The Best Museums to Visit in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to a bunch of brilliant museums, from the quirky to the historical and everything in between. Learn more about northern Thailand’s intriguing culture, interact with the world around you or take a walk down memory lane, there is something for everyone! We’ve compiled a list of the best museums to check out while you are in Chiang Mai.
1. Tribal Museum of Chiang Mai
Museum
Opening Hours: Open Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm
2. Arts & Cultural Center
Museum
Located in the heart of the old city by the Three Kings Monument is the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center. This museum is dedicated to preserving (and educating people about) the history and culture of Chiang Mai. Learn about local lifestyles, agricultural practices, hill tribe people or venture to the section dedicated to regional beliefs and Buddhism.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm
Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center, 127/7 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 217 793
3. Chiang Mai National Museum
Museum
Opening Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 4 pm.
5. The 3D Art Museum
Museum
6. Chiang Mai Airforce Museum
Museum
For historians and plane enthusiasts, the Chiang Mai Airforce Museum is a real treat. On display is a rare collection of airplanes from World War II. You’ll be able to hop into the planes and learn insightful information about the history of each individual plane.
Opening Hours: By arrangement.
Air Force Base 41, Su Thep, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 202 617
7. MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
Museum, Shop
Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum is a new, modern and extremely sophisticated addition to the Chiang Mai’s burgeoning art scene. The mirror walled entrance is the highlight of its architectural design. Maiiam has permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, live performance areas, a gift shop and more!
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 am to 6 pm.
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, 122, Moo 7, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 81 386 6899
8. Dolls Museum
Museum
9. Dara Phirom Museum
Museum, University
This museum provides an informative and fascinating insight into the life of Dara Rassamee, a consort of King Chulalonghorn (Rama V) and the half-sister of the Prince of Lanna of that time. Dara Rassamee lived over 100 years ago and was highly influential in uniting the Kingdoms of Lanna and Siam. She also dedicated much of her time to preserving art, antiques, furniture, photographs, and clothing from Lanna culture. At the museum, located in her former home, you can see much of her collection on display.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.Dara Phirom Museum, Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 299 175
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.