Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, Chiang Mai

Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, Chiang Mai Overview

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders in Chiang Mai is indeed one of its kind. Its quaint collection of bugs, crawlers, butterflies and any other insect that crosses one’s mind is amusingly creepy. These are all creatively displayed on glass frames that are hanging on the walls inside the museum. The place initially does seem uncomfortable with all the bugs hanging around. However, the quirky way in which seems to be sharing knowledge about these creatures does amuse people once they get used to the creepy feeling inside. It indeed is a complete different and unusual experience from the rest of the city of Chiang Mai and definitely deserves a visit from both locals and foreigners.

The best part about Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is that it doesn’t just restrict itself to these crawlers and flies only. It also houses a number of beautiful paintings based on various elements of nature that are on display here. So, it completely justifies its name- it is a houseful of nature’s wonders. The entire collection, including every single object at this idiosyncratic museum is a part of a personal collection. The super duo who owns this collection is a husband and wife couple – Manop Ratna Rittirong Gul and Rattana Rumpa Rittirong Gul who have been dedicated contributors to the Smithonians.

Inside the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

This three storied museum was opened in 2002. It took almost half century for the duo to collect and do research on each of the species displayed in the museum. Since the two of them dealt with mosquitoes, that was their first category of collection, which later expanded to other creatures of the bug and insect community across the world. At present, it contains around 10,000 species including around 400 different kinds of mosquitoes from Thailand.

Besides the display of pinned insects there are rocks that make this place a proper and ideal habitat for the creatures. In addition to thi,s there are a number of fossils of bones, tress, animals, leaves and shells of various shapes, sizes and colors that are on display too. It is this diversity that makes the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders weirdly fascinating. Since it is a personal museum, the founders are seen to be around at all times and are extremely friendly.

How To Reach Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is located in the Nimman area,which 10 minutes away from the old city area of Chiang Mai on the Siri Mangkalajarn Road. It might be a little tricky to find the building as it looks contrastingly unremarkable and non- amusing from the outside unlike the inside. And the long name often confuses the locals.

You can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk (local three wheeler taxi) to reach the place and ask the driver to take you to the Green Palace Hotel. The Museum of World Insects And Natural Wonders is just next door. Both Tha Phae Gate Old City bus stop and Talad Warorot bus stop are near to the place.