The Haw Kham
A soaring golden teak hall.
Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0
A tranquil cultural park west of town holding the richest collection of art from the old Lanna kingdom of northern Thailand, created by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation in the name of the late royal Princess Mother. Its traditional timber buildings are spread among gardens, ponds and tall trees, far removed from the crowds of the famous temples. Its highlight is the golden Haw Kham, a soaring teak hall built in Lanna style to honour the Princess Mother, displaying wooden statues, carved doors and religious art from past centuries. Other buildings show textiles, traditional tools and contemporary art inspired by heritage. Foreigners pay about two hundred baht, and the park opens from half past eight in the morning to five in the afternoon, closed on Mondays. Shoes come off inside the halls, and modest dress is appreciated. It suits lovers of history, architecture and calm, and an hour and a half is enough. It lies near the road to the White Temple, so the two combine well in one morning.
A soaring golden teak hall.
The north's richest collection.
Ponds and trees away from crowds.
About 4 km west of central Chiang Rai
Lovers of art, history and quiet more than those after a showstopper. It makes a pleasant break between crowded temples.