Wiang Kum Kam เวียงกุมกาม, Chiang Mai,

Wiang Kum Kam, Chiang Mai, Thailand (26 October, 2006)

Wiang Kum Kam (GPS: 18.7474, 99.00173; Thai: เวียงกุมกาม

) is an ancient fortified city that is older than Chiang Mai itself. Located to the south of Chiang Mai, it was the site where King Mangrai moved his capital after capturing Lamphun, then the capital of the Kingdom of Haripunchai, in 1281.

Wiang Kum Kam was founded in 1286. It is located some 15 km from Lamphun. King Mangrai fortified the settlement with a palisade and a moat, using water channeled from nearby Ping River for this purpose.

Wiang Kum Kam served as King Mangrai's capital for only ten years. In 1296 he founded Chiang Mai and relocated there. From then on, Wiang Kum Kam was an abandoned site. By the 16th century, the Ping River changed its course, causing the ancient city to be flooded.

Wiang Kum Kam remained a desolate, abandoned site until the 20th century, when it was rediscovered and marginally settled. Excavations were conducted in the 1980's revealing a dozen or so temple ruins. Many of these have been restored, although the majority has only their foundations intact. There is also an on-site museum showcasing the history and artifacts of Wiang Kum Kam.

On the western side of the ruins of Wiang Kum Kam stands Wat Chedi Liam, or Monastery of the Square Chedi. This temple dates back to 1288-9, and was originally built by King Mangrai. It includes a square chedi which is a replica of the square Mon-style chedi at Wat Chama Thewi (also known as Wat Kukut) at Lamphun.

The present Wat Chedi Liam in Wiang Kum Kam was restored in 1908 through funds provided by Luang Yonakanvijit, an ethnic Mon of Burmese nationality who brought Burmese artisans over to restore the chedi and to add stucco designs.