Kou Chang-Kou Ma ‘An ancient site of Lamphun’

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There are still many things in Lamphun that you should learn about. And this place ‘Kou Chang-Kou Ma’ is a suggested one.

**chang=elephant(in English) , ma=horse(in English)

What does this place have to do with horse and elephant anyway?

The legend says, Kou Chang-Kou Ma was built long time ago, in order to be the cemetery of Queen Camadevi’s beloved elephant. It is believed that the elephant was very powerful. It was even able to charm its enemies by just staring at them.

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Kou Chang is a pagoda built for storing the corpse of Phra Ya Chang Khoo, an elephant of Phra Chao Mahanta Yos, a son of Phra Nang Chama Dhevi. This white elephant’s name is “Poo Gam Nga Kiew”. After the elephant had passed away, Queen Camadevi burried its remains and built a pagoda to cover it.

This pagoda is very unique, as the base is in a circle shape and the peak isn’t pointy like other pagodas. The base of the pagoda has five round levels made from bricks and soil and covered with cement. The 5th level is upside down lotus shaped, supporting the cylindrical pagoda. The top bends together. It was made from small bricks. The core was made from bricks and cement in some parts. The outer layer was covered with 10 – 25 centimeter cement. The pagoda above the upside down lotus base has 5.60 meter diameter. The top has 3.40 meter diameter. The height from above the upside down lotus base to the top is 8.50 meters. The height from the first level of the base to the top is 13 meters. From study, it is assumed that Chedi Kou Chang was influenced from this pagoda. The complete form of Chedi Kou Chang might be upside down cone shaped, similar to Bo Bo Gyi pagoda.

However, it was collapsed later. The wooden roof with baked clay roof tiles were assumed to be built to cover the top in the 22nd century of Buddhist era since some baked clay roof tiles were found by Arts Department during the repair of the pagoda’s top.

The history believes that it may have been inspired by various types of art, including Burmese.

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For the Kou Ma, the site of the horse, it’s located within the same area, but just behind Kou Chang.

Kou Ma Pagoda which is a strange pagoda comparing to other pagodas in Lanna. It was built from bricks and cement. The height from the base to the top is about 20 meters. The round base has five levels. The pagoda is cylindrical. The top is round and narrow. Above the bell is a throne. The top was collapsed long time ago. The form of the pagoda was assumed to be influenced from Bo Bo Gyi pagoda of Burma. The facilities provided in this area are candles and joss sticks, souvenirs, and amulets.

The legend says, Kou Ma is where the remains of the horse of Camadevi’s son is stored. The pagoda is quite different from Kou Chang, as the base is not in a circle shape but a square shape. On the front side, there are relaxing corners for tourists, which have been developed by the municipality.

There are grass fields and trees around. Such a nice and natural atmosphere. You can have a sightseeing around and take photos.

How to get there

Ku Chang – Ku Ma is located near Wat Kai Kaew Community. To get there, just start from the heart of Lamphun. Drive along the old Chiang Mai-Lamphun road for about 2 kilometres. You will find your destination in no time. Public transportation is also available: use a tricycle service from the city. Kou Chang-Kou Ma is opened every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Booking : Private Tour to Lamphun
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Uban Lamphun Museum

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Hripunchai National Museum

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Camadevi Monument

Nearby Places 

This museum is only about 2.64 kilometres away from the site. You should go to see all those exhibitions that will show you the history of Lamphun. Beside of texts and photos, there are also old things from old days of your parents and grandparents, for examples, old TVs, old radios etc. You’re gonna love the place for sure.

Another good museum that is worthy of visiting. It’s less than 3 metres away. This place stores over 3,000 pieces of ancient items, which will show you the history of Lamphun in 3 different periods, starting from pre-historic period.

If you’ve heard about the first ruler of Hripunchai, you may want to pay respect to her. Just head to this monument, which is only about 3.18 kilometres away from the site. You will see her statue located in the middle of empty lot. You can buy flowers and candles around there and then pay your respect.