Wiang Kum Kam is the recently restored original settlement along the Ping River, predating Chiang Mai. It was flooded and abandoned more than 700 years ago; that move became more understandable in 2005, when the ancient city was flooded three separate times and the river left its banks in that area of Chiang Mai.
The main temple of the town is Wat Chedi Liam (originally: Wat Ku Kham), which is still occupied by monks.
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Wiang Kum Kam Archeaological site, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Brief overview
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city, located in the north region of Thailand. It is in Sarapee district, Chiang Mai province which is approximately 5 kilometers from the center. According to the chronicles and archeological evidences, assume that the old city was built by King Mangrai at the first periods of the 13th century. The aimed of this founding was an establishment of a new capital after his victory over Hariphunchai kingdom, modern Lamphun. Wiang Kum Kam was flourished all long the reign of Mangrai dynasty until the late of 16 century. The old city was lost from history for many years after Chiang Mai was conquered by Mynmar, in 1558 A.D. The people who live in Wiang Kum Kam were escaped along the belligerency. Big flood was a presumption; result in the city was lost from the history. The people were moved back to this area again after it was abandoned more than 200 years with a new community, named Chang Kham village. There are a few of people know about Wiang Kum Kam story at first and the residence areas have interloped since then on. Until the years 1984, the Fine Arts department founded some evidences of the old city at Wat Kam thom then the excavating was started by Thai government. The archeological works and restoration were done and was expanded over the whole site from thenceforward. In additions, the archeological studies and some pilot projects of research have started since 1984 AD.
Reference: Charnnarong Srisuwan, Wiang Kum Kam Archeaological site, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2011 Research : http://www.thaiarte.com/knowledge
