Chiang Mai National Museum
Museum highlighting the art, history & culture of northern Thailand in a traditional building.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Mai National Museum, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Chiang Mai National Museum is a wonderful place to explore the rich history and culture of Northern Thailand. The exhibits are well organized and informative, giving a clear insight into Lanna heritage. Great care has been taken to preserve the old artefacts, and you can truly appreciate the effort put into maintaining these historical treasures. A peaceful and educational visit — highly recommended for anyone interested in history and culture.
Very interesting and lots of learn. Gets a little repetitive by the end. Some of the English translations were inaccurate but this is to be expected. The space could be used a bit better. The large double staircase could have some art or something added for interest. Worth a visit. 200 baht entry ticket.
The Chiang Mai National Museum has some interesting exhibits, though I found the overall experience to be average. It's a decent place to spend an hour or so, but nothing particularly stood out. The displays were informative, however, if you are not already knowledgeable of the context it can be confusing for a visitor. 200 Baht for foreigners.
Location Info
451, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand+66 53 221 308www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/chiangmai/index.php/th/Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.
Central Chiangmai
A large modern shopping mall on the Chiang Mai superhighway with extensive dining, retail, and a celebrated food hall.
MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Sprawling, upscale mall features dozens of boutiques, gift shops, eateries & a cinema.
Central Chiangmai Airport
Northern Thailand's largest shopping complex, ideally placed beside Chiang Mai International Airport.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Monumental Buddhist temple right on the river, with an iconic, ornately tiled central prang (spire).
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)