Museum of Insects: a Chiang Mai Treasure

[Frank James]

After five years, I finally made a visit to the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, in the Nimman neighborhood. I have passed by this place many times and said I've got to check that out. Well, I did, and I recommend it to anyone who is thrilled by the natural world. The place is jam packed with displays of every sort of bug, beetle, flying things, etc,and also many minerals, artwork, etc. I need to go again, because it was too much for me to absorb in one session.

 

You can check out their website, to get some idea, but really, go on down there and ring the doorbell. http://www.thailandinsect.com/

 

Best of all was meeting and chatting with Dr. Rampa, a delightful lady whose whole life, along with her scientist husband, has been devoted to studying mosquitoes (well, and other things too, I'm sure) It's a family owned, private museum. The entry fee is 200 baht, and well worth it. There is no typical museum BS of hustling you into a gift shop. I've never seen anything quite like it.

 

Google it. Trip Advisor gives it a glowing reference, and rightly so. I'll go back. 5 Stars, 10/10, whatever. Loved it.

[dave2]

re

 

I finally made a visit to the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, in the Nimman neighborhood.

 

they have another smaller one half way down sunday walking street just before the police station :)

 

dave2

[Frank James]

That's why I saw what looked like a wrong address in one of the web sites! They must have so much stuff they needed two places. Well, I will go check that one out soon. Thanks.

[Chicog]

Went to the one in Nimman years ago, back when you had to ring the doorbell and they decided whether or not you could come in.

Quite fascinating stuff, especially the mosquito collection.

[scottishjohn]

 

Went to the one in Nimman years ago, back when you had to ring the doorbell and they decided whether or not you could come in.

Quite fascinating stuff, especially the mosquito collection.

"they decided whether or not you could come in."


 No offence meant! but maybe they had enough exhibits already.

[dave2]

re

 

"they decided whether or not you could come in."


 No offence meant! but maybe they had enough exhibits already

 

you think chicog looks like a mosquito ?

 

just joshin chicog !

 

dave2

[Chicog]

Seriously, that's how they used to advertise the place. If they didn't like the look of you, they wouldn't let you in.

 

Of course my fine upstanding self and partner were obviously respectable enough.

 

[Chiengmaijoe]

Seriously, that's how they used to advertise the place. If they didn't like the look of you, they wouldn't let you in.
 
Of course my fine upstanding self and partner were obviously respectable enough.
 

Couldn't they have just put a "no riffraff" sign on the door?

[Cuddlycat]

Sound likes a cool place to check it out. Thanks for sharing.

[Docno]

I'm sure that place would wind up my Isan gf's appetite ... I hope they have the exhibits pinned down and behind glass

[Frank James]

Chicoq is right about the doorbell and lookover. The sign by the bell says to ring ONCE and make it a short ring. Thing  Dr. Rampa's daughter (a lovely lady) comes and looks at you through the grille. Somewhat like "The Magic Theatre" in Herman Hesse's great novel Steppenwolf  ("Not for Everybody"). I don't know what their admittance criteria are, but I'm very glad they let me in.

 

Dr. Rampa and her husband are world renowned experts in everything to do with mosquitoes. In 1957 the doctor was paid 12 baht a day to go into the bush in Thailand and collect mosquitoes all day long. There are many varieties, and a few of them can cause you BIG problems. Next time I want to ask the doctors: what happens to a female mosquito that never gets a chance to draw blood from an animal, and, how long do mosquitoes live?

 

Also on display is an incredibly diverse collection of the many varieties of those huge beetles that country folk here like to stage fights with. And insects that look just like leaves and sticks. This world flourishes all around us, at least where we haven't killed it off.

[laolover88]

They also sometimes have a display at the CM Flower Festival

[garyinhuahin]

Fun! I'm planning a CM trip at some point with my ladyfriend & her 9 year old. Sounds like a good take, provided children are allowed.

[ironbark]

I also visited the museum many years ago .... it was a unique experience and I am glad to hear that it is still going strong. The "proprietors" are no spring chickens but I wish I had the energy they seem to have. 

[Krataiboy]

Went to the one in Nimman years ago, back when you had to ring the doorbell and they decided whether or not you could come in.

Quite fascinating stuff, especially the mosquito collection.

 

You mean with a mug like that they let you in?!!!!!!!!

[wileycoyote]

Excellent POsting ,I honestly didn't know it existed but will visit

[JeffCharlot]

I've been there within the last couple of months and had a great visit.  Apparently, I passed the "Riffraff" sniff test and was allowed in.  Upstairs is some amazing collections of many unique wonders of the oceans, as well as a wonderful collection of other stuff.

[Frank James]

CORRECTION: to my post number 11:

 

"Thing Dr. Rampa's daughter (a lovely lady) comes and looks at you through the grille."

 

Meant to write " Then Dr. Rampa's daughter...etc." I don't want anyone thinking her name is "Thing."

 

Sorry.

[duanebigsby]

Nice to know. Thanks.
I just stumbled across the fact BKK has an excellent looking aircraft museum. I haven't
been, but their website looks like they have impressive planes.
Next time in CM I'll see some bugs and next time in BKK I'll catch some planes.

[scottishjohn]

 

Seriously, that's how they used to advertise the place. If they didn't like the look of you, they wouldn't let you in.
 
Of course my fine upstanding self and partner were obviously respectable enough.
 

Couldn't they have just put a "no riffraff" sign on the door?

 And of course the 'free water' sign!

[Chicog]

Nice to know. Thanks.
I just stumbled across the fact BKK has an excellent looking aircraft museum. I haven't
been, but their website looks like they have impressive planes.
Next time in CM I'll see some bugs and next time in BKK I'll catch some planes.

Go and look for the DC3 on Koh Kret - an island in Bangkok!

[OccamsRazor]

I was just planning to upgrade my camera kit with a macro lens. Sounds like an interesting place to try it out with.