Chiang Mai’s National Museum was opened in 1973 by the King of Thailand and contains a range of exhibitions about Chiang Mai city’s history as well as the history of the Lanna Kingdom. The Museum is also an important educational center attempting to preserve art and culture from the North of Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom used to rule over Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai was its last capital (the first being Chiang Rai). The Lanna kingdom merged to join Siam in 1775 but a common perception belonging to Chiang Mai and its people is that they are Lanna first and Thai second.

The Chiang Mai National Museum was built with traditional architecture and displays a beautiful multi-tiered Lanna style roof. Inside there are a range of exhibitions including the history and art of the Lanna Kingdom and how the city of Chiang Mai has changed since the rule of Siam (now called Thailand).

Admission to the Chiang Mai National museum is 30 Baht and it is located next to Wat Jed Yod. The Tribal Museum is within a 5 minute drive of the Chiang Mai National museum and has the same opening hours so many visitors combine their visits to the two museums.