It all started in Hawaii
The idea for the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center was born in 1968 during a stop-over in Hawaii, when Khun Oon and Khun Borvorn Chutima, the originators of the centre, visited the Polynesian Cultural Centre and the International Market in Honolulu.

Realising the increasing popularity of northern Thailand as a tourist destination, a similar cultural centre in Chiangmai could only enhance the area’s attractions and further boost the ever growing number of visitors. Plans were made to build the centre on 25 rai of land Wualai Road not far from the Chiangmai International Airport. The Project was started in 1970.

The centre’s buildings were designed by Col Jira Silapakanok who had made an in-depth study of Lannathai (northern) architecture and traditional local building materials. Authentic northern roof tiles, made of simple baked clay and locally known as “Din Khaw”, had to be especially manufactured, as they were no longer produced. The architectural style adopted for the buildings was the “Ruean Pae” style, meaning “row house” in the northern dialect.

The foundation stone of the complex was laid on September 5, 1970 and construction progressed rather rapidly with the centre’s Khantoke restaurant opening on April 2, 1971. Delays in the supply of teak wood and roof tiles somewhat slowed down progress and the complete centre was finally opened on August 25, 1972.

Today, the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center is known in many countries all over the world. It has been recognised by the international tourism industry as one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Thailand.