Khunnam refers to the water source or the major rivers that serve as the veins of their lives. In Lanna religion these water sources are such places as Khun Ping or the source of the Ping River which originates at Doi Thuai in Chiang Dao District. Khun Wang refers to the water source of the Wang River which originates at Doi Khun Tan in Lampang Province. Khun Thi is the water source of the Thi River in Lamphun. Lanna people believe that there are water spirits or guardian spirits residing at each of these high mountains that are the sources of the water that feeds each of the major rivers in the area. They refer to these guardian spirits as “phi khun nam”. The area is considered a sacred area where tree cutting or felling is prohibited. Thus, it remains a healthy area full of big trees and rich in natural resources.