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Chiang Mai

Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University

4.7(654 reviews)

Set within Chulalongkorn University's Mae Rim campus, this small but rewarding museum preserves the Darapirom Palace, a European-style wooden structure surrounded by gardens that once formed part of Thailand's royal heritage. The palace offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai's royal history through priceless historical photographs, period artefacts, and architectural details that reflect the blend of Thai and European influences characteristic of the era.

Visitors can expect a quiet, contemplative atmosphere quite different from the busier temple complexes in central Chiang Mai. The setting feels intimate and unhurried, allowing for closer engagement with the displays. A small bookshop on site sells publications related to the palace and its history, adding further depth for those keen to learn more. The entrance fee is 20 baht for both Thai and foreign visitors.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

It's a holiday of my life. Phra Tamnak is a European style wooden house art. The outside has a garden and it is a beautiful tree. The inside of the house is cool. I went here in April, it was quite hot. I love the local art decoration. Bringing the Chiang Mai people's lifestyle to exhibit Shin Call silk. Which is very memorable. Inside the building. Each room will display the items of the equipment, the items of the owner of the palace. Each room will be different. Very interesting and interesting. The staff was very nice. I went there with shorts, but the staff also had northern style pants and leg for us to change without charge. I'm not sure that there is food and drink for sale. Because I was so excited to see the building that I wasn't interested in eating, me and drinks. This is one of the destinations you've come to Chiang Mai and should come to study the history of Chiang Mai.

Amazing place. Priceless historical photos can be seen. Please wear socks because we need to take off the shoes to go up the building.

This place is a bit far from the usual tourist attractions and you will need transport to get here. The entrance fee is 20 baht. There is a small bookshop that sells books related to the palace. Basically, it is a place for a consort of King Rama V. There is a guided tour of the building where Princess Dara Ratsami (sp) lived in when she was in chiang mai. The story goes...a prince of chiang mai brought one of his daughters to see King Rama V. The King then asked his daughter, Dara Ratsami, to be his consort. The marriage was a good chance to establish ties and good relationships between the Lanna kingdom and Siam then. After the marriage, Princess Dara Ratsami stayed in the royal palace in Bangkok and she only returned to chiang mai to live after the passing of King Rama V. This is the place where the princess lived during the later part of her life. You can see the individual rooms, decorations, clothes, and other cultural items used during that era. It is not a very big place, but it is worth visiting if you like history. Note: I did not see any shops selling food or drinks here. It might be difficult to find something to eat or drink nearby. So be prepared to bring along some food and drinks, especially if it is a hot day.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 654 reviews on Google.

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Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University worth visiting?

Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University holds a 4.7★ rating from 654 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University?

Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University is typically open 13:00-16:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University located?

Darapirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University is at WW7R+4VV, Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Location Info

WW7R+4VV, Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand053 299 175www.facebook.com/DaraphiromPalace
Opening Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday13:00–16:30
Thursday13:00–16:30
Friday13:00–16:30
Saturday13:00–16:30
Sunday13:00–16:30

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

High

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)

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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.

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A quiet Mae Rim temple with a Buddha tooth relic upstairs, worth an hour on the way to the elephants.

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