Wiang Kum Kam is an historic settlement and archaeological site along the Ping River, which was built by King Mangrai the Great as his capital before he moved it to Chiang Mai. It was flooded and abandoned more than 700 years ago; that move became more understandable in 2005, when the ancient city was flooded three separate times as the river overflowed its banks in that area of Chiang Mai.
History
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city located in Saraphi District in the northern region of Thailand, around south of the southeastern corner of Chiang Mai's city centre. According to the chronicles and archaeological evidence, the old city was built by King Mangrai around the latter part of the 13th century. The city was established as a new capital by the King after his victory over the Mon people's kingdom of Hariphunchai, modern Lamphun. Due to repeated flooding, a new capital, Chiang Mai, was built a few years later. Wiang Kum Kam flourished during the reign of the Mangrai dynasty until the late 16th century. The old city was then lost from history for many years after Chiang Mai was conquered by the Burmese in 1558. There is a presumption that it was seriously flooded again at this time and was finally abandoned. The people were moved back to this area again more than 200 years later with a new community, and it was then named Chang Kham village. In 1984, the Department of Fine ArtsUnit 4 discovered remnants of the old city around Wihan Kan Thom at Wat Chang Kham and afterwards excavation was begun; since then many new remains have been found and restoration has proceeded since that time. The main temple of the town is Wat Chedi Liam, which is still occupied by monks.
is within the grounds of a working modern temple. It is adjacent to the Wat That Noi site. The name is derived from elephant figures supporting one of the structures. . .
, formerly known as Wat Ku Kham, is named after its ancient five-level chedi of Mon style, which was copied from a similar structure at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Haripunchai. It is apparently the only ancient temple in the Wiang Kum Kam archaeological area that remains a working temple with resident monks. In keeping with its Mon roots, Brahma, the Hindu creator, is venerated at the temple in addition to Buddhism.
Wat I Khang
is a ruined 16th or 17th century temple named after the former prevalence of wild old world monkeys at the site prior to its excavation and restoration, which are known as khang in Thai. It has a large, mostly intact chedi.
Wat Nan Chang
is a ruined 16th or 17th century temple. Excavated from 2002 to 2003, it primarily provides evidence of ancient flooding in the region, having been inundated by some 1.8 meters of sediment. It is speculated that it was built to face a now dried up route of the Ping River, a major transportation and trade route of historic periods.
is named after the historic figure Mangrai the Great. Very close to the south-eastern side of Wat Phrachao Ong Dam. from the north. from the south.
Wat Phrachao Ong Dam
is named after a burnt bronze Buddha image that was discovered at the site. Very close to the north-western side of Wat Phaya Mangrai. from the north. from the north.
