Chiang Mai Museums
Learn about northern Thailand's fascinating hilltribes
Most tourists visiting Chiang Mai are so busy elephant trekking, cuddling tigers and enjoying the excellent food and nightlife on offer here that they rarely give themselves the opportunity to learn about the city’s fascinating history and culture. Those who do take the time do not regret it, as there are a number of excellent resources at the fingertips of anyone with a thirst for knowledge. There are many museums to choose from in Chiang Mai, so here is our pick of the best:
Chiang Mai Tribal Museum
This museum is a must for anyone thinking of going trekking to see the hilltribes around Chiang Mai. While many turn up on these expeditions in blissful ignorance, it’s beneficial, if not at least polite, to learn a little about your hosts before you arrive. The museum was established in 1965 and can be found in a picturesque setting in Ratchamankla Park.
Traditional tools, costumes, jewellery, utensils and musical instruments are all exhibited here, along with unusual accessories and other artefacts. The major hill-tribes featured include Mien, Lahu, Akkha, Lisu and Karen. The museum is open Monday-Friday but closed on weekends and holidays. Entry is free. For more on hilltribes in northern Thailand.
Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
This is the most unusual of all Chiang Mai’s museums and is certainly not one for the squeamish. There are hundreds of species of creepy-crawlies here and the museum boasts a particularly nice personal touch as its passionate owner, Manop Rattanarithikul, will show you around his pride and joy himself. Over 400 species of mosquitoes are displayed here, which is enough to make anyone feel itchy.
That said, this fun but weird experience is a good one for all the family and there is always a sheet of glass between you and the museum’s most gruesome inhabitants. The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders can be found on Soi 13 of Nimmanhemin Road. It is open every day and entrance fees are 300 baht for an adult and 100 baht for a child.
Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai National Museum focuses on the region’s prehistoric settlements and is officially a ‘centre of education and preservation of art and culture of Chiang Mai’, as appointed by the Thai royal family. The museum has told the fascinating story of Chiang Mai’s past for over 50 years.
The wonderful world of dolls is a phenomenon
There are pictures and displays as well as artefacts such as weapons, pottery, Buddhist icons and agricultural tools from the ancient Lanna society. The museum can be found on the Superhighway in Changphuak and has recently had renovation work done to its two floors. It is open every day and the entrance fee is just 30 baht for a foreigner.
Dara Pirom Museum
Dara Pirom Museum is one of the few museums here that celebrates the lifestyle and history of the Thai royal family. The royal family, and particularly the King, is widely adored in Thailand, so this little museum might give you an insight into why. Once the palace of Princess Jao Dara Rasamee, Dara Pirom Museum now displays almost 300 exhibits of lavish furniture pieces and other decorative items.
Joa Dara Rasamee was the half-sister of the Prince of Lanna and consort to King Chulalonghorn over 100 years ago. She collected many stunning pieces of art and furniture in a bid to preserve the cultural practices and customs in Chiang Mai. The museum is just outside the city in Mae Rim and is closed every Monday. The entrance fee is just 20 baht for an adult or free for a child under 12.
Museum of Dolls
Like the Museum of World Insects and natural Wonders, this is another slightly creepy Chiang Mai museum but for entirely different reasons. The museum can be found in the new Baan Tawi crafts centre, which is a little out of town towards Hang Dong.
Dolls of all kinds are produced here in the specialist production centre and the little museum displays many different kinds throughout history. Some of them are not as pretty as they once were so it can make for quite a spooky experience. The Museum of Dolls is open every day of the week and entry is free to all.
Chiang Mai Air Museum
Not one for those scared of flying, Chiang Mai Air Museum is home to a fun collection of Japanese aeroplanes left over from WWII. The old relics sit alongside Royal Thai Air Force planes as well as explanations and displays about the military history of the region throughout the last 100 years. Chiang Mai Air Museum can be found in Suthep, Chiang Mai. It is closed on the weekends and entry is free.
Mon-Fai Museum
This is one of the lesser-known Chiang Mai museums but is perhaps more charming because of it. The little antique house has a fabulous display of costumes and fabrics from the Lanna period and throughout the ages. This sort of collection is rarely seen elsewhere in north Thailand, so it is worth taking the trip out of town for. The Mon-Fai Museum can be found in Patan Road, Mauang, which is a Mae Rim suburb. It is open every day and entry is free.
