Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
THE 10 BEST Chiang Mai Specialty Museums
Specialty Museums in Chiang Mai
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Speciality Museums • History Museums
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Speciality Museums
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Speciality Museums
What travelers are saying
- Tote919Bangkok, Thailand5,606 contributionsThis is a golden ancient pagoda (aound 1,300 years old) located on a small hill in Chiang Mai, overlooking the town. Very serene and elegant.Written January 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emme C5 contributionsThis museum is absolutely amazing. Other reviews said you can cruise through in 30 minutes, however I feel if you are even vaguely interested in entomology then you should definitely set aside more time to fully enjoy what this museum has to offer. It is fairly small, but well set up and with plentiful information about the history of the owners and interesting topics like mosquito-borne diseases and termite art. I wish I had given myself more time to explore!Written February 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vicki MPerth, Australia1 contributionHad the most amazing time at Elephant Parade Chiang Mai. Painted my own elephant and purchased a few more for my collection.
They were so pleased to show me around. I saw how the elephants were decorated and learnt all about their efforts towards elephant conservation.
Much thanks to Jeanette, Aof and the rest of the crew for making me feel so welcome.Written September 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - farang31Bangkok, Thailand81 contributionsWonderful Old Temple - great for a short 30-40 min side trip or longer if staying for a drink.
Sadly (or nice for me) we was the only 2 people there because of c19 - so we walked around these wonderful old buildings - the shop / Cafe was closed but well worth the visit if you in the area,Written November 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DucktalkCowes, Australia235 contributionsOh my goodness, the staff are absolutely delightful. I'd have loved to have bought a delicious blue blouse made by a tribeswoman, but there was no room in my wee suitcase for anything more.
We walked here from Nimman, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Free entry but a tip very welcome. Museum info good, 15 min video when you arrive was very informative (quality not great but you get the gist).
Rest of the displays good, we've seen a lot of similar info in Chiang Rai and the cultural museum in Chiang Mai. Many of the individual videos weren't working and some seating wouldn't go astray.
The village house examples outside would've been great when first built, but are no longer maintained. Unfortunately. Would've been good otherwise, particularly for children. Now they're just rundown and sad.
Wouldn't recommend museum for small children - wouldn't be a good outcome! Lovely little gift shop. If you buy that blue blouse, I'm smitten with envy.Written October 31, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - olendersLondon, UK55 contributionsI found this museum fascinating and greatly enjoyed my visit. I would recommend it and agree with other reviewers who have enjoyed their visit. It is well worth the trek beyond the city centre!
The staff were very friendly and happily looked after my bag while I toured the houses. It's worth taking smaller notes to pay the good value entry fee (they didn't have much change!) but there are shops very nearby where you can break into a bigger note if you get caught out like me (7-11 and Lotus).
The Lanna houses were beautifully preserved, some with furnishings, and the museum and Chiang Mai University should be very proud of the way they are preserving architectural heritage while modern development continues across the city. The gardens are well maintained too with some impressive trees, especially the massive east indian walnut trees.
The colonial house, and information about the teak trade and people who lived in it is also extremely interesting, especially for me as I have recently discovered that ancestors of mine also worked for the Bombay Burmah Trading Company albeit in Mumbai/Bombay rather than Chiang Mai at the same time as this house was built.
In total I spent more than two hours looking around the houses because I found it all so interesting, although others would probably be quicker. There were few other visitors (really, more people should go!) so I was able to look around almost alone which was a great privilege.Written September 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - singhasamWeymouth, UK3,637 contributionsMANY years ago I was given a small plaster figure of Ganesha which has since lived on one of my bookcases.
So when research of Chiang Mai's outlying areas turned up this museum I thought it would be an ideal chance to get to know a bit more about Ganesha who is a Hindu god.
Photography is forbidden in the museum which contains a great many figures of Ganesha who is variously revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, letters and learning and the god of intellect and wisdom.
Care is needed when wandering round the museum because some of the exhibits are very close together in an atmospheric way which left me with the feeling of a presence. Fanciful, perhaps, but that was how I felt.
These figures are contained in two parallel buildings separated by a central garden which has a number of figures in it including one very clever illusory work giving the impression that the head is almost suspended in the air.
Both small buildings can be viewed in a leisurely way in less than an hour with a much larger area on the other side of the site devoted to a wax museum.
Here are indoor water features with floating offerings blown on an endless journey round and round a central figure.
There are bronze figures, fountains, great colourful displays, marvellous wooden inlay work, a variety of fabulous heads, some truly lovely stained glass work and, of course, numerous wax figures.
If the mood takes you then you can also pay a small fee, get dressed up in ornate clothing and set yourself to pose in a lavishly constructed set.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to both museums and I would certainly recommend people to come here, visit the historical museum and learn a bit about Ganesha as well as touring the more exotic wax museum.Written December 15, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SuratrichardSurat Thani, Thailand1,473 contributionsYou don’t need a great deal of time to wander around this museum but it is certainly worth visiting. You don’t have to pay if you only want to see the ground floor but dual pricing applies for the full building. There’s no point in taking it out on the staff…they don’t make the rules! Dual pricing operates across Thailand so you either pay it or miss out on many many experiences.
The staff are very helpful , some being students at the University and it is really is a fascinating place to visit. Combine it by also visiting the adjacent temple to make a good visitor experience.Written July 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Little05713Bangkok, Thailand25 contributionsI'm joint my friend wedding in Monfai. This place look so nice. There are a lot of CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE LANNA KINGDOM. But from my point of view. There are mixed of Lanna cultural and Sukhothai cultural.Written March 26, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- chiangmaicharliesChiang Mai, Thailand5,650 contributionsWat gategaram museum is in the grounds of Wat Ket, and is also known as Wat Ket museum.
It is one of those disorganized museums, just stuffed with old memorabilia related to the area. There is probably the largest collection of historic photographs of the area here, together with old gramaphone records, cameras, animal skulls, clothes and furniture.
In fact, you name it and it's probably here. Much of it can be dismissed, but you sure can have fun viewing this place.
Highly recommended. And if you're in the vicinity, this area is one of the oldest areas of Chiang Mai and well worth exploring. It is across the Ping river (by pedestrian bridge) from Warorot Market.Written November 9, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Larissa JBrisbane, Australia12 contributionsVery interesting. My aunty took me here. It was very hot outside but it was a very good experience and okay inside. Dressing and trying on the costumes, looking at knick knacks whilst drinking many cups of tea. Apparently theres a story of one person sitting and enjoying company for more than a few hours! The owner and his wife are very kind, and he is a fantastic storyteller who aims to communicate as best he could (in English) the different types of tea. trying pu'er was pretty good. owner prefers one on one and small groups of quietly chatting than big crowds. great if you got a few hours to sit and enjoy company. stay for an hour, possibly recommend several, even more!Written September 5, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SnackyBitsandCuppasChiang Mai, Thailand320 contributionsStopped by and both the Treasury Pavilion/Coin Museum were closed for renovation. It would be a good idea to call before going since there was no date for when the renovation would be completed.
Treasury Pavilion: 053 224 237Written August 1, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - chiangmaicharliesChiang Mai, Thailand5,650 contributionsWell, philatelists seem happy with it, but for others this is a very outdated and neglected museum of the 'old' kind.
Updates are very few, many item are placed behind glass producing harsh reflections, and many items are only described in Thai - as you can see from my photographs. There are items from bygone years of little interest with no explanation.
There are various historical pictures of interest and an interesting history of Thai philately in Thai and English.
The museum occupies two floors and is a fine old colonial style building, standing in generous grounds which are now used for commercial car-parking which is a bit disappointing. There are some items for sale there, including stamp collections as to be expected.
There was one staff member there, who didn't offer any help.Written May 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ritu VNew Delhi, India358 contributionsThe Exhibition is really awesome. Beautiful display of work. You can see art and handicraft of different countries under one roof.Written February 28, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Mai
- These are the best places for kid-friendly specialty museums in Chiang Mai:
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
- Elephant Parade Land
- Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- These are the best places for couples seeking specialty museums in Chiang Mai:
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
- Elephant Parade Land
- Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- These are the best places for budget-friendly specialty museums in Chiang Mai:
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
- Elephant Parade Land
- Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- Wat Ket Karam Museum
- Lanna Traditional House Museum CMU
- These are the best hidden gems for specialty museums in Chiang Mai:See more hidden gem specialty museums in Chiang Mai on Tripadvisor