Tribal Museum

The Tribal Museum is an ethnographic museum in Chiang Mai that displays detailed exhibitions about the traditional life of nine mountain tribes in northern Thailand. The collection includes traditional clothing, jewelry, household items, and other authentic objects from the daily life of these communities.

The museum grew out of Chiang Mai University's Tribal Research Institute and became a dedicated space for documenting the indigenous peoples of northern Thailand. This development reflects a growing effort to preserve and make the cultures of these mountain communities accessible to the public.

The museum displays original artifacts, traditional musical instruments, and architectural models from different ethnic groups including the Akha, Karen, and Hmong people. These objects help visitors understand the craftsmanship and daily life of the highland communities.

The museum is located behind Ratchamangkla Park and opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering guided tours with English language descriptions. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the varied exhibits thoroughly and learn more about the life of these highland peoples.

Monthly markets at the museum feature members of different highland tribes selling handmade crafts and traditional items they have created themselves. These events give visitors a chance to see artisans at work and understand the creation process behind the displayed objects.