Mae Tan Ancient Town

Huai Luek Ancient Town also called Mae Tan Ancient Town and even Tha Song Yang Ancient town, is situated east of Mae Tan, just outside the town. Based on the excavation results in 2018 CE, the town dates to the Lan Na period, 15th century CE. It was located on an important trade route between Chiang Thong and the old Mon city of Martaban (Mottama) at the mouth of Thanlwin River (Salween River).

There are indications that the city already existed in the Sukhothai period(1238 – 1438 CE). After the decline of the Sukhothai Kingdom, it was annexed to Lan Na. The town lost its importance in the 16th century at the time of the decline of Martaban and Chiang Thong. Martaban had a good harbour for large vessels until the Burmese conquered the town in 1541 CE and sunk several stone-filled ships at the mouth of the river. The Burmese incursion likely ruined Chiang Thong in the second half of the 16th century.

The archaeological site has a few ruined monasteries along the east bank of the Moei River. Known locations are Wat Phra That Huai Luek, Wat Huai Phra That, Wat Huai Luek, Wat Rim Moei, Wat Song Huai and Wat Wang Tom.

Wat Song Huai was excavated and partly restored, while Wat Huai Luek was only excavated. I presume that at a later stage, more archaeological work will be done.

Some historians believe this location is Mueang Chot mentioned in the Ram Khamhaeng inscription. Ram Khamhaeng describes how he, at the age of 19, intercepted the Ruler of Chot, Khun Sam Chon, on an elephant, who came to attack Mueang Tak (Ban Tak at present). After Khun Sri Intharathit, King of Sukhothai, and his son Khun Ram Khamhaeng won the battle, the Chedi Yuttha Hatthi was erected in commemoration. Others believe Mueang Chot refers to Mae Sot.

A commercial trip from Mawlamyine to Chiang Mai was recorded during the British rule of Burma. I took a certain McCoy travelling from Mawlamyine on 13 December 1854 by boat and walking over the mountain to reach the Sop Moei River in ten days. He continued walking through the Ngao River area, which today is through Sop Moei, Omkoi and Hot Districts to Mueang Hot taking two weeks. From Mueang Hot to Lamphun took him seven days and from Lamphun to Chiang Mai took 5 hours and 30 minutes. He arrived in Chiang Mai on 12 January 1837, from Mawlamyine to Chiang Mai, a total of 31 days.

Ayutthaya Historical Research