Wat Ket Karam Museum

📍 Location of Wat Ket Karam Museum 🚘 Directions to Wat Ket Karam Museum

About Wat Ket Karam Museum

Wat Ket Karam is a charming and memorable destination that stands out among the many beautiful temples in Thailand. Its uniqueness lies in its celebration of the Year of the Dog, making it a special place for those born under this Asian Zodiac symbol. The temple is not located in the center of the tourist area, which lends it a quieter, more serene atmosphere. It's a wonderful place for a short 30-40 minute side trip, or even longer if one wishes to linger and soak in the tranquility.

The temple is also home to a collection of dog statues of various breeds, donated over the years. These, along with other creatures, add a unique charm to the place. The temple grounds are beautiful and serene, located just east of the Ping River. It's a great place to relax and contemplate while enjoying the sights of Chiangmai.

Wat Ket Karam also houses a museum, which is quite unusual and unique. The museum was founded by Jack Bains, a man of Scottish and Burmese descent, who passed away a few years ago. The museum is a treasure trove of beautiful, weird, interesting, bizarre, religious, and artistic objects, all jumbled together in a wonderful way. It's a very photogenic place that promises an unexpected and beautiful experience.

The museum is located in an old wooden building with interconnected rooms, and another building on the side that houses some exhibits. The collection is eclectic, to say the least. From mammoth bones to weaponry, royal fabrics, prayer flags, and faded photographs depicting the history of Chiang Mai, the museum offers a quirky and wonderful experience. There are also exhibits of Chinese Buddha statues, Chinese pottery, ancient medicine sets with chicken bones, a pendulum balance for weighing opium, ships in bottles, an Egyptian mask, and even statues from Indian mythology.

Just across the Ping river from Wororot market, on the pedestrian bridge, Wat Ket Karam is easily accessible. Despite its proximity to cafes and well-known restaurants, the temple complex is often quiet, with only a few people around. The museum, in particular, offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can explore at their own pace.

Wat Ket Karam is a delightful little temple that offers a pleasant change from the large, magnificent temples in the center of town. Serving the Chinese community, it is a more humble version of a Buddhist temple, but no less satisfying. The attached museum is a real glimpse into the past, containing a topsy-turvy collection of gifts given to the temple over the years. While it may not offer a traditional educational experience, it more than makes up for it with its unique ambiance and charm.