Khum Chao Burirat House

Why Khum Chao Burirat House is special ?

“Khum” means a mansion or house owned by members of Lanna royal family, thus Khum Chao Burirat literally means Chao Burirat’s mansion. Khum Chao Burirat is one of the few ancient “khum” left in Chiang Mai, featuring a Western-style structure on the first floor with Lanna wood accents on second floor. It was built during 1889-1892, showing the invasion of Western (British) culture among the royals during those ancient years. Chao Burirat was one of the highest-level royals in Chiang Mai during the period of 1774 - 1932. The mansion is now the office of the Lanna Architecture Centre, Architecture Faculty, Chiang Mai University.

Source: http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Khum-Chao-Burirat-House--3904

What to explore at Khum Chao Burirat House?

A Khum is a traditional house of northern Thai Royalty. Chao Burirat, refers to one of the highest levels of government offices in the Chiang Mai political system during the period from 1774-1932. The house architecture was created by combining traditional and colonial styles. A model of the first western influence to come to Chiang Mai, it shows a perfect blend of local and western style. The first floor has thick brick walls with a round arch arcade on the north facade. The second floor and roof structure, however, were built of teak in the Thai style. This unique architecture was influenced by British merchants engaged in the teak trade. At present, it is the office of the Lanna Architecture Centre, Architecture Faculty, Chiang Mai University.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/22999_info_khum-chao-burirat-house.html