[2024 Chiang Mai Attraction] Travel Guide for Chiang Mai National Museum (Updated Oct)
Museums
Address:
451 Superhighway Road Chiang Mai-Lampang, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening times:
Opens at 9:00-16:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+66 53 221 308
Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai National Museum is a national museum located in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. The museum focuses on the history of the Lanna Kingdom, with descriptions in both Thai and English. It is located near Wat Chet Yot, northwest of Chiang Mai, and is operated by the Fine Arts Department.
Exhibition Sections
Section 1: Background of the Lanna Land - This section covers geology, ancient life, geography, and the environment of northern Thailand, as well as prehistoric human settlements, including the Lua and Hariphunchai tribes, the first state in the north.
Section 2: History of the Lanna Kingdom - This section details the founding of Chiang Mai, its prosperity, and the decline of the kingdom.
Section 3: Chiang Mai under Siam - This section covers the period from the liberation from Burma, the establishment of Chiang Mai in 1796, and its relationship with the Siamese Kingdom.
Section 4: Trade and Economy - This section is divided into two periods: the first from 1796 to 1920, and the second from 1924 to 1939, during the construction of the northern railway.
Section 5: Daily Life and Social Development - This section covers agriculture, industry, finance, banking, foreign relations, education, and public health.
Section 6: Evolution of Lanna Art and Thai Art
🕰️ Opening Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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Experience almsgiving in the lost ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam | Encounter the Four-faced Buddha
| Encounter the Four-faced Buddha. It is recorded that the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam was established earlier than Chiang Mai, and in 1262, it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Due to its low-lying terrain and frequent flooding, the Lanna Kingdom eventually moved its capital to Chiang Mai, which is why Chiang Mai is called 'New City' in Thai.
After numerous floods, Wiang Kum Kam gradually fell into ruin until it was completely buried underground. The ancient city was excavated into square moats, utilizing the water from the Mae Ping River for natural fortification. It was because of the low-lying terrain and frequent flooding that the capital was moved to Chiang Mai. After many floods, the entire city was abandoned and even disappeared from the world for a long time.
It was not until 1984 that the Fine Arts University of Thailand discovered this ancient city buried underground due to flooding while renovating the nearby Wat Kam Tom. Hence, it is also known as the 'lost city'.
There are nine excavated and gradually restored sites. More than 1300 items, including inscribed stone slabs, bricks, bells, and stupas, have been unearthed here. One of the most important archaeological finds is a stone slab divided into four parts, which is now on display at the Chiang Mai National Museum. The site I am at is one of them, adjacent to a temple housing a Four-faced Buddha. On your first visit, you can walk inside and turn left to pay respects to the Four-faced Buddha.
The ancient traces now carry a sense of historical mottled beauty. Watching pigeons circling the corners fills the atmosphere with tranquility. I have always had great respect for friends who study history, as there is much to learn from them. I hope that when our time passes, we too can be such precious treasures, making our journey in the world worthwhile.
Elijah.Peterson^73
Chiang Mai : Second trip in 2024
This is my second trip of the year and second time visiting Chiang Mai. I love this peace city where the people here are friendly and welcoming.
-first day I stayed in SleepMaI booked via Trip.com, it is a small but warm and friendly hotel. Very nice stuffs and clean rooms. Near The Thapae and old city. If you like to walk, walk to One Nimman only 20mins
-second and third day I went to Chiang Dao with my students, had art drawing class with the chiang dao basecamp students
-forth day I stayed in Shangri-La, i love this hotel because of the interior and stuffs.
This is a memorable place and I will be here again #shangrila #chiangmai