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.

HAW KHAM NOI (Small Golden Pavilion)
The Wiang Ta murals were sent to the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park for safekeeping by the villagers and are currently stored on the premises in Haw Kham Noi – the Small Golden Pavilion, awaiting conservation. (In return, the Foundation built a new sanctuary in the village in the traditional Lanna style.)

The Wiang Tha murals depicting scenes from the daily life of the Northern people
were painted directly on the teakwood walls of a small temple in Phrae province and represents an invaluable record of northern Thai culture in the 19th century.

In addition to these major pieces, the collection in Haw Kham Noi also includes secular objects from the Lanna period, ranging from boats to musical instruments to kitchen, agricultural implements and textiles.

SALA KAEW
A ceremonial space for rituals

HAW KAEW
Gallery of Lanna Cultural Arts

The art objects and ornaments exhibited in the gallery surrounding the double courtyard are handcrafted from teakwood and reflect the diversity of traditional and contemporary Lanna art and culture. The collection includes secular objects such as boats, music instruments, kitchen utensils and agricultural tools from the Lanna period. A library situated within the gallery promotes the in-depth study of Lanna cultural arts.

NATURE PARK AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Rai Mae Fah Luang is also a botanical garden.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is open daily from 10.00 - 18.00 hours, except on Mondays.
   
 

Admission Fees

Visitors of Thai Nationality

International Visitors

Adult

Child

Adult

Child

Visit to the Garden

20 Baht

20 Baht

50 Baht

50 Baht

Visit to
Hor Kham and
Hor Kaew

150 Baht

50 Baht

200 Baht

150 Baht

   
Upon request, Rai Mae Fah Luang is made available as an event venue for theme dinners and private parties.
   
MAP
313 Moo 7, Ban Pa Ngiew, T. Robwiang, A. Muang, Chiang Rai 57000

Contact information:
Bangkok Office:
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 7114 Ext 217
Fax: +66 (0) 2254 1665
Website: www.doitung.org
E-mail: tourism@doitung.org

Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park
313 Moo 7, Ban Pa Ngiew, Tambon Robwiang, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Rai 57000
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 1968
E-mail: tourism@doitung.org

Objectives and Key Priorities
Please click to view

 
   
 
© 2005 Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage. All rights reserved.