Chiang Mai Museums

(Chiang Mai, Thailand)

It is likely that there will be far more museums than you would expect within the Thai city of Chiang Mai, covering many interesting topics and themes. One of the city's premier museums is without doubt the National Museum, which was founded in the mid-20th century and houses an impressive collection of local historic artefacts, many of which relate to the ancient Lanna culture.

Also of interest, the varied exhibits at the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders will appeal to curious children, as will the old planes at the Chiang Mai Air Museum.

Tribal Museum

Address: Ratchamangkla Park, Chang Puak Road, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 22 1933
Sited on the northern side of the city and on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, the octagonal Tribal Museum first opened its doors in this new lakeside setting in 1997, although it was actually founded in 1965. Home to a huge collection of traditional handicrafts from regional hill tribes, the museum was relocated to Ratchamankla Park and boasts a diverse array of exhibits, which include historic weapons, musical instruments, various household utensils, costumes, ornaments, hunting equipment, jewellery and textiles.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:00
Admission: free

National Museum

Address: Moo 3, Lampang Road, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 22 1308
The city's National Museum lies on the northern side of Chiang Mai, next to the Wat Jed Yot temple, and is full of information about the Lanna culture and the region's past. Recently updated, the museum boasts many precious antiquities and local treasures, such as many extravagant and valuable pieces of jewellery, ancient pottery, historic farming equipment, images of Buddha, and also both paintings and photographs.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Dara Pirom Museum

Address: Dara Rasamee Military Camp, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand, TH
Located on the city's outskirts and celebrating the life of the late Princess Jao Dara Rasamee, the Dara Pirom Museum is full of cultural attractions and history. Princess Jao Dara Rasamee died in 1933 and is still remembered for her good deeds, kindness and experimental farming techniques. Exhibits include furnishings, antiques, photographs and many of the princess's personal items.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

Address: 72 Sirimangkhlachan Road Soi Nimmanhemin 13, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, TH
Always popular with families, the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders lies on the western side of Chiang Mai and is home to an enormous collection of butterfly specimens, which are beautifully displayed in glass cases. Also expect to find sea shells, geological treasures, well-preserved fossils, and displays relating to the extensive research into the life of mosquitoes. A gift shop completes the main attractions and sells a selection of books and even some mounted insects.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Chiang Mai Air Museum

Address: Air Force Base 41, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 202 617
Standing close to Chiang Mai Airport, the city's Air Museum is often overlooked and worth searching out. Containing a rather unexpected collection of WWII planes and related paraphernalia, visitors to the museum are able to climb into a number of the actual planes. The curators are always on hand to answer your questions and film screenings provide further information about the planes if required.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge