Three Kings Monument Chiang Mai
A historic square in Chiang Mai's Old City, featuring sculptures of the city's founding kings and adjacent cultural attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Three Kings Monument Chiang Mai
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic square in Chiang Mai's Old City, featuring sculptures of the city's founding kings and adjacent cultural attractions.
"A lovely square in the heart of the Old City, a nice stop when exploring the area."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the impressive sculptures and surrounding historic architecture.
🏛️ Explore Nearby
Visit the Lanna Folklife Museum and ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Kings Sculpture
Central Square
Iconic bronze statues of Chiang Mai's founding kings, a symbol of Lanna history.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Behind the monument
Discover Lanna history and culture through engaging dioramas and exhibits.
Old City Exploration Hub
Old City
A perfect starting point to wander through ancient temples and vibrant streets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Area
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the impressive sculptures and surrounding historic architecture.
🏛️ Explore Nearby
Visit the Lanna Folklife Museum and ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Easily accessible on foot within Chiang Mai's Old City.
💡 Cultural Insights
Learn about Chiang Mai's founding fathers and Lanna history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the impressive sculptures and surrounding historic architecture.
🏛️ Explore Nearby
Visit the Lanna Folklife Museum and ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Easily accessible on foot within Chiang Mai's Old City.
💡 Cultural Insights
Learn about Chiang Mai's founding fathers and Lanna history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Three Kings Monument to be a significant historical landmark and a pleasant public square in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. It's praised as a central point for exploring nearby cultural sites and enjoying local life, though some feel it's more of a historical marker than a primary attraction if time is limited.
"Lovely square within the old city of Chiang Mai. The monument is stunning and the area is nice with restaurants and more in close proximity."
Jane Frances
"Spacious square in the heart of the Old City. I visited because it’s right next to the Lanna Folklife Museum and close to the Sunday Night Market. At night, locals come here to skateboard and hang out. A nice stop when exploring the area."
leotrails
"King Mangrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Ngam Mueang, the founding fathers of Lanna Kingdom, are commemorated in this 1983 sculptural wonder by artist Kaimook Chuto.
The sculptures themselves are beautifully made and I wondered if they were alive.
Behind the Three Kings Monument is the 'Chiang Mai Cultural Centre'. I did not realise that the Centre was right behind the Monument; and was elated to find it so.
I was trying to take in as much as possible of Chiang Mai's Old City, just before flying out.
The Centre and this Monument are central to this city's history. Entrance fees for this Centre is 90 baht for adults and that's a steal. You access all areas, even the special displays, for this ticket fee.
Since I walked in at a time when it was not crowded, I could take my time at reading the information about how Chiang Mai was established and about the Lanna Kingdom's history.
The dioramas are very life-like and I enjoyed seeing the manner in which people lived during early Chiang Mai's history.
I would suggest not rushing through the cultural centre, but taking your time to see everything and to watch the videos that show Chiang Mai's positive evolvement over the years.
The Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; which is why I had not scheduled in a visit to the old city on those days originally.
There are many tuk-tuks around the Centre and it is easy to take a Grab taxi from there to anywhere else."
Rachel James
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Three Kings Monument is located in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City, making it easily accessible by songthaew (red trucks), tuk-tuk, or Grab taxi. Many visitors also walk to it if they are staying within the Old City walls.
Parking can be challenging in the Old City due to narrow streets. It's recommended to use ride-sharing services or public transport. If you do drive, look for designated parking areas or street parking where available.
Absolutely! The monument is a central point and is within walking distance of many popular sites like Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre.
For exploring the Old City, songthaews are a popular and affordable option. Grab is also readily available. Many travelers enjoy walking to soak in the atmosphere.
Yes, it's an excellent starting point! Its central location makes it easy to plan your route to other historical sites and attractions in the Old City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Three Kings Monument is located in a public square and is free to visit. You can admire the sculptures and the surrounding area without any admission fee.
The monument is an outdoor sculpture in a public square, so it's accessible 24/7. However, the adjacent Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre has specific opening hours.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee for the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, which is 90 baht for adults. It's considered a great value for the historical information provided.
While it's a public space, visiting early in the morning or later in the evening might offer a more peaceful experience. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
The square can be a gathering place for locals, especially in the evenings. While not a primary event venue, it's a lively spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The monument commemorates King Mengrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang, who are considered the founding fathers of the Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Mai.
You can admire the sculptures, visit the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, explore nearby temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, and enjoy the local atmosphere. +1
Yes, the monument itself is a striking subject, and the surrounding area offers opportunities for capturing the essence of Chiang Mai's Old City.
Yes, the monument is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors, offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
It's a museum dedicated to the history of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom, featuring life-like dioramas and informative videos. It's highly recommended for understanding the city's heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mr. Kai in the Old Town is recommended for Khao Soi and is located close to the Three Kings Monument. Chuan Chom is another option mentioned for delicious Khao Soi.
Yes, the area is bustling with dining options, from local street food to sit-down restaurants. You can find various Thai dishes and international cuisine.
Khao Soi is a must-try, a rich curry noodle soup. Mango sticky rice and various noodle dishes are also highly recommended. +1
Definitely! The Old City is known for its affordable street food and local eateries, offering delicious meals at low prices.
Yes, there are numerous cafes in the vicinity, perfect for a coffee break or a light snack while exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The monument itself, with the three kings, is the primary subject. The surrounding square and the architecture of the nearby cultural centre and temples also offer great photo opportunities.
Daytime offers good natural light for clear shots of the sculptures. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for a more atmospheric feel.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the statues and their expressions. Including the surrounding environment can add context to your photos.
The nearby temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, as well as the charming streets of the Old City, are excellent for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the surrounding Old City offers opportunities for family-friendly activities like trying local snacks and observing daily life. Consider incorporating a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary or a fun activity like quad biking, which are popular in the wider Chiang Mai area, to balance historical exploration with more active entertainment.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The Old City is also a hub for budget-friendly dining, with numerous street food stalls and local eateries offering delicious meals at low prices. Getting around the Old City via songthaew is also very economical.
🏛️ History Buffs
Combine your visit with explorations of nearby ancient temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, which further illustrate the historical and architectural significance of the Lanna period. Understanding the history of these sites will greatly enrich your appreciation of Chiang Mai's past.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Three Kings Monument
Adjacent to the monument is the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, which offers a deeper dive into the region's history and traditions. This center provides valuable context for understanding the importance of the three kings and the evolution of Chiang Mai. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the Lanna way of life, the kingdom's governance, and its cultural achievements. The center's dioramas are particularly noted for their lifelike representations of historical scenes, making the past come alive for visitors.
The monument and the cultural center together form a crucial hub for understanding Chiang Mai's identity. It's not just a tourist attraction but a place of historical reverence for locals. The square itself is a lively public space where locals often gather, especially in the evenings, adding a dynamic layer to the historical significance of the site.
Exploring Chiang Mai's Old City from the Monument
+1Beyond the temples, the Old City offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. You can wander through bustling markets, sample delicious street food, and discover unique artisan shops. The area around the monument is also known for its cafes and restaurants, providing ample opportunities to refuel and soak in the local atmosphere. Many travelers find that simply strolling through the Old City's lanes is an experience in itself, revealing hidden gems at every turn.
For those looking to delve deeper into local culture, the Lanna Folklife Museum, located directly behind the monument, is a must-visit. It offers fascinating insights into the traditional way of life in Northern Thailand. The combination of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and the general ambiance of the Old City makes the Three Kings Monument a perfect starting point for an immersive Chiang Mai adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit