Chiang Mai National Museum is inconveniently situated to the north of the city center on the Superhighway, so you might want to give it a miss unless you’re a culture buff or plan to visit nearby Wat Jet Yot.

It contains a selection of Buddha artifacts as well as an extensive northern arts and crafts collection.

Amongst the Buddha paraphernalia is a huge 15th century Buddha head. Another prize exhibit is a large Buddha footprint with mother-of-pearl inlay and a deep red background, dated 1794.

The museum opened in the 1970s, and it includes galleries devoted to the Lanna Kingdom, local geology, the ancient trade industry and the Lanna art style. Relatively few tourists venture here due to its off-center location, but there’s enough inside to hold visitors’ interests for a couple of hours.

Charter a songthaew or tuk-tuk from Chiang Mai city center. If driving by yourself, head west along Huay Kaew Road to the junction with the Superhighway. Turn right there and continue for about a kilometer, beyond Wat Jet Yot, until you see the museum signposted on your left.

  • What is it? A modest museum with a collection of Buddhist relics.
  • Opening hours: 09:00-16:00, Wednesday to Sunday.
  • Entrance fees: 100 baht.
  • Address: Superhighway.
  • Where: North of the city center, on the Superhighway just east of Wat Jet Yot.