158-162 The Old Row House on Charoen Muang Road

Location: 158-162 Charoen Muang Road, Tumbol Wat Ked, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai

Occupant: Mister Narong Noenbhunsk

This is the ancient wooden row house situated in Chiang Mai province, one of the few that still remains today. Its most outstanding feature is its balcony and the gorgeous wooden carved stair rails. The property has passed through a few hands to its current owner, Mister Norong Noenbhunsuk, who has been living there for sixty years. In the past the house was a sell and repair bicycle shop under the name “Lioew Shun Lee”.

U Hotel Chiang Mai

Location: 70 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambol Sri-Poom, Amphur Muang, Chiaang Mai

Occupant: Associate professor Jarunee Maneekul

U Hotel is situated in the center of Chiang Mai city. It was a former residence of the first governor general of Chiang Mai, Phra Nayok Khananukarn (Muang Tiphaya Monthon), who was assigned any important tasks to all royal family and nobleman in the north. For example, he was a guard chief to suppress all kind of rebellions. He also followed the voyage of the Princess Dara Rasmi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Besides, he was the renovation group leader for WWat Phra That Sri Chom Thong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

U Hotel Company Limited is now the owner, which has later rented the entire building and land for its hotel affair, approximately 1 Rai ( 1 rai = 1600 sqm) for twenty years. At the beginning, all entire building had been damaged from the use of a former owner in a long period. Thus, the renovation started under the concept of reconstruction the past by preserving and maintaining the unique building. Especially, its roof and gable, which has been decorated with the Tiphaya family symbol; the sun in the triangle frame. The interior of the building has been changed the layout to appropriate the hotel services for tourists. It is divided into two part, front reception and rooms for guests.

Today the building has been operated under the name “U Hotel Chiang Mai”. With its history and value, the hotel guests can enjoy peaceful atmosphere among the Lanna culture in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum

Location: 15 Praisani Road, Tambol Changmol , Amphur Muang, ChiangMai

Occupant: CAT Telecom Public Company Limited

Year established: 1910

Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum was a former building of the Monthon Payaap Court before the construction of the first Post and Telegraph Office in Chiang Mai on April 1 st, 1910. Later, the building was extended with the addition of a second storey for more working spaces and public services. It was named “Mae Ping Post Office”.

CAT Telecom Public Company Limited began a restoration project to establish the Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum. It was first opened to the public on November 15^th, 1990. Initially the ground floor had been used as a post office until the restoration was finished. Afterwards the post office was moved to a new building. Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum has been able to continually progress since 1996.

The interior of the museum contains 4 sections; Library Service, Postage Stamp Sales and Collectibles, Postage stamps on display such as Thai and foreign stamps dating back to the reign of King Rama VIII, and the exhibition in which participants are able to develop a greater understanding of the old postal service. Various other forms of dated and original communication tools like Morse Code, 12-volt telegraph key or tables and benches, which were of the museum exhibits five old post boxes from different places. The museum aims to increase both students and enthusiasts’ knowledge and understanding of current and historical postal operations in Thailand. Today it is open to visitors on Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.