The province covers an area of 4506 square kilometers. The provincial capital is some 30 kilometres south of Chiang Mai and 670 kilometres north of Bangkok. The province is renowned for its lamyai orchards and sumptuous silks. The present-day provincial capital of Lamphun, some 670 kilometres north of Bangkok, was formerly the centre of the Harimphunchai kingdom which is believed to have been founded during the late 600s and early 700s.

The first and most famous of Hariphunchai rulers was a queen named Chamma Thewi whose legendary amorous and diplomatic exploits are the subject of numerous Lanna Thai folk tales. Two major temples within the provincial capital are striking examples of religious architecture. Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which dates from the early 1100s, is one of the most striking religious complexes in northern Thailand. The enclave is dominated by a golden pagoda some 46 metre in height, and with a 20-metre-square base. The enclave is considered to be a fine example of classical Lanna Thai architecture. The second structure, Ku Kut Pagoda, or Wat Chamma Thewi, was built around the mid-700s by Khmer artisans.