Ganesh Himal Museum

This temple-cum-museum located in the countryside about 40km south of Chiang Mai is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh, who is usually represented as a fat, seated human with an elephant’s head.

As you may be aware, Thai Buddhism is mixed up with all kinds of other beliefs. For example, the spirit houses you see everywhere are a representation of Brahmanism, and are nothing to do with Buddhism. So with Ganesh, to whom there are many shrines throughout the country. Ganesh is thought to be the God of Success, particularly in artistic and business ventures, and most Thais about to embark on one of these will make offerings to a Ganesh shrine.

This museum is divided into separate parts—a temple for making offerings, a museum of images of Ganesh, and a gift shop. There’s no entrance fee but most visitors throw some loose change into a large tray in the first shrine to boost their chances of success in life.

The variety of elephant sculptures is staggering, with some unusual sights such as two elephants standing upright and hugging. There are also other sculptures scattered around, such as one of a yogi standing on one leg. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the museum, where you’ll see the most striking images.