An introduction to Chiang Mai - Rose of the North |
Museums |
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| There's so much else to do in and around Chiang Mai,
you might be tempted to pass up on the astonishing number of museums
mainly in the Northern capital but also to be found elsewhere around
this city. Missing them completely would be a pity though, as between
them they offer a useful introduction and supplement to many of
the fascinating cultural features of this part of Southeast Asia.
Given the breadth of subject covered, one or more of these institutions
can't fail to afford more than just a rainy-day substitute for getting
out and doing the rounds. The guide that follows aims to give some
idea of what's on offer, where it is, when you can see it and what
the entry fee is. Always keep in mind though that the National Museums
are closed Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. The private
museums and displays on the other hand tend to be open pretty well
any hours you're likely to visit them. |
National Museums:
Admission fee: 10 THB for Thais
and 30 THB for foreigners Chiang Mai - Lampang Superhighway Rd., A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50300 Tel. (053) 221308 Fax: (053) 408568 Chiang Mai National Museum is the main regional museum of the North, assigned to be the centre of education and preservation of art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper Northern Thailand, the Lanna Kingdom. The museum is designed as a Thai style building with a traditional Northern or Lanna style rooftop. The museum building has recently been expanded, given a permanent exhibition, and enhanced with new technology. The revised exhibition is divided into six topics: Topic 1:The natural and cultural background of the Lanna Kingdom including the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the North. Topic 2: The history of the Lanna Kingdom from the establishment of Chiang Mai city, the peak of its glory, to its fall to and retention by Burma 1558 AD to 1796 AD. Topic 3: The city of Chiang Mai under the Kingdom of Siam, from the time of its liberation from Burma, in 1769 AD. Topic 4: Trade and Economy of the Lanna Kingdom from 1796 AD to 1939 AD. Topic 5: The modern way of life and social development, featuring agriculture, industry, banking, international relations, education and public health. Topic 6: The development of the Lanna Style Art, and the history of art in Thailand from the Thawarawadi period to the present day. |
| Hariphunchai
National Museum: Inthayongyot Rd., T. Nai Muang, A. Muang, Lamphun 51000 Tel. (053) 511186 The museum holds important antiques and pieces of art from Hariphunchai temple and around the upper North of Thailand. There is also a permanent exhibition featuring the archaeology and history, and including the art and culture, of Lamphun. |
 Chiang
Saen National Museum:T. Wiang, A. Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57000 Tel. (053) 777102 The museum has displays of antiques from the excavation and restoration of ancient remains in Chiang Saen and nearby areas. Mainly featuring archaeology, there are a lot of antiques and ancient remains of the pre-historic and historic periods. T. Nai Wiang, A. Muang, Nan 55000 Tel. (055) 710561 Nan National Museum is the provincial museum, displaying contents of historic and local artefacts, and is divided into 2 parts: archaeology & local history; and ethnology |
Some of Chiang Mai's Other Interesting Museums
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Chiang Mai University
Art Museum: Corner of Suthep and Nimmanhemin Rds., Chiang Mai Tel. (053) 944833 Opening hours: Tue - Sun, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.. |
 The
Dara Pirom Palace Museum:A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai (within the compound of the Dara Rasmi Borde Patrol Police Camp) Tel. (053) 299175 Opening hours: Tue - Sun, 9 a.m. -5p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Admission fees: Adults 20 THB, Children 10 THB and 20 THB and 50 THB for foreigners. |
 Tribal
Museum:Chotana Rd., A. Muang, Chiang Mai Tel. (053) 210872 Fax: (053) 222494 Open daily: 9 a.m. - 4p.m. Free admission. |
 Museum
of World Insects & Natural Wonders:72 Soi 13, Nim-manhemin Rd., T.Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Tel. (053) 211891 Fax: (053) 410916 e-mail: insects_museum@hotmail.com Open daily: 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fees: Adults 100 THB Children 50 THB. |
 Chateau
Kum-Une Art Museum:250 Moo 1, T. Maeram, A. Maerim, Chiang Mai 50180 Tel.&Fax. (053) 298068 Open daily: 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Wednesday - Monday. Admission fee: 100 THB for Adults and THB. 30 for children (under 12 years old). |
 Creative
Handicrafts 'Baan Roi An Phan Yang'255/4 Chiang Mai - Sanpatong Rd. (between km. 19-20), Moo 4, T. Harn Kaew, A. Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230 Tel. (053) 822649, 822664, (01) 9512542 Fax: (053) 441214 Opening hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission fee: 100 THB for Thai and 200 THB for foreigners. |
If you have a Thai driving licence, show it and you will get in at Thai prices. This goes for most places that have duel pricing. |
