MAE FAH LUANG ART AND CULTURAL PARK
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Rai Mae Fah Luang was originally developed as a centre of education and youth development extending scholarship programmes sponsored by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation to disadvantaged students from impoverished communities in remote areas of the country.


The last class of the Foundation’s Remote Area Student Programme celebrated their graduation in 2004. With its original founding mission successfully accomplished, Rai Mae Fah Luang enters the next phase, completing the transition from education and youth development to its new role as a cultural centre and a centre of Lanna studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage.

LANDSCAPE
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THE CONSERVATION AND PROMOTION OF LANNA HERITAGE
Entrusted with this new mandate and guided by the belief that an essential component of cultural preservation is to conserve the environment in which the art and artefacts were created, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation strives to preserve the atmosphere and natural landscape in which the cultural arts of the ancient northern Thai kingdom, known as Lanna Thai, were nurtured.

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE PARK
The 26-hectare botanical gardens are planted with indigenous plants and trees and fragrant flora known to have inspired artistic motifs in the visual, literary and performing arts. Paths and walkways meander around the landscaped gardens, lotus ponds and rest pavilions or sala.

The gardens continue to play an important role in the contemporary cultural life of the community. Many artists visit the gardens in search of inspiration. The gardens also serve as a venue for staging cultural performances as well as the conduct of rituals in observance of ancient Lanna Buddhist traditions. Such cultural activities preserve the close connection between spiritual beliefs and the natural ecology of Lanna.

The majestic pavilions and galleries on the premises encapsulate the finest of Lanna art and architecture. Religious art and secular objects are displayed within its context and offer insight into ancient traditions and the Lanna Thai way of life.

THEME VENUE
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While the gardens are considered to be sacred ground where rituals are performed, it also has a more contemporary role and function. On numerous occasions, the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park has been the host venue for grand receptions and state banquets staged in honour of visiting royalty and international dignitaries.

THEME VENUE: 'NIGHT MUSEUM'
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HAW KHAM (Golden Pavilion)
A gift from the people of Thailand on the 90th birthday anniversary of HRH the Princess Mother, the Ho Kham Golden Pavilion is constructed in the traditional Lanna style and houses the country’s finest collection of Northern Thai religious and secular art and artefacts that have been collected over the years by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under the patronage of HRH the Princess Mother.

It is believed that religious implements, once consecrated, remain sacred in perpetuity. So, in deference to local beliefs, a selection of items from the collection consisting primarily of objects related to ceremonial activities are enshrined in the Haw Kham and the majestic pavilion encapsulates the very essence of Lanna Buddist ritual. The religious art is displayed within its context, provisions having been made for those who wish to offer their respect.

Of these, an ancient Lanna-style teakwood statue of the Lord Buddha enshrined in the pavilion is of special interest. Each evening, the ritual candelabra (or sattapan) placed around the Buddha image are lit to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and his image.

Seen from a distance, the sight of the flickering candles against the backdrop of twilight is breathtaking. The shroud of silence is interrupted only by the rustle of leaves as the lush canopy of mature trees sway in the breeze and the sounds of the impending night. Immersed in absolute serenity, the ritual candle-lighting is indeed a wondrous and awe-inspiring spectacle to witness – one that leaves little doubt that this is indeed the sacred abode of celestial beings.

Artefacts housed in the Haw Kham include Buddha images or Phra Buddha Rup, palanquins to enshrine the images called Prasat, Satthaphan candelabra, Tung Gradan (wooden standards), Khan dok containers in which floral offerings are made, as well as smaller religious items, textiles and architectural pieces.

Most larger items are of carved, lacquered and embellished wood.

Contact information:
DOI TUNG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
TOURIST CENTRE
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 7114 Ext 217 or 234
Fax: +66 (0) 2254 1665
E-mail: tourism@doitung.org