In the long history of humanity there are stories of cities that once showed great promise but had to be abandoned. This is the story of Wiang Kum Kam, a 12th century city along the banks of the Chiang Mai River. Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination in Thailand. Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep and the old city of Chiang Mai are many of the things you can do in the province; however, you should include a day trip to Wiang Kum Kam. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The now abandoned town of Wiang Kum Kam had great potential. In the 12th century, the Lanna Kingdom established the city as its capital. But constant flooding proved to be the city's downfall, so King Mengrai moved the capital elsewhere. Wiang Kum Kam was just a town for ten years until it was abandoned to the forces of nature. To get to Wiang Kum Kam, you can easily take a taxi but you can also choose to take a tuktuk which will cost you 100 baht or 3 USD for a one-way trip. Negotiate with the tuktuk driver to pick you up after exploring Wiang Kum Kam. Navigating Wiang Kum Kam will also require transportation as exploring on foot is too difficult. There are information centers available at Wat Chedi Liam and Wat Cham Kam that can book tram and horse-drawn carriage tours that can take you around the park. Carriage tours cost 300 baht or at least $10. Open-air tram rides cost 500 baht or $16. Bicycles are also available for 50 baht. The historic site is open daily from 8pm to 5am. Once there, there are around 30 excavated sites but there are several attractions here that are not to be missed. The oldest building in Wiang Kum Kam is Wat Chedi Liam. The architecture of Wat Chedi Liam is in the Mon Hariphunchai style. The building is composed of five square levels each of decreasing size superimposed. Each level has images of Buddha in yellow robes. The second and third levels are adorned with the Nagas or serpents of local myths and traditions. There are also newer structures near the Chedi itself such as the viharn built in the 20th century and the ubosot. A viharn is a meeting hall while an ubosot is an ordination hall. These buildings are decorated with Lanna gold while snakes guard the buildings. Wat E-Kang is another park attraction notable for its well-preserved base with a rounded chedi. Wat Phra Chao Ong Dam may have been a monastery when it was originally built. Here you will see a burnt bronze Buddha stature. Other temples include Wat That Kao, notable for its white chedi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Nan Chang and Wat Chang Kam, another well-preserved site not to be missed. If you take the guided tram rides, you won't miss these facilities. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay You can cover the park in half a day or a full day. It's best to enjoy it calmly. History buffs and tourists looking for a peaceful stroll should definitely visit what was once a sprawling city.