The What’s Up Guide to the Lost City of Wiang Kum Kam

The Wiang Kum Kam Lost City and temple ruins are a few kilometres to the south of Chiang Mai. A visit to Wiang Kum Kam is a must for people interested in local culture and who wish to gain insights into the Lanna kingdom of seven centuries ago. Records indicate Wiang Kum Kam was founded by King Mengrai in the mid-1280s. Wiang Kum Kam is close to the Ping River and was prone to flooding.

Historians claim flooding was the reason King Mengrai made the decision to shift the Lanna capital to a new location just 10 years later. What is now Chiang Mai Old City was established in 1296. Although King Mengrai had abandoned his former capital, it remained inhabited for another 300 years or more. Some of the remaining temples were built during this latter period. After it was abandoned, Wiang Kum Kam lay lost and forgotten under silt and undergrowth until the mid-1980s when archaeologists attached to the Thai National Fine Arts Department started excavations.

Wiang Kum Kam was built inside a moat and traces of this are still extant. The main city site is oblong in shape and almost a kilometre across on its longest side. Around 40 sets of ruins have been uncovered so far with the majority inside the moat. Some of the ruined temples, statues and chedis are well preserved. One of the highlights at Wiang Kum Kam is Wat Chedi Liam Temple and this is still in use today and has resident monks.