This museum, located in Mae Rim about 12km north of Chiang Mai, is a must-see for anyone interested in local history or teak architecture, as it is housed in a beautifully restored teak palace.

The museum commemorates the life of Jao Dara Rasamee, who was born in 1873 and was the daughter of King Intra Wichayanon of Chiang Mai. She became the favorite consort of King Chulalongkorn of Siam, and their betrothal led to a merging of the two kingdoms. After the death of King Chulalongkorn in 1910, she was granted permission to return from Bangkok to her home in North Thailand, where she lived until her death in 1933.

In 1999, the building was restored by Chulalongkorn University and opened as the Dara Rasamee Palace Museum. It displays several images of this very attractive woman with waist-length hair and lots of period furniture and personal effects. The combination of exhibits successfully recreates the mood of a bygone era, one of the most critical periods in the history both of Chiang Mai and of Siam.

By public transport, take a bus from Chang Puak bus station in Chiang Mai to Mae Rim, or by rented vehicle (car or motorbike), head north from Chiang Mai on H107 to Mae Rim. Just after passing under an overhead footbridge and immediately before the police station, turn left and go about 200 meters to the museum on the left. It looks private because it’s army land and there’s a barrier along the way, but the public are allowed in.

  • What is it? A museum commemorating the life of one of Chiang Mai’s best-known women.
  • When to go: Any time
  • Where: The museum is in Mae Rim, just west of the town center.
  • Address: Mae Rim
  • Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 09:00-17:00
  • Entrance fee: 20B