Hariphunchai National Museum Museum

The Hariphunchai National Museum is a regional museum in Lamphun, northern Thailand, dedicated to the art and archaeology of the Hariphunchai and Lanna periods. It houses religious art and regional artifacts from the historic kingdom centered on Lamphun.

Exhibits include Buddhist sculpture, bronze objects, ceramics, and other material culture related to the Hariphunchai kingdom; the displays illustrate regional stylistic development over several centuries. The museum serves as the primary local institution for preserving and interpreting Lamphun’s archaeological heritage.

The museum was established to preserve and present artifacts from the Hariphunchai period and later Lanna history; it supports research and public education about the region’s past. Specific founding dates are not provided here.

The museum is located in Lamphun province at latitude 18.577183 and longitude 99.0066.

• Collections: Focus on Lanna and Hariphunchai artifacts - notable collections include bronze and gilded Buddha images and regional sculpture.
• Location advantage: Located in Lamphun - close to Hariphunchai-era temple ruins and historic sites in northern Thailand.

Hariphunchai National Museum is a short walk from Lamphun’s old city walls and Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. From Chiang Mai take a bus or shared minivan (van) to Lamphun (about 30-45 minutes); in Lamphun the museum is within easy tuk-tuk or bicycle distance of the central market and the railway station.

• Visit after seeing Wat Phra That Hariphunchai to place the museum's Lanna artifacts in context.
• Photographing certain artifacts may be restricted-ask staff before using flash.
• Talk to the staff about Akan art and the unique Lanna bronze bells; the curators are often keen to explain provenance.

Sitting almost opposite the rear entrance to the eponymous wat, this small museum holds a range of fine bronze pieces and Mon terracotta, often characterised by fierce faces and Machiavellian grins. Collectively they offer a fine introduction to the main features of Hariphunchai images: a wide forehead, staring eyes and a mystical smile.

All of the displays were unearthed in the surrounding area. While the collection will interest history buffs more than the average tourist, it is thoughtfully laid out, and if you show curiosity the helpful staff may show you round. The museum opens Wednesday to Sunday, 8.30am to 4pm, and admission is 100 baht.