The National Museum: charts the history of Chiang Mai from pre-historic times through to the arrival of the railway, missionaries and tourists. Situated in a neo-classic Thai building near the historically important Wat Jed Yod, it is a little dated and unkempt, but has an informative storyboard (in English) of the key cultural and historic influences of this 700-year-old city.
Superhighway, Chan Phuak. Open: 09:00 to 16:00 Wed to Sun.

Tribal Museum: offers an intriguing insight into the lives and customs of Thailand’s minority ‘hill tribes’, who lead subsistent lives in the highlands of the North. There are more than eight unique and colourful tribes whose ancient culture is preserved here in the face of changing influences.
Rachamankla Park, Mae Rim road. Open: 09:00 t0 16:00, Mon to Fri.

Doll Museum: a curious celebration of the traditional Thai art of doll making, featuring hundreds of dolls dressed in various traditional costumes from across Asia. Housed in a large new building near Baan Tawai, it also doubles as a workshop and wholesale outlet.
Hand Dong–Saraphi road, Baan Tawai: Open: 10:00 to 17:00, daily.

World Museum of Insects: is a bizarre, occasionally macabre catalogue of Asian insects in all shapes, sizes and colours. Some of the specimens are alarmingly large, others cleverly camouflaged. The proprietor is also a world expert on mosquitoes, with plenty of information on these pesky critters.
Srimankalajarn road, Nimminhemin. Open: 09:00 to 17:00, daily.