Hariphunchai National Museum in Lamphun

The origins of this interesting archaeological museum date back to 1927 with the display of stone slabs with inscriptions and other archaeological finds from northern Thailand. Even with human skeletons from prehistoric times you come face to face.

In the graves, beads, earrings and necklaces made of glass or stone, and bronze bracelets were often found with the skeletons. Only bronze weapons were found in the graves of some skeletons. It can be assumed that the deceased who lay in such a grave belonged to the category of high status.

Through two short films you will learn more about the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin era. Lamphun is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and Hariphunchai is the former name of the place.

Striking are a number of very beautifully crafted Buddha heads in which different materials have been used. It is also remarkable that the Buddha images have a completely different appearance than those we know today. Apparently, Buddha's "imagination" is time-sensitive. On the other hand, this is also the case with Christianity where images of Christ or Mary and many other saints have also been recorded in different ways over the centuries. What imagination did the manufacturer in question have in mind? In any case, it gives you goosebumps when you consider that such beautifully formed statues were made by human hands centuries ago.

Inscriptions

The museum actually has two sections. Up the stairs is the official entrance where many beautiful archaeological finds can be seen and down on the ground floor you will find a number of stone slabs with chiseled inscriptions in the Mon and Lanna language of yesteryear. Admire the beautifully stylized texts with the realization that they have all been chiseled by hand, character after character.

The museum is located in the main street almost opposite the famous temple Wat Phra That Haripunchai and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 16.00 pm. Can recommend this very enriching visit and then combine it with the famous temple opposite and perhaps also a visit to the Silk Museum to see some ladies at work on old looms.