Mekong Basin Civilization Museum: Unraveling Ancient History in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a traveler's paradise, offering a rich tapestry of natural wonders and historical treasures. The region boasts stunning mountain landscapes, ancient ruins, historic sites, Buddhist monuments, and ethnic villages, providing a diverse range of attractions for visitors.

It is also home to various hill tribes, each with its unique and fascinating way of life. Amid this cultural diversity, the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum stands out as a must-visit destination for those exploring Chiang Rai.

For centuries, Thai civilizations have flourished and declined along the banks of the Mekong River. The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum serves as a hub for the study and research of arts and culture in the Mekong Sub-region. It aims to impart knowledge through a conventional museum format, contributing to academic research and educational services. The museum plays a crucial role in foreseeing the impact of art and cultural education, preserving cultural heritage, and disseminating knowledge about art and culture to society.

If you want to spend quality time with your family while expanding your knowledge, join us on a journey to the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum in Chiang Rai.

Fun Fact

The Mekong sub-region obtains cultural objects, photographs, books, etc., to keep the museum up to date with modern academic movements.

Discovering Mekong Basin Civilization Museum's Treasures

The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum, founded by Mae Fah Luang University in 2004, serves as a dedicated center for the study and exploration of art and culture within the Mekong Sub-region. It operates as a structured, museum-style resource for academic research services and the dissemination of knowledge related to art and culture to the broader society.

The museum's exhibitions are divided into three main sections:

1. External Exhibition

• Singha Park
  • This exhibit showcases the cultural unity of Mekong Sub-region countries through sculptures of Mom and five lions.
  • These sculptures are inspired by the artistic traditions of five countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
  • The Mom, Singh, and Naga sculptures symbolize guardianship and protection of Buddhism.
  • Additionally, a cultural stone representation, predating the emergence of Buddhism, serves as a site for religious ceremonies.

• "Rice and Ways of Life"
  • This section highlights the importance of rice in Thai society, emphasizing its significance in livelihood, economy, and culture.

• Replica Mekong Arch
  • Inspired by Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang Province, this replica gate is believed to bring auspiciousness, particularly in the eyes of the Lanna people.

• The Tai Lue Pavilion
  • Simulating the architectural art of the Tai Lue people, an influential ethnic group in the Mekong civilization, this area can be transformed for various museum activities, including the Chiang Rai Film Festival and a Japanese tea demonstration.

2. Interior Exhibition

• The interior exhibition is designed to resemble a temple room and includes displays like Tung Mongkol exhibits, Tung Ten Lions, Lanna Zodiac, Tung Yai, Tung Tai Lue, and Tung Buddha. These items have been preserved, exhibited, and distributed by Prof. Dr. Preecha Upyokin.
  
  
• The exhibition also features 12 replica relics from four countries in the Upper Mekong Sub-region: Thailand, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and China. The Lanna star diagram conveys the beliefs of the Lanna culture regarding stars, describing their appearance, names, and meanings.
  
  
• A section by Ajarn Songdet Thipthong presents creative works focusing on the elements of soil, water, wind, and fire. These pieces celebrate the 100th day of the Ban Dam Nang Lae City Fair and are accompanied by depictions of cultural objects gathered from field trips and donations. These objects serve as a means to narrate the natural way of life in the Mekong Sub-region over time.

3. Rotating Exhibition

• The current rotating exhibition, titled "Production Aesthetics FIELDWORK with LOVE," features paintings resulting from cultural fieldwork.

The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum is a vibrant repository of art and culture, providing a comprehensive view of the region's rich heritage and traditions.

Trivia

The museum shows cultural objects collected from field trips and donations. These cultural objects have been used to tell the natural way of life in the Mekong Sub-region for a while.

Why Visit the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum in Chiang Rai?

The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum serves as a prominent hub for the study and exploration of arts and culture within the Mekong civilization. It encourages students and scholars to gather knowledge in a conventional museum format, making it a valuable resource for research on cultural significance.

The museum plays an active role in art and culture education, fostering cultural preservation and promoting the dissemination of knowledge related to art and culture. Highlights of the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum include:

• A ceramic plate featuring Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Her Majesty the Queen.
  
  
• A replica of the Mekong arch, symbolizing prosperity according to the beliefs of the Lanna people.
  
  
• The Wihan Room houses 12 replicas of Buddha relics from four countries in the Upper Mekong Sub-region.
  
  
• Opportunities to take photos with Tung Mongkol, explore photographic representations of artistic objects from the past, and observe the constellations in the daytime sky.
  
  
• Display of cultural objects that are rarely seen today, such as fishing boats from the Mekong River basin crafted from whole trees, sizeable wooden rice kuti, Prasat Dharmas Nat from Burma, commemorative coins from hill tribes, ivory shoe spoons, and more.

The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the rich heritage and cultural significance of the Mekong region.

How to Visit the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum in Chiang Rai?

To visit the Mekong Basin Civilization Museum in Chiang Rai, start by making your way to Chiang Saen, a historic town in northern Thailand, which is home to the museum. The museum is located within the Chiang Saen National Museum complex, and it's advisable to check the museum's operating hours in advance as they may vary.

Once there, you'll have the opportunity to explore a fascinating collection of artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia displays showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Mekong River region. The museum offers valuable insights into the history and traditions of the local communities, as well as the broader Mekong civilization.

After your visit, take time to wander around the serene town of Chiang Saen, which is known for its stunning ancient temples and scenic views of the Mekong River.

Did you know?

Mae Fah Luang University founded the Museum of Mekong Civilizations in 2004 as a center for studying and researching art and culture in the Mekong Sub-region in a standardized museum style. 

Maps & More Information 

The Mekong Basin Civilization Museum stands out as a remarkable and invaluable institution among various museums. It was founded with the mission of advancing the knowledge and artistic heritage of the Mekong region. Situated in the erstwhile capital of the Lanna kingdom, it offers a wonderfully tranquil and unhurried environment for unwinding and rejuvenation. Visiting this museum is genuinely recommended, especially for those eager to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand's history.