About Wiang Tha Kan Ancient City
Wiang Tha Kan Ancient City is a moated and walled archaeological site in Ban Klang Subdistrict, San Pa Tong District, about 30 km southwest of Chiang Mai city. The rectangular earthen ramparts and moat enclose ruins from the Hariphunchai period, later occupied during the Lanna period. Notable remains include brick chedis and temple bases such as Wat Chang Kham and Wat Aranyik, excavated and conserved by the Fine Arts Department.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet, open-air archaeological park surrounded by rice fields and village houses. The site is defined by well-preserved earthen walls and a moat forming a rectangular enclosure. Inside, visitors can walk among low brick ruins, foundations of ancient temples, chedis, and Buddha image bases, with information signs explaining the layout. The area is largely undeveloped for mass tourism, offering a peaceful setting for sightseeing, photography and exploring ancient urban planning.
Key highlights
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Rectangular earthen ramparts and moat enclosing the ancient city
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Ruins of Wat Chang Kham with brick chedi and Buddha image remains
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Ruins of Wat Aranyik and other temple foundations inside the walls
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Evidence of Hariphunchai to early Lanna period urban planning and architecture
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Archaeological finds including pottery and Buddha images conserved on site