Chiang Rai Museums

Amphoe Muang

Ho Watthanatham Nithat

Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 8.30 am. until 3.30 p.m.

Oub Kham Museum

Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, 1 kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects from the areas once belonging to, or affiliated with, the Lanna kingdoms: present north Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from ritual objects the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts. Originally starting with lacquerware, silver jewelry and clothing. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. It is open daily from 9 am.-6 pm. Admission fee is 100 baht per person. Call 0-5371-3349 for more information.

Amphoe Chiang Saen

Hall of Opium Golden Triangle Park
 
The Tourism Authority of Thailand joined the Mae Fah Luang Foundation in preparing the Golden Triangle Park and Hall of Opium. Funding for initial construction has been provided through a loan from Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of the Japanese Government to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Mae Fah Luang Foundation began research for the exhibition in 1994. An initial exhibition shoreline prepared by the research team and approved by the board of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation provided the basis for the architectural design of the exhibition space and building The Ministry of the People's Republic of China has provided technical assistance for the section on the Opium War.

Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park An Invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium From darkness to light, the 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents the history of opium from its natural properties to its use as long ago as 5,000 years. It traces opium's global journey through trade routes in the age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event that disgraced both winners and losers, leading to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty through to the Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.

Here visitors learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and obtain an understanding on opium prohibition, crime and conflict, effects of illegal drugs, and the efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer choices and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.

Hall of Opium also presents paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading. along with many photographs, films, and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world.

The Chiang Saen National Museum



The Chiang Saen National Museum is where knowledge can be sought concerning archaeology, settlements and history of the town. There are replicas of the community and scores of ancient relics including Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hilltribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments, opium-smoking accessories, etc. Open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon.