Wat Chamthewi

Wat Chamthewi, also known as Wat Kukut, is an ancient Buddhist temple in Nai Mueang, Mueang Lamphun, Lamphun Province, northern Thailand. Founded in the 7th-8th century during the Hariphunchai period by Queen Chamthewi (Jamadevi), it is one of Lamphun's oldest temples. It is notable for its two distinctive ancient chedis, the stepped-pyramid Suvarna Chedi and the five-spired Ratana Chedi, reflecting Dvaravati and Hariphunchai architectural styles.

Visitors can expect a quiet, historic temple compound with two prominent ancient chedis set in an open courtyard. The main attractions are the square, stepped-pyramid Suvarna Chedi (Mahapol Chedi) with standing Buddha niches and the nearby Ratana Chedi with five spires. A modest viharn houses Buddha images, and the grounds include old brick structures, trees and open space for walking, photography and merit-making in a calm, less-crowded setting near central Lamphun.

Wat Chamthewi was founded in the 7th-8th century by Queen Chamthewi (Jamadevi), the first ruler of the Hariphunchai Kingdom and daughter of the King of Lavo. It is one of the oldest temples in Lamphun and an important example of Dvaravati and Hariphunchai architecture. The Suvarna Chedi (Mahapol Chedi) is believed to enshrine relics and is considered the oldest structure, with the Ratana Chedi added later, reflecting the long history of Buddhism in the Hariphunchai period.

The temple is a revered Buddhist religious site dedicated to Queen Chamthewi, highly respected in local tradition as the founder of Lamphun. It remains an active place of worship and merit-making for the community and preserves distinctive Hariphunchai Buddhist art and architecture, representing the cultural heritage of northern Thailand's Mon-influenced period.