Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Open daily, including weekends and public holidays

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00 – Weekends and public holidays 09:00–15:00

 

Petroleum Museum and Learning Center, Fang District, Chiang Mai stands as one of the most significant sites in the history of Thailand’s energy development. Located within the Fang Oil Field, the first oil field ever discovered and operated in the country, the museum preserves the origins of Thailand’s petroleum industry and showcases the early efforts of Thai engineers, geologists, soldiers, and local communities who worked together during the pioneering years of petroleum exploration and production. It serves not only as an exhibition space but also as a living archive that reflects how Thailand began its journey toward energy self-reliance.

 

The museum building was officially inaugurated on January 20, 2010, in a ceremony graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This milestone strengthened national efforts to preserve historical tools, documents, and narratives related to the petroleum industry in northern Thailand. Today, the museum functions as an educational center dedicated to sharing the story of petroleum exploration, drilling, production, and refining during a time long before modern technology became widespread. The exhibits allow visitors to understand how energy shaped the nation’s economic and technological development.

 

The story begins with the discovery of oil in Fang during a period when Thailand relied heavily on imported energy. This discovery sparked national interest and encouraged the government to investigate the potential of domestic oil resources. As a result, the Northern Petroleum Development Center under the Military Energy Department was established to oversee exploration, drilling operations, and the management of petroleum-related activities in the region. These early efforts combined geological expertise, locally built tools, and the support of the Fang community, forming a crucial foundation for Thailand’s energy sector.

 

Inside the museum, visitors will find a carefully curated collection of historical drilling tools, geological instruments, vintage photographs, documents, and diagrams that illustrate the early stages of oil exploration in Thailand. Scale models of drilling rigs and underground formations help explain technical processes in a simple, accessible way. Multimedia presentations guide visitors through the petroleum chain—from exploration and drilling to extraction, separation, refining, and distribution—making the subject approachable even for those with no technical background.

 

One of the most engaging sections highlights the lives of local communities who supported petroleum operations throughout the years. Their contributions ranged from manual labor and equipment maintenance to transportation and infrastructure support. These stories emphasize that the history of petroleum in Thailand is not solely about machinery and technology but also about people, families, and communities whose efforts sustained the work behind the scenes. The museum captures this human dimension thoughtfully, adding depth and cultural context to the overall narrative.

 

The outdoor exhibition area features original drilling wells, structural components, and large equipment that were once used in the Fang Oil Field. These preserved structures allow visitors to visualize the scale of early petroleum operations and gain a clearer sense of how challenging and labor-intensive the work once was. Informational signs placed around the site make it easy for visitors to explore independently and learn at their own pace.

 

The museum welcomes the public free of charge. General visitors may walk in during regular operating hours, while schools, universities, and organized groups are encouraged to make an appointment through an official letter addressed to the Director of the Northern Petroleum Development Center. This enables staff to prepare guided tours and tailor educational programs to different age groups, ensuring an enriching and suitable learning experience for all visitors.

 

Getting There: Travelers from Chiang Mai city can reach the museum by taking Highway 107 toward Fang District. Upon entering Fang, continue toward the Fang–Mae Suai road and follow the signs leading to the “Northern Petroleum Development Center, Military Energy Department.” The center is located in Mae Ka Subdistrict, surrounded by peaceful rural scenery, making the journey pleasant and relaxing. The destination is ideal for a half-day or full-day trip and pairs well with other attractions in Fang District, such as local temples, markets, and natural sites.

 

After exploring the museum and its outdoor exhibits, visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for how essential petroleum once was in shaping Thailand’s technological progress and economic development. The museum successfully illustrates the long journey—from primitive drilling methods to modern refining techniques—that helped build the nation’s energy infrastructure. It stands today as an inspiring educational attraction that connects history, science, community, and national development through one compelling story.

 

For travelers seeking meaningful and educational tourism, the Petroleum Museum and Learning Center offers a rare opportunity to discover a lesser-known chapter of Thailand’s heritage. Beyond the scenic mountains of Chiang Mai, this museum adds a thoughtful dimension to northern travel—one that enriches knowledge, sparks curiosity, and honors the legacy of those who laid the foundation for Thailand’s energy future.

 

 

A: The museum is open daily. Monday–Friday from 08:30 to 16:00, and weekends and public holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.

 

A: There is no admission fee for general visitors. Entry is free of charge.

 

A: Groups should send an official request letter to the Director of the Northern Petroleum Development Center so that staff can prepare guides and educational programs.

 

A: Most visitors spend 1–2 hours inside the museum, and 2–3 hours if they also explore the outdoor exhibits.

 

A: Yes. The museum offers simple explanations, models, and multimedia displays that make learning about petroleum fun and engaging for children and families.