Experience almsgiving in the lost ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam | Encounter the Four-faced Buddha

| Encounter the Four-faced Buddha. It is recorded that the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam was established earlier than Chiang Mai, and in 1262, it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Due to its low-lying terrain and frequent flooding, the Lanna Kingdom eventually moved its capital to Chiang Mai, which is why Chiang Mai is called 'New City' in Thai. After numerous floods, Wiang Kum Kam gradually fell into ruin until it was completely buried underground. The ancient city was excavated into square moats, utilizing the water from the Mae Ping River for natural fortification. It was because of the low-lying terrain and frequent flooding that the capital was moved to Chiang Mai. After many floods, the entire city was abandoned and even disappeared from the world for a long time. It was not until 1984 that the Fine Arts University of Thailand discovered this ancient city buried underground due to flooding while renovating the nearby Wat Kam Tom. Hence, it is also known as the 'lost city'. There are nine excavated and gradually restored sites. More than 1300 items, including inscribed stone slabs, bricks, bells, and stupas, have been unearthed here. One of the most important archaeological finds is a stone slab divided into four parts, which is now on display at the Chiang Mai National Museum. The site I am at is one of them, adjacent to a temple housing a Four-faced Buddha. On your first visit, you can walk inside and turn left to pay respects to the Four-faced Buddha. The ancient traces now carry a sense of historical mottled beauty. Watching pigeons circling the corners fills the atmosphere with tranquility. I have always had great respect for friends who study history, as there is much to learn from them. I hope that when our time passes, we too can be such precious treasures, making our journey in the world worthwhile.