Chiang Mai Historical Centre

This guide to the Chiang Mai Historical Centre traces the site back to 1296, when King Mangrai planted the city's founding pillar inside a temple called Wat Sadue Mueang, the temple of the city's navel. It follows the pillar's later move to Wat Chedi Luang and the site's slow passage through generations of Chiang Mai's ruling family, until construction crews broke ground for this very museum. Look down at the excavated stone floor as you walk through the exhibits.