kam was buried under sediment more than 200 years ago difficult to restore.

    And when the river changed its channel. [From the Ping River original (the scholars attributed) to the Ping River is flowing steadily at present] Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned under the soil for hundreds of years since then the name of Wiang Kum Kam was faded from history. And believed that the city of Wiang Kum Kam is legendary. That does not exist.

    

Until the truth started to reveal when the temple excavated by the Fine Arts in the fourth year in 2527 B.E or around 1984. the story of the legendary city is true and it appears in this territory from the participation of people in the area and many other agencies.

    To improve care. Remains unearthed  28 place (expected 42 place) in area and 650 acres. This is a source of knowledge in the study of art architecture and culture of Lanna or visit of interest as well.

   

    Current Wiang Kum Kam. Located southeast of the chiang-mai city. Approximately 3-4 miles of the Chiang Mai - Lamphun street. Sarapee district and near the east bank of the Ping River

    The whole of Wiang Kum Kam is too large to explore on foot. So the best way to get around is to hire a local guide with an open-air tram, a pony carriage or bicycle. For visiting Wiang Kum Kam. Information Center first is recommended. At the information center, you will see the important and history of Wiang Kum Kam  details of the discoveries and exhibitions.