“Tai Lue Cultural Center (Wat Yuan) showcases ancient Tai Lue woven fabrics with beautiful patterns, the Tai Lue way of life, and traditional Lue architecture, along with historical and cultural information of the largest Tai Lue community in Chiang Kham.”
Tai Lue Cultural Center, Wat Yuan, was established within the Wat Yuan compound to preserve and revitalize the cultural heritage of the Tai Lue people who migrated from Xishuangbanna (southern Yunnan, China). The center exhibits cultural works and provides training in traditional Tai Lue crafts, especially colorful woven fabrics.
Tai Lue Ethnicity:
The Tai Lue people in Chiang Kham form the largest Tai Lue ethnic group in Thailand. Their ancestors migrated from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. Most of the area consists of mountains and narrow valleys along rivers, which served as their settlements and farmland. They migrated to Chiang Kham via the Mekong River in 1856 (B.E. 2399). Tai Lue people are peace-loving, hardworking, and maintain traditional cultural practices, including clothing, daily life, and handicrafts.
Exhibitions:
The center is presented as a folk museum adapted from Lanna/Tai Lue-style architecture. Exhibitions include:
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Lifestyle: Household items, tools, and recreated daily life of the Tai Lue people, including wet-rice farming
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Ancient Documents: "Pab Sa" or local manuscripts, and artifacts related to beliefs and religion
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Tai Lue Woven Fabrics: Highlights include ancient textiles and woven products with vivid patterns and colors, such as Dok Kor Khreu, Dok Kor, and horse motifs
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Architecture (Lue Houses): Ancient Lue-style viharn, shingle roofs, and murals depicting daily life, traditions, and merit-making
Tai Lue Cultural Center (Wat Yuan) is a comprehensive cultural learning center suitable for visitors interested in history, local culture, weaving, and the Tai Lue way of life, as well as understanding their migration and settlement in Thailand.
How to Get There
- From Chiang Kham town, take Highway 1021 towards Huai Yuen Subdistrict for approximately 5–6 km. Follow the signs to Wat Yuan, park at the temple lot, and walk to the Tai Lue Cultural Center.
Travel Tips
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Watch weaving demonstrations: The center often organizes community activities and weaving groups. Ask to watch live demonstrations of weaving and other crafts.
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Buy souvenirs: Purchase Tai Lue textiles and local handicrafts as souvenirs.
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge
Opening Hours:
- Open: Wednesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 16:00
- Closed: Monday & Tuesday