Siam Society

The 19th-century Kamthieng House, on the grounds of the Siam Society Headquarters, was a rice farmer's teak house, transplanted from the banks of Chiang Mai's Ping River. Its collection, organized with financial help from the Asia and Rockefeller foundations, is oriented toward ethnographic objects illustrating the culture of everyday life. Many agricultural and domestic items, including woven fish baskets and terra-cotta pots, are on display, and there's an interesting exhibit on the Chao Vieng, or city dwellers, from the northern Lanna Thai kingdom.

Walking through the small but lush grounds, which are landscaped like a northern Thai garden, offers respite from the Asok intersection, just behind the hedge. The Siam Society also supports an excellent library and gallery, with information on nearly every aspect of Thai society, concentrating on regional culture. Check newspapers for talks and tours given by experts.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.