Sankampaeng Ceramic Museum

Rating: 2.8/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09:00–16:00

 

Sankampaeng Ceramic Museum in Chiang Mai is a local archaeological and historical learning site that tells the story of ancient ceramic kilns in the Sankampaeng area. Located within Wat Pa Tueng (Khruba La), the museum preserves fragments of pottery, ceramics, and important evidence from excavated kilns, allowing visitors to see both the artistic side of production and the everyday lives of the craftsmen who once worked here, all in the peaceful atmosphere of a rural temple.

 

Sankampaeng Ceramic Museum was established in 1960 (B.E. 2503) after the Fine Arts Department, in collaboration with Wat Pa Tueng, excavated and studied the remains of ancient ceramic kilns in Sankampaeng District. A major survey led by Professor Kraisi Nimmanahaeminda in 1952 (B.E. 2495) identified as many as 83 kilns in this area. These discoveries confirmed that Sankampaeng was once one of the most important ceramic production centers in Lanna, which eventually led to the creation of this museum to preserve and display the artifacts for future generations.

 

The museum building is a two-storey brick-and-mortar structure located opposite the large golden teakwood pavilion that houses the preserved body of Luang Pu La. The ground floor is used as an exhibition space for ceramics and pottery from the Sankampaeng kilns, including items excavated by the Fine Arts Department and pieces preserved by the temple. Vessels and fragments are carefully arranged in glass display cases, with explanatory labels that help visitors understand the origin and context of each piece more easily.

 

The display cases contain nearly complete vessels such as bowls, dishes, vases, and jars, as well as numerous ceramic fragments which, despite their broken condition, are highly valuable archaeologically. They reveal techniques of forming, glazing, stacking wares inside the kiln, and traces of heat and cracking from actual firing. Together, they offer a clearer picture of how the ancient kiln masters thought and worked than text in a book ever could.

 

Beyond ceramics and kiln fragments, the museum also exhibits other important evidence, such as the stone inscription pedestal of “Muen Dab Ruean” found in the nearby area, along with a replica and translation. These pieces show the connections between temples, local communities, land endowments, and the construction of significant Buddha images in the past. They highlight that this area was not only a production site for ceramics but also a spiritual and cultural hub for the people of that era.

 

The surroundings of Wat Pa Tueng are lush and tranquil, making it a pleasant place for a slow walk. Visitors can begin by paying respects and making merit at the golden teak pavilion, then cross over to the museum building to view the ceramics and learn about the Sankampaeng kilns up close. A visit here is not just about looking at old objects; it is a chance to reconnect with the “roots” of Lanna craftsmanship that once flourished and still leaves its traces beneath the soil of Sankampaeng today.

 

Getting There to Sankampaeng Ceramic Museum is straightforward. From Chiang Mai city, take the Chiang Mai–Sankampaeng Road and continue toward On Tai Subdistrict. Look for the entrance sign to “Wat Pa Tueng.” The total distance is about 25–30 km. The museum is best reached by private car, taxi, or chartered songthaew from the city, and can easily be combined into a day trip with other attractions in the Sankampaeng–Mae On area, such as Bo Sang Handicraft Centre, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Doi Nang Mo, or Ban Jang Nak Museum.

 

 

A: It is ideal for those interested in archaeology, ancient ceramics, Lanna history, students, and travelers who want a new perspective on Sankampaeng as an historic ceramic production center.

 

A: In most cases, walk-in visits are fine without advance booking. However, for large groups or educational study trips, it is recommended to contact the temple or museum in advance for arrangements.

 

A: A general visit usually takes about 45–60 minutes. If you plan to read the information panels carefully and closely observe the details of each artifact, allow at least 1–1.5 hours.

 

A: Photography is generally allowed, but visitors should avoid using flash, refrain from touching the artifacts, and follow the instructions of staff or caretakers to ensure long-term preservation of the objects.

 

A: Yes. It is easy to combine a visit to the museum with nearby sites such as Bo Sang Handicraft Centre, Ban Jang Nak Museum, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Doi Nang Mo, or other natural and cultural attractions in Mae On for a full-day trip.