Lanna Architecture Center

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About Lanna Architecture Center

The Lanna Architecture Center, located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city center, is a place of tranquility and beauty. It's a spot that invites you to pause and appreciate the stunningly restored building and the carefully curated exhibition. However, it's worth noting that the information provided within the center is somewhat limited. Instead of having a guide, visitors are left to explore and interpret the displays on their own. This might be a drawback for some, but for others, it could be an opportunity to delve deeper into the history of traditional Lanna houses.

The tour of the traditional Lanna house, which is part of the center, takes about 15 minutes. It's a small house, but it's packed with history and culture. The entrance fee is 60 Baht, and visitors can choose whether they want to explore with a guide or on their own. However, it's important to note that the center has a two-tier pricing system, charging more for foreigners than for Thais. This has been a point of contention for some visitors, who feel that it's unfair and discriminatory.

Despite this, the Lanna Architecture Center has more to offer than just the house tour. There's a charming coffee shop within the compound, offering a place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The butterfly pea flower tea, in particular, comes highly recommended. It's a refreshing drink that changes color when you add lemon juice, creating a magical chemistry experiment right in your cup.

In addition to the coffee shop, there's also a small shop where visitors can purchase beautiful souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up a memento of your visit or a gift for someone back home.

The Lanna Architecture Center is part of Chiang Mai University and is surrounded by several other cultural and historical sites, including the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre, the 3 Kings Monument, Wat Duang Dee, Wat Chidi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh Woranahaviharn. Visitors can easily spend at least 30 minutes exploring the center and its surroundings.

Despite its small size, the Lanna Architecture Center is a place of learning and beauty. It offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Lanna people, and it's a nice, quiet spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the two-tier pricing system may be off-putting for some visitors. If this is a concern, there are other places nearby, such as the Lanna park, which offer a flat rate for all visitors.