Things To Do
in Lamphun

Northern-style coconut curry noodle soup with crispy noodles and chicken or beef; available at local eateries throughout town and a must-try for visitors.

Must-Try!

Tomato-and-pork (ong) or charred-green-chili (noom) chili dips served with raw and steamed vegetables—common at local markets and traditional restaurants.

Whole fish grilled with salt and herbs, often sold at riverside stalls or market vendors; best enjoyed hot with sticky rice.

Lamphun is famous for its sweet longan fruit; available at markets and farm stalls, and often sold dried or canned as souvenirs.

A compact evening market near the town center offering grilled meats, noodle soups, sweets and fruit; a good place to sample many local flavors in one place.

Small morning markets around the old city where vendors sell fresh fruit (especially longan in season), sticky rice snacks and regional savory items—great for breakfast or quick bites.

Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered); remove shoes before entering temple buildings and speak softly. Do not touch Buddha images and always show respect toward the monastic community.

Avoid touching people's heads and do not point your feet at people or religious objects—sit so your feet are not aimed at others. Use the wai (pressed-hands greeting) to show politeness when appropriate.

Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon—maintain composure and face-saving manners. Be polite when bargaining at markets and use friendly non-confrontational negotiation.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks or residents in rural villages; avoid photographing restricted areas of temples or private ceremonies without consent.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up taxi or tuk‑tuk fares, leave small tips at restaurants (20–50 THB) for good service, and tip guides 100–300 THB depending on the tour. Many staff live on modest wages so small tips are well received.

Cash (Thai baht) is king for markets, smaller restaurants and rural vendors—carry small bills and coins. ATMs are available in town; credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but not everywhere, so plan accordingly. Mobile banking and QR payments are growing but may be less commonly accepted than in Chiang Mai.

Vegetarianism is manageable though not as widespread as in larger cities; ask for 'jay' (เจ) options for strict Buddhist vegetarian food and look for tofu, vegetable curries and stir-fries. Carry a short note in Thai describing food restrictions for clearer communication.

More challenging due to common use of fish sauce and shrimp paste—request no fish sauce ('mai sai nam pla') and confirm ingredients; larger restaurants are more likely to accommodate.

Rice is a staple, so many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for soy sauce and processed items; communicate needs in Thai when possible.

Carry allergy cards in Thai and avoid street food if cross-contamination is a concern; pharmacists and clinics are available in town if needed.