The Highland People Discovery Museum image

The Highland People Discovery Museum

Tourist attraction Heritage museum

Museum with indoor/outdoor exhibits on the history & culture of Northern Thailand's mountain tribes. People often mention museum, tribes, hill, visit, good, tribe, free, interesting, Chiang, staff,


Address

สวนล้านนา ร.9 Chotana Rd, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Contact

+66 53 210 872

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (229 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (31) tribes (26) hill (19) visit (19) good (17) tribe (14) free (14) interesting (11) Chiang (11) staff (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Reginald W. 5 years ago on Google • 888 reviews
    This museum consists of a number of displays of tribal costumes, primarily, and some tribal folk implements used in daily life—all on the second floor of the main building—and at a nearby location (300 meters away), a sort of village comprised of homes in the style of a number of the minority tribes of the hill people. Here, the homes are in a sad state of disrepair, poorly maintained and with minimal, but interesting, signage to explain a little about the traditions and clothing of each tribe. Very interesting, but with no guide and many huts locked and others wide open, no lighting to be found in one or more of the darkest huts and lighting where it wasn’t needed, it was a disappointment, as I find this aspect of Thai culture to be the most interesting of all. Look forward to my visits to actual villages.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lina E. 6 years ago on Google
    This is a government run museum and much more elaborated than the one in Chiang Rai. They showed us a short documentary about the different tribes at the beginning of the visit. In the second floor there are sections for each tribe showing their customs,traditional wear,  socio-economic activities and poltical organization. Quite informative. Also in each section there is a small screen with short documentary on each tribe The last floor showcase projects the government has done for the tribes. The tribes events calendar is very elaborated and informative.   Entry is free and donation is encouraged. Just a few meters from this musuem there is a hill tribe village museum which has model houses of hill tribes. Entry is free quite interesting as it shows life size homes of each tribe.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 I P. 3 years ago on Google
    Gives you an amazing insight into the varied hill tribes of Thailand. Contrary to what has been previously written, there is enough English to gain a clear understanding. Great displays. Definitely a must if visiting Chiang mai.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julian T. 1 year ago on Google • 127 reviews
    Nice place in a quiet setting on the lake. Learn a lot about the hill tribes. Well done displays, friendly staff. Free entry, can leave a donation on the way out. The staff might follow you around and take candid pics of you. Nearby you can see some examples of hill tribe houses. It was ok.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clara 4 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    So many interesting facts, history and artifacts to look at. I was there 1 hour before closure, sadly I didn't get the chance to read and look at everything. It runs on donation and there is a small gift shop at the end. Loved it 😁
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mod N. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting little museum with good descriptions in English. No crowds. Definitely worth a visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 I Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I was surprised to be able to see that exhibition for free. A description of each hill tribe is provided with a video, and can be viewed in Japanese. The inside is cooler and cool, so if you have a break, we recommend you to go! (Original) 無料であれだけの展示を見られるのには驚きました。それぞれの山岳民族についての説明が映像付きで、しかも日本語で視聴することができます。中はクーラーが効いていて涼しいので、少し休憩がてら、行ってみるのにはおすすめします!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 素行天下 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The museum is located in the middle of the lake. This museum is small, but it displays information about the hill tribes well. Each style well explains the layout and structure, cooking, worship, music, etc. Of course, clothing can also be realized within the style. (Original) 博物馆坐落在湖的中央,这个博物馆是小,但很好的展示了山上部落的信息。每个样式很好的解释了布局和结构、 烹饪、 崇拜、 音乐等,当然,服装也可以在款式内实现。
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jay l. 1 year ago on Google • 41 reviews
    Watch out for the small foot mats at the entrance It is very slippery and will slip you down to meet the Buddha The staff doesn't seem to have the motivation, reason or courage to be kind to visitors But the exhibits are good It is hot indoors There is no electricity upstairs
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ทีจี �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Where is the racecourse? #Unfortunately 02:11 Still running 13/01/2021 (Original) สนามม้าอยู่ที่ใด#น่าเสียดาย 02:11ยังทำงานอยู่13/01/2021
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sanjana Devi K. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum takes tips instead of fixed ticket price. Many of the exhibits are in thai only (3rd and 4th floor). 2nd floor provides quality information about he various hill tribes in Thailand, their origins, languages, and way of life. Still worth the visit. Will not need more than 1 hour to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashlene M. 1 year ago on Google
    Never learnt so much in such a short time! Loved the museum and it's varied descriptive methods. Definitely go visit if you want to learn about tribes, tribespeople, their histories before you actually visit them in the mountains. It's a good first day activity if you're a little nerdy. Go way before 4pm, since they shut down on time. Also, everything is in the perfect quiet location. Also, a free activity for people who are saving up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 유현우 2 years ago on Google
    Helpful place to learn about what kind of highland people are. Free entrance but donation pay is required. Good place for spending 1-2hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Junely R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) One of the good learning centers outside the classroom is impressed. The service staff are very good. (Original) แหล่งเรียนรู้นอกห้องเรียนที่ดีแห่งหนึ่ง ประทับใจค่ะ เจ้าหน้าที่บริการดีมาก
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandy B. 5 years ago on Google
    A great way to discover the history's of the hill tribes, lovely video and walk through and best of all just a donation entry
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 k배고가이 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Advantage of free! I put it on one of the buildings. People who are on the road or are comfortable to move can hear but do not come to the point. (Original) 무료라는 장점! 건물하나에 알차게 꾸며놓긴 했어요 지나가는 길이나 이동이 편한 분들은 들릴만 합니다만 일부러 올 정도는 아닌듯요
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oxana C. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting little museum. It’s a bit dated (not much of multimedia), but if you are up for reading and exploring, it’s worth a visit. The entrance is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 สุกิจ �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Is very good Anyone who does not know the ethnicity of the various tribes is invited to visit. (Original) เป็นรัยที่ดีมาก ใครที่ยังไม่รู้่ชาติพันธุ์ของชนเผ่าต่างๆก็ขอเชิญเข้าเยี้ยมชมได้ครับ
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karlos1066 11 months ago on Google • 267 reviews
    Pleasantly surprised how good this museum is. Some excellent displays on multiple floors. Very nice and helpful staff. Nice shop on ground floor selling authentic clothes etc. 100 metres away is another part of the museum with traditional houses of various hill tribes which you can casually walk around. 100% recommended

  • 5/5 uchit S. 4 months ago on Google • 164 reviews
    Near to convention center. 7 tribal peoples' life and dresses are well displayed in 4 story building. There is a gift shop of hand made materials, hat, bags, clothes in reasonable fixed price

  • 5/5 Rick T. 4 months ago on Google • 109 reviews
    This museum is free and should be a must visit for anyone having a holiday in Chiang Mai. History of the northern tribes, with detailed histories, artifacts, articles and even up to date university papers available to rouse really interested in culture. Very friendly staff and they often have university students assisting visitors.

  • 4/5 Paul E. 8 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    In a city fringe location this museum is full of knowledge about the different hill tribes of Northern Chiang Mai. I learnt so much about the dress and lives, and music of the tribes. A bonus was watching the free 15 minute video in air conditioned comfort. Staff helpful and happy. Recommended.

  • 5/5 David T. 2 months ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    Very informative and well presented displays of the cultures of the hill tribes in Thailand. No entry charge. Nice location on a lake.

  • 5/5 Colin R. 1 year ago on Google
    December 2022. Recently refurbished and renovated. Staff were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. Exhibits demonstrate ethnic cultural diversity of hill tribe people. Well worth a visit

  • 5/5 Henry Everhart- M. 1 year ago on Google
    I am so happy to have visited this cultural treasur in Chiang Mai. I visited today with the Curo Foundation and made many new friend and looking forward to helping them reach their goals this year. If your in the area please give this place a visit. A wonderful place to walk and the lake is amazing. A true hidden gem!

  • 5/5 Jan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice museum at beautiful location. Entrance is free, donation based. Stuff is very frendly. There is a 15minutes video and a lot of exponats and photos about the many Thai local tribes way of living and culture. Everything is modern and also written in English. It's worth visiting!

  • 5/5 Chris A. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an interesting museum. Not extensive and quite literary (reading required) but beautifully created; inviting and informative with a good blend of information... Some beautiful items in the shop too.... For those who cant visit the mountains - this little museum (free entry!) is a must. The Highlands People and their heritage deserve your attention.... Enjoy!

  • 4/5 Guillaume R. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s way more interesting that you would expect. Staff is super friendly, you can have a private visit or a walk alone tour. And also they are here to show you about the culture and preservation of the tribe’s culture more than for the money.

  • 5/5 Gloria P. 2 years ago on Google
    I like this museum because we can see all different cultures.

  • 5/5 Kamila C. 8 months ago on Google
    Divided into sections by tribe. It's very well organized and informative. And you pay what you think it's worth cause it's donation based. Worth visiting to get an idea about the hill tribes of Thailand!

  • 5/5 bertrand g. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) ..not to miss ... very well presented..many to learn..not easy to visit the mountains ..there the tribes come to us..this does not exclude a hike after .. (Original) ..à ne pas manquer...trés bien présenté..beaucoup à apprendre..pas facile de visiter les montagnes ..là les tribus viennent à nous..ce qui n'exclut pas une randonnée après..

  • 5/5 유상협 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I like the scenery around the museum once. It's not a big museum, but I was thinking about it, so I did not know how long it was going. You can see short documentaries about ethnic minorities in Thailand, which is quite fun and informative. The air-conditioner is well-equipped, so it's a good idea to visit for a while on a hot afternoon. Highly recommended. (Original) 일단 박물관 주변 경관이 좋아요. 크지 않은 박물관이지만 알차게 구상되어 있어서 시간가는 줄 몰랐어요. 태국 지역의 소수민족에 대한 짧을 다큐멘터리들을 볼 수 있는데, 꽤 재밌고 유익합니다. 냉방이 잘 되어 있으니 더운 오후에 잠깐 방문하셔도 좋을 것 같아요. 강력 추천합니다.

  • 5/5 Ja L. 6 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    Nice experience. A cute little museum to stop by, feel it with your heart.

  • 4/5 이정엽 5 years ago on Google
    Interesting

  • 4/5 Thomas V. 5 years ago on Google
    Interesting museum. You learn about all the different northern Thai tribes. Lighting needs to be improved however as it is often hard to read anything. The screen displays were not working. Film was very interesting.

  • 5/5 我仰望 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) not very clear (Original) 不是很清楚

  • 2/5 Sami D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Museum free but not very educational (Original) Musée gratuit mais peu pédagogique

  • 5/5 Ludwig T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You can learn a lot about the mountain tribes (Original) Man erfährt viel über die bergstämme

  • 3/5 Bill W. 3 years ago on Google
    The conical-shaped museum has a pretty setting on a little island in a reservoir on the north side of Chiang Mai. Exhibits provide a good introduction to Thailand's many tribal groups. The collection could use a little love, however, as lighting and labeling need improvement. Downstairs has a gift shop with crafts and postcards. The museum also has a collection of tribal houses just south of the reservoir, but finding them can be tricky due to lack of signs. You'll pass the main entrance, flanked by two big elephant statues, for the houses on the road to the museum, but this might be closed; in that case turn onto the road that follows the south shore of the reservoir past restaurants, and a gate should be open on the right. You can go into some of the houses, but they and signage could be in better shape. The museum is open 8:30 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4 p.m. except closed Sat.-Sun. and holidays. Free admission.

  • 5/5 SpeedingChang 3 years ago on Google
    Great museum that shows the different northern tribes with realistic characters in their unique setting. Even Free admission for this beautifull place and donations are accepted which we did. Other attractions can take an example from this museum by not not overcharging them and making visitors feel welcomed. Highly recommended! Well done and thank you to the super welcoming staff. Don't forget to visit the outdoor area where you can see the different tribe houses.

  • 5/5 Kelly W. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing, with a good selection of hilltribe paraphernalia. Would like to go back when I have more time to explore the exhibits in more detail.

  • 5/5 Rich S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great staff. Beautiful museum.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 4 years ago on Google
    Donation for admission. Out of the way but worth it. Several videos depicting tribal life, culture and handicrafts from each tribe. We spent over an hour. Closed weekends.

  • 4/5 Hans K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nicely furnished, no admission fee, but donation requested. Few visitors. Friendly staff. (Original) Keurig ingericht, geen toegangsprijs, wel donatie gevraagd. Weinig bezoekers. Vriendelijk personeel.

  • 5/5 Peter H. 4 years ago on Google
    Very much information!!!

  • 5/5 Potchara T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Get good knowledge (Original) ได้ความรู้ดีครับ

  • 5/5 Peter R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A well-made museum of craftsmanship and expertise that is definitely worth a visit if you want to know about the Thai tribes living in Thailand! (Original) Hyvin tehty ja taidolla ja asiantuntemuksella valmistettu museo jossa kannattaa ehdottomasti käydä, jos haluaa saada tietoaThaimaan vuorillaelävistä heimoista!

  • 5/5 인생역전 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Folklore materials are well preserved. Admission and parking are free and it is a good chance to get to know the folklore of Chiang Mai. (Original) 민속자료가 잘 보존되어 있는 곳. 입장료와 주차비가 무료이고 치앙마이의 민속를 알아 볼 좋은 기회가 될 듯.

  • 5/5 박원석 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This museum is related to the hill tribes in northern Thailand. The exact address is สวน ล้าน นา ร. 9 Chotana Rd, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand. Often locals and vans are unaware of it. Admission is free and surprisingly well organized, and there are audiovisual materials. Take time to look up. (Original) 태국 북부의 산지에 산재해 있는 고산족들과 관련된 박물관이다. 정확한 주소는 'สวนล้านนา ร.9 Chotana Rd, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 태국'이다. 현지인들도, 밴의 기사들도 잘모르는 경우가 빈번하다. 입장료는 무료이나 의외로 정리가 잘되어 있고, 시청각자료도 있다. 시간을 내서 찾아봄직하다.

  • 5/5 YJ S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Depending on your tastes and interests, you may feel good or lacking, but it was good and good considering the free admission. (Original) 취향과 관심사에 따라 좋을 수도 부족하다 느껴질 수도 있지만ㅋㅋㅋ 무료 입장인거 감안하면 유익하고 좋았어요 인류학적 관점의 서술이 재밌었네요

  • 3/5 Olaoluwakitan O. 4 years ago on Google
    Staff are very friendly. Free entry. Worth a 30-60 min visit.

  • 5/5 Helio R. 4 years ago on Google
    Must go and learn about hill tribes. Beautiful surroundings as well.

  • 4/5 yoram a. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Mountain Tribal Museum such as: Aka, mong, lisu ... (Original) מוזיאון השבטים בני ההרים כגון: אקה, מונג, ליסו...

  • 5/5 Ludwig T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice museum very informative (Original) Sehr schönes Museum sehr informativ

  • 3/5 Ka Yi L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) There are no wonderful exhibits, but if you are too busy, you can still check it out. Beware of two black dogs in front of the door. When he was riding a bicycle, he rushed to me and yelled at me. (Original) 沒甚麼精彩的展品,不過很閒的話還是可以去看看。當心門前有兩隻黑狗,騎單車去時他奔向我向我狂吠。

  • 4/5 Marcin P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Quite interesting, being nearby is worth a visit. (Original) Dosyć ciekawe, będąc w pobliżu warto odwiedzić.

  • 5/5 Martina M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting collection of information about all the different ethnic groups of northern Thailand. The setting is astonishing!

  • 5/5 Nattakorn S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) pretty (Original) สวย

  • 4/5 Casper P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Learning resources. Leapfrog (Original) แหล่งเรียนรู้ศึกษา. แอบบก้าวกระโดด

  • 5/5 권혜영 �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) There are so many things to see. The staff are so friendly. (Original) 아기자기 알차게 볼거리들이 있네요. 직원분들 모두 너무 친절하셔요.

  • 4/5 Walwickt T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The display area is a little small. Walk for a minute But the area of ​​the large hill tribe houses And more interesting If going to the event, it will be very good. (Original) พื้นที่จัดแสดงเล็กไปหน่อย เดินวนแป๊บเดียวจบ แต่พื้นที่จัดแสดงอาคารบ้านเรือนชาวเขาด้านนอกใหญ่ และน่าสนใจกว่า ถ้าได้ไปช่วงจัดกิจกรรมจะดีมาก

  • 4/5 totsapron t. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A place to gather Thai tribal culture to study (Original) สถานที่รวบรวมวัฒนธรรมชนเผ่าที่น่าศึกษาของไทย

  • 5/5 Pouisung T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Inside, the design is very beautiful. There are 3 floors. Unfortunately, not yet fully visited. Would like to have a hill tribe suit as a memorial to go home as well There will certainly be opportunities to come again. (Original) ข้างในออกแบบสวยมากครับ มี 3 ชั้น เสียดายยังเข้าชมไม่เต็มที่ อยากได้ชุดชาวเขาเป็นที่ระลึกกลับบ้านด้วย มีโอกาสจะเข้ามาอีกแน่นอน


Call +66 53 210 872 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

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