The Lamphun Loop

This half-day tour takes you south from Chiang Mai to the charming town of Lamphun, the capital of Lamphun Province. Famous for its “Rubber Tree Alley,” this route showcases rich cultural history, ancient temples, vibrant local markets, and a relaxing ride along the Ping River. Lamphun, a city older than Chiang Mai, was once the capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, predating the Lanna Kingdom. On your return, enjoy a stop at the fascinating Terracotta Garden before winding back to Chiang Mai along the scenic river road. Perfect for beginners, this loop offers a mix of culture, history, and serene countryside.

Tags:

• Half-Day Tour
• Culture/Temples
• Markets
• River
• Tourist Attractions

Tour Data:

• Route Numbers (per Google Maps): 106 – 1015 – 1030 – 4032
• Road Condition: Good asphalt roads
• Distance: Approximately 65 km
• Driving Time (without stops): 2 hours
• Tour Map: Google Map Link

Directions and Highlights

Starting Point:

Begin your journey at the iconic Iron Bridge, one of Chiang Mai’s most Instagrammable landmarks.

Rubber Tree Road (R106)

1. Cross the Iron Bridge and turn right onto R106, known as “Rubber Tree Road” (see Background Information below).
2. Pass through Nong Hoi, a bustling suburb filled with food stalls, restaurants, and shops.
   • Optional Stop: Nong Hoi Market is a lively and authentic Thai market with almost no foreigners, offering a truly local experience.
3. Continue south past Saraphi and its quaint railway station, eventually entering Lamphun Province.

Lamphun City

1. Lamphun is surrounded by a potato-shaped moat, with the Kuang River on the eastern side.
2. Explore the city’s famous temples, including:
   • Wat Phra That Hariphunchai: A historically significant temple and major tourist attraction.
   • Wat Chang Rong: Another beautiful temple in the city.
3. For history enthusiasts, visit the Hariphunchai National Museum to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
4. Optional Evening Stop: If you’re staying late, check out the vegetable and food market inside the southwest corner of the moat. It begins at 5 PM and offers a truly local dining experience.

Terracotta Garden

1. From Lamphun, leave the city on R1015 and drive 4 km before turning right onto R1030.
2. After 1 km, you’ll reach the Terracotta Garden, a unique site featuring:
   • A large lotus pond and Khmer-style chedi.
   • Numerous terracotta sculptures that evoke an “Angkor Wat” ambiance.
   • One of Thailand’s finest bonsai tree collections.
   • A relaxing garden café with excellent coffee and cold drinks.

River Road (R4032)

1. Return to R1015, turn right, cross the river bridge, and make a sharp right onto R4032.
2. This scenic road follows the Ping River for 25 km, offering:
   • Quiet countryside with little traffic.
   • Views of fruit plantations, rice paddies, and small villages.
3. Optional Exploration: Cross the river and explore the opposite bank, known as Chiang Mai’s fruit garden, or visit another authentic Thai street market before returning to the city.

Summary

This loop offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Highlights include the ancient temples of Lamphun, the unique Terracotta Garden, and the serene ride along the Ping River. Suitable for beginners, it’s a leisurely half-day escape from Chiang Mai.

Background Information: Rubber Tree Road (R106)

Contrary to popular belief, the trees lining R106 are not rubber trees but “hairy-leafed apiteng trees” (in Thai: ton mai yangna). The mistranslation stems from the Thai name.

• The road was built in 1911, and about 1,100 of the original 1,500 trees remain.
• The trees are wrapped with orange scarves, believed to protect them from harm or cutting.
• The tallest trees stand an impressive 40 meters high.
• Upon entering Lamphun Province, the apiteng trees are replaced by smaller kee lek trees, whose leaves are used for making delicious kee lek curry.

Despite increased traffic, the Rubber Tree Road remains a beloved highlight of the Lamphun Loop.

Enjoy your ride!