After a four-year renovation, the newly revamped Chiang Mai National Museum (053-221-308. Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm) is complete.

 

Built in 1969 to house the region’s finest Lanna and Buddhist treasures, the museum, while rough around the edges over the past few years, had always provided one of the richest collections of artwork in Thailand spread across 16 rooms.

 

Now, the beautiful architectural relics and ancient bronze Buddha castings have got the space they deserve, with lighting worthy of the finest international museums, 3D imaging and updated research on each of the exhibits.

 

The star attraction remains Phra Saen Swae, the biggest Buddha Head to be found in the Lanna Kingdom, cast entirely from bronze in the 14th century.

 

Entry price for Thais is B30 and B100 for foreigners.