Published in Good Morning Chiangmai News, Thailand – January 2003

Easier by Elephant
Big Steps at Wieng Kum Kam

WIENG KUM KAM, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 18 Dec 2002 – Wieng Kum Kam – King Mengrai’s buried city, just 5 km south of Chiangmai, is taking large steps forward into the mainstream of the Thai tourism world – elephant steps that is.

Commencing 1st of January 2003, visitors can take elephant back rides around the ruins and archaeological sites from the pick up point at Wat Kan Thom in the centre of the medieval city.

The tour meanders through the green lanes and excavated temples in the western half of the wieng (fortified city) before returning to the first complete temple built by Lan Na’s uniting king.  Prices are as yet unknown, but whatever the cost, this is the nearest location for elephant riding to the city centre, and therefore worth supporting.

Also progressing (mid-December) is construction of the Wieng Kum Kam visitors centre in traditional materials and style. It will open early in the new year and is located next to the River Ping and Outer Ring Road.

Recently announced news reveals that the archaeological park is to be the focus of a major televised promotional campaign within Thailand during the first quarter 2003, which may explain why the Tourist Authority office on the Chiangmai-Lamphun Road only has information leaflets in Thai, and why the complimentary info leaflets being distributed at Wieng Kum Kam are also only in Thai.  Recent press announcements state that the planned light and sound shows and other entertainment events will be delivered in the northern Thai language, no mention was made of English or other languages.

Therefore if you’re wanting to understand what you see when exploring the ruined city, first stop by the Good Morning Chiangmai office and grab a copy of Garry Harbottle-Johnson’s book, “Wieng Kum Kam – Atlantis of Lan Na“, at 225 Baht, in English with full colour maps and many photographs.  The elephant pick-up point is between sites 18 & 19 on the map on page 35 of this valuable full history & guide – the only one available in English.

Entry to the medieval city ruins, and its sites, are currently free.