Nan National Museum, Nan Province, Thailand

5Rafflesia 5:00 PM Jun 22, 2019

Beautiful House of the Lords of Nan
We started one day and had to finish the visit on the day after, yes! Not because it has lots of rooms, no, but because we started later at 3pm and the Museum closes at 4pm! And as we are Museum's addicted persons we like to see and learn every details of the History. Located in a large wide area, surrounded by beautiful and well maintained gardens, this Museum was before the Home of the Lords of Nan and by the 30's when the last Lord passed away in 1931, his family has donated the House and the all property to the Country. So, since then the Fine Arts Department decided together with the Princess to dedicate this beautiful place to Nan History and Culture. Very well organised, it starts with the History of the Kings genealogy on the ground floor and it goes to the second floor with the transformation of the House into a Museum as it is nowadays. The strong influence of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been of great importance as one of her greatest goals is to ensure that Thai Culture is preserved and disclosed to all thais and visitors. This museum owns a great collection of Lanna Art, Nan Art, Sukhothai Art, Siam Art and the mixing of these with other styles from Burma and Lao that influenced the local Art and made it so rich and prosperous even today! Undoubtedly a MUST VISIT when visiting Nan city or other places around Nan Province. Art works, the amazing Story and influence of the Unique Horn (they believe to be from a 60 year old elephant in the 14th century AD) that is a symbol for Nan People and Nan Culture, the History of the handmade Buddha Statues from centuries ago until today. Let me tell you how richness I felt after this very visit to this simple but remarkable Museum :-) I strongly recommend a Visit (start in the morning, if possible) and take some photos of the surrounding areas, it has such beautiful places also to relax :-)

4Wingfield73 5:00 PM Nov 5, 2020

Well laid out
This museum, located in a park and donated to the city by Princess Sirindhorn (younger sister of the Thai king) is well organised and includes a surprisingly large collection of prehistoric tools as well as religious and historical art. Many of the exhibits have descriptions in English as well as Thai. I would have given five stars but for the double pricing - Thais free - foreigners 20Baht. however this is even so good value for money.