Rachel James
Google
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.