Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park—Chiang Rai, Thailand - History Museums on Waymarking.com

This is without doubt an interesting museum, which has an interesting history. In essence, the museum consists of a a number of large, traditional 'houses' (traditional aristocratic houses, I don't believe the plebs lived in such), which contain displays of historical artefacts (some original, some reproductions) from the different historical periods and local cultures of this northern region of Thailand. This includes furniture, clothes, money, household items, and military gear. It is an eclectic mix. The displays are arranged with an eye to aesthetics.

The Culture Park has a strict no photography policy, and while I normally view such a policy with disapproval, I was prepared to wave my usual objections in this case. Each of the houses has an attractive, bright, and articulate Thai university girl, dressed fetchingly in native costume, as a guide ready to explain and discuss with you the local history and social importance of the exhibits. With this form of assistance to aid my understanding photography completely escaped my mind.

One interesting feature of the park is the use and promotion of teak. This wood is used in the construction of the Park houses, and numerous examples of local teak artwork are on display. The grounds of the Park are well maintained and attractive. A walk around the grounds is a bit of a hike, so I suggest bringing along a bottle of water and a hat (but you always do that in the tropics, right?),.

The Park began life as a craft centre, morphed into a business, then a school/orphanage for rural youths, then gradually became a private museum/culture centre. As far as I can determine, the Park is privately owned, but has Royal patronage and some types of government assistance. Certainly worth a visit if you are in the neighbourhood. Located approximately 5kms to the west of the city. I am unaware of public transport, expect to pay 100-100 baht for a tuk tuk, dependent upon your skills if negotiation.

Cost is 200 baht, ~$6. Pang Mak! The usual run of the mill Thai government provincial museum is 100 baht, but you are helping Thai uni girls, so the cost is excusable.

Theme: Local culture is the main theme, secondary is local history. Food Court: yes Gift Shop: yes Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun: 08.30-16.30 Cost: 200.00 (listed in local currency) Museum Size: Medium Relevant Web Site: [Web Link] Street Address: Not listed

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