Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the holiest Buddhist Temples in Northern Thailand. Its location overlooks Chiang Mai City from the mountain slopes.
Chiang Mai Museums
Chiang Mai has a strong collection of museums and cultural centres covering Lanna history, traditional architecture, hill-tribe culture, local art and the city’s development over many centuries. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Lanna Folklife Museum, Highland People Discovery Museum, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Lanna Traditional House Museum and other specialist cultural attractions.
Many of the best museums are concentrated in or near the Old City, making them easy to combine with temples, historic gates and markets. Others are spread around the wider city and provide more specialised insight into northern Thai culture, traditional houses, ethnic communities and contemporary art.
Explore Chiang Mai Museums
- Lanna history and culture – Visit Lanna Folklife Museum and Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre to learn about the city’s history, traditions, religion and everyday life.
- Traditional architecture – Explore Lanna Traditional House Museum for historic wooden houses and insight into how people lived during earlier periods of northern Thai history.
- Hill-tribe culture – Highland People Discovery Museum focuses on the diverse ethnic communities of northern Thailand and their traditions.
- Art and exhibitions – Discover galleries, cultural centres and changing exhibitions covering both traditional and contemporary northern Thai creativity.
- Old City museums – Combine museum visits with nearby attractions such as Three Kings Monument, Wat Chedi Luang and other historic landmarks.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai museums, cultural centres and heritage attractions across the city.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
Hmong Village
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiBan Hmong Mae Sa Mai is the go-to village for anyone who wants to experience what the locals live like in a traditional northern Thai village. Located just 36 minutes north-west from Chiang Mai, Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai is...
Baan Dam Museum
Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Baan Dam Museum (also known as the Chiang Rai Black Temple or Black House Museum) is a museum and gallery that was home to the renowned Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee. The attraction isn’t actually a temple per...
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre is a museum which teaches visitors about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant art scene. The centre is located in the centre of the old city, right behind...
Chiang Mai Historical Centre
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Historical Centre is a remarkable museum where visitors can learn all about the rich, complex history of the city. Aside from the wonderful historical information presented in an exciting manner...
Baan Tong Luang
Mae Raem, Mae RimBaan Tong Luang is a quaint village in Chiang Mai, and one of the city’s stellar tourist attractions due to the presence of the Hill Tribes who still live here. Located just 30 minutes north-west from Chiang Mai...
Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park
Mae Raem, Mae RimThe Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park is a fantastic place to visit whilst in Chiang Mai, as it is a sustainable and eco-friendly tourist attraction. The park does what the name suggests, it makes recycled paper and paper...
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Choeng Doi, Doi SaketThe Tweechol Botanic Garden is a must-visit for any nature and gardening enthusiast in Chiang Mai. It was founded by Mr Taweesak Sesawech; a man who spent his years collecting some of Thailand’s most beautiful...
Chiang Mai National Museum
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiChiang Mai National Museum is a centre of excellence for works of art, both in Chiang Mai and across Thailand. It is managed by the Fine Arts Department. Thailand and especially northern Thailand has a rich heritage...
Museum Of World Insects and Natural Wonders
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Museum Of World Insects and Natural Wonders is the brainchild of a Thai couple whose love for the outdoors led to its establishment. The museum showcases a diverse array of insects, ranging from tiny bugs to...
Old Chiangmai Cultural Center
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Old Chiangmai Cultural Center is a great place to come to learn more about Thailand’s rich culture. With musical performances, cultural dance and authentic Thai Cuisine, the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center is...
Elephant Parade Land
San Phi Suea, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Elephant Parade Land is one of the best family-friendly activities in Chiang Mai. Elephants take centre stage here, and they are celebrated in every way imaginable. It features a library, movie room, and a museum...
Lanna Traditional House Museum
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiA visit to the Lanna Traditional House Museum will make you feel like you’ve taken a journey back in time. Learn what local life and culture was all about during the Lanna kingdom, which dates back to several...
Monfai is an excellent destination in Chiang Mai for anyone who wants to learn more about the Lanna culture. Located on Patan Road, this beautiful place is made with traditional wooden Lanna architecture and has lots of...
Lahu Village
Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa PaoLahu Village is a small hill tribe community that allows visitors entry so that they can learn about the traditional Thai way of life. While visiting Lahu Village, you will head out into the lush green mountains and see...
Oub Kham Museum
Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiOub Kham Museum is an attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province and is home to a diverse range of memorabilia from across the former Lanna Kingdom. In addition to these collectables from the kingdom, the unique...
Chiang Saen National Museum
Wiang, Chiang SaenThe Chiang Saen National Museum is a must-visit in Chiang Rai for anyone who’s keen to learn about the archaeological wonders of the town of Chiang Saen. It has been around since 1957 and today remains to be the...
Ban Sao Nak
Wiang Nuea, Mueang LampangBan Sao Nak is a marvellous historical wooden home that provides a glimpse into family life back in the olden days. This historic home, now over a century old, stands out for its striking architecture and has been well...
Pai Chinese Village
Wiang Tai, PaiPai Chinese Village, also known as Santichon Village, is the cultural melting point for Thai culture and the Chinese way of life. Located just 4kms west from the township of Pai, the Chinese Village has heaps of fun...
Lanna Folklife Museum
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Lanna Folklife Museum houses an amazing display of interesting artifacts depicting the life, culture, and history of the Lanna people. It’s located just across from the Three Kings Monument of the old city and...
Lanna Architecture Centre
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Lanna Architecture Center is a museum that is dedicated to showcasing and preserving Northern Thailand’s unique heritage in architecture; most of which is influenced by the ancient Lanna kingdom. The museum is...
Chiang Mai University Art Museum
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai University Art Museum is an exciting art space that allows you to enjoy the display of modern art by both local and global artists. If you are an art lover, make sure to put some time aside to come and...
Ganesh Himal Museum
Yang Kram, Doi LoiThe Ganesh Himal Museum is a popular attraction in Chiang Mai, known for its eclectic and rather unusual collection of displays all dedicated to Ganesh; a Hindu deity depicted as an elephant. Although some may find it...
Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and stamp collectors; built on the site of the old post office and is home to an incredible display of historical Thai stamps. Although small, this...
Highland People Discovery Museum
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Highland People Discovery Museum showcases the incredible talent of the hill tribe people. Come and watch as the local tribespeople work on intricate, colourful embroidery that is used to create traditional clothing...
Wat Ket Karam Museum
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Ket Karam Museum is an important aspect of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai. This museum is a wonderful place to visit if you’d like to learn about the history and the local community, which was once...
What are the best museums in Chiang Mai?
Popular options include Lanna Folklife Museum, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Highland People Discovery Museum and Lanna Traditional House Museum.
Which Chiang Mai museums are best for learning about Lanna culture?
Lanna Folklife Museum, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre and Lanna Traditional House Museum are particularly useful for understanding northern Thailand's Lanna history, architecture and traditional way of life.
Are there museums in Chiang Mai Old City?
Yes. Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre and several other heritage attractions are located in the Old City, close to Three Kings Monument and major temples.
Are Chiang Mai museums good for rainy days?
Yes. Museums and cultural centres are some of the best indoor options during wet weather, particularly if you want to learn more about Chiang Mai's history, art and local culture.
