Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue

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About Phra Nang Chamthewi Statue

Lamphun, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to a significant landmark that pays tribute to its founding queen, Chamadevi. The statue of Chamadevi, the first ruler of the ancient Hariphunchai kingdom, is a sight to behold. The warrior queen, known for bringing prosperity, peace, and Buddhism to the kingdom, is depicted as a beautiful lady with a curvy, well-proportioned body. Her right hand is outstretched with an open palm, while her left hand holds a sword, symbolizing her strength and courage. This statue is often the first stop for visitors to Lamphun, as it is customary to pay respect to the great queen before entering her town.

The monument is a quiet place, perfect for a quick stop to rest and take photos. In the mornings, it is not uncommon to see sellers of lottery tickets and live birds. The area is also often adorned with lights for various festivals, adding to its charm. While the monument may not seem impressive at first glance, understanding its history adds depth to its significance.

The monument is one of Lamphun’s landmarks where many Thai people pay tribute and respect to their brave Queen. However, unless you are familiar with Thai history, the site may seem like just another statue where locals come to pray. As is common with many tourist attractions, a multitude of vendors surround the area, and parking can sometimes be a challenge.

Located in downtown Lamphun, the historic site is situated on the main road near the large market. It is not a large or complex site, and visitors can easily explore it in under an hour.

Visiting in October can be a particularly enchanting experience. The monument is dedicated to a ruler of Lamphun during a time when it was Burma. The city was once invaded, held off the invaders, but was later burned to the ground, leaving only the main stupa. After this, the city was deserted for over 200 years. The statue and the grounds are a sight to behold, especially during the lantern festival in October. The lanterns are hung at the monument, the temple, and overhead street entries into the inner town. The ancient walls and older moat system are still present in some areas, adding to the historical charm of the city. The 45-minute drive from Chiang Mai is well worth it, with several wonderful temples to see along the way.

Near the moats on the southwest part of the old town, the park reflects the continuing reverence for the Mon Queen Chamathewi, the 9th-century founder of the city. An almost voluptuous statue of her stands in the center, with sculptures of her favorite elephant and horse in the far corners. Behind her statue is a brick wall with several panels of scenes in low-relief sculptures depicting various stages in the city’s history, from its founding up to the modern era of the logging industry. Even though there are few, if any, direct descendants of the original inhabitants, Lamphun people still revere Chamathewi. The park is popular and locals often bring offerings to her image. On festival days and other civic events, the park is adorned with decorations of all sorts, making it a vibrant and lively place to visit.