Rating: 3.1/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Monday–Sunday (on Mondays only the 1st-floor rotating exhibition and the library are open)

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–16:30, Saturday–Sunday and public holidays 10:00–18:00

 

Treasury Museum (Sala Thanarak 1) is located at 52 Ratchadamnoen Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, right in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City along the famous Sunday Walking Street. The building was originally the residence of Chao Thipawan Na Chiang Tung, a grand two-storey mansion built in a mixed colonial–Lanna architectural style, known for its airy design and spacious compound. In 1995, the Treasury Department transformed this historic estate into “Sala Thanarak 1” and later developed it into what is now the Treasury Museum, serving as a regional center for numismatics, royal decorations, economic history, and public coin services for the northern provinces.

 

The heart of the Treasury Museum is its extensive collection of valuable ancient assets, especially Thai currency from different historical periods. Exhibits range from cowrie shells, pod duang (bullet money), hang money, kok money, and various forms of Lanna currency, to Thai coins and banknotes from more modern eras. Each showcase guides visitors along the evolving timeline of monetary systems, reflecting changes in trade, politics, and daily life. The viewing experience is akin to walking through layers of economic history—from community-based barter systems to the structured national currency system used today.

 

Beyond currency, the museum also houses royal regalia, orders, decorations, and commemorative medals issued on significant national occasions. These objects reveal the artistry of Thai craftsmanship, with each piece representing honor, rank, and contributions to the nation. Visitors can explore the detailed symbolism embedded in colors, shapes, and decorative patterns, gaining insight into the relationship between the monarchy, the state, and the people through these meticulously crafted items.

 

Another key function of the Treasury Museum is its role as a coin exchange and verification center for the northern region. Visitors can exchange worn coins for new ones or request verification of suspicious or damaged coins directly at the service counter. This makes the museum not only a cultural learning space but also a practical public service point for Chiang Mai residents. A small retail area is also available, selling commemorative coin sets and souvenirs inspired by the designs of Thai banknotes and coins.

 

In 2016, the museum underwent a major renovation that upgraded both the exhibition areas and visitor facilities. The original mansion was carefully restored while preserving its architectural integrity. Two new buildings were added to support rotating exhibitions and cultural activities, and the surrounding landscape was redesigned to create open courtyards and walkways that connect harmoniously with the ambiance of the Old City. The result is a museum that seamlessly blends heritage architecture with contemporary exhibition design.

 

The museum’s interior exhibitions are designed to allow visitors to “learn through interaction.” Multimedia elements such as illustrations, graphic panels, videos, animations, and interactive games help simplify complex subjects like economic history and the development of currency systems. The section on Lanna currency, in particular, clearly connects historical monetary forms with trade routes, local lifestyles, and shifts in political power across northern Thailand. These well-curated displays make the Treasury Museum engaging for visitors of all ages.

 

The overall atmosphere is calm yet full of detail. The restored mansion and the new exhibition rooms converse with each other, symbolizing how historical heritage can coexist with modern learning. The space that once served as the private residence of northern nobility is now a national treasure house where valuable state assets are preserved and interpreted for future generations. The friendly exhibit design ensures that even topics traditionally seen as academic or administrative become approachable for students, tourists, and local residents alike.

 

The Treasury Museum is operated under the Bureau of Asset Promotion and Development, Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance. Its presence in the Old City serves as an accessible window for northern communities to learn about Thai currency, royal decorations, and the role of the Treasury Department without traveling to Bangkok.

 

Getting There is easy due to its prime location. The museum sits directly on Ratchadamnoen Road inside the city moat area, close to Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. From Tha Phae Gate, visitors can simply walk west along the Walking Street route for around 10–15 minutes. The museum will appear on the left side, noticeable by its soft-colored heritage architecture. Red songthaews can drop passengers at Wat Phra Singh or directly in front of Sala Thanarak. For those driving, nearby public parking areas around the moat offer convenient options, followed by a short walk into the museum.

 

The Treasury Museum is open every day. Monday–Friday hours are 08:30–16:30, while weekends and public holidays operate from 10:00–18:00. On Mondays, only the 1st-floor rotating exhibition and library are accessible. Admission is free for all visitors. For group visits or inquiries, the official contact number is +66 53 224 237.

 

For travelers exploring Chiang Mai’s Old City, the Treasury Museum pairs well with visits to nearby temples, morning alms routes, and the Sunday Walking Street. After observing ancient relics and historic temples, stepping into the museum offers another dimension of Chiang Mai’s heritage—one that tells the story of economic change, craftsmanship, and state legacy through the lens of coins, banknotes, and royal decorations. When you exit back onto Ratchadamnoen Road, amid the bustling markets and cafés, the quiet depth of the museum’s stories tends to linger, enriching the city’s vibrant present with echoes of its economic past.

 

 

A: The Treasury Museum is open daily. Monday–Friday from 08:30–16:30 and Saturday–Sunday and public holidays from 10:00–18:00. On Mondays, only the 1st-floor rotating exhibition and library are open. Visitors should check for updates before visiting.

 

A: Admission is free for all visitors. Some special workshops or activities may require fees.

 

A: Exhibitions include Thai currency, ancient Lanna monetary forms, Thai coins and banknotes, royal regalia, orders and decorations, commemorative medals, and multimedia explaining Thai and Lanna economic history.

 

A: Yes. The Treasury Museum serves as a coin exchange and verification center. Visitors can exchange new coins, check damaged coins, or verify suspicious coins at the service counter.

 

A: Red songthaews can drop visitors at Wat Phra Singh or directly in front of Sala Thanarak on Ratchadamnoen Road. Walking from Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh, or Wat Chedi Luang is also convenient due to the museum’s central location.

 

A: Yes. Many exhibitions use interactive media, videos, and animations, making complex subjects easy for children to understand. Parents should supervise children to avoid touching delicate exhibits.