Ganesh Himal Museum Temple

If you have had enough of gazing at Buddha images in Thailand’s glittering temples, the Ganesh Himal Museum offers a change of pace. Located in the countryside about 40km south of Chiang Mai, this temple-cum-museum is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh, usually depicted as a seated figure with an elephant’s head.

Thai Buddhism is intertwined with many other beliefs. The spirit houses seen everywhere, for instance, are a legacy of Brahmanism rather than Buddhism, and the same is true of Ganesh, to whom shrines stand throughout the country. Regarded as the God of Success, particularly in artistic and business ventures, Ganesh receives offerings from Thais about to embark on a new project.

The complex is divided into a temple for making offerings, a museum of Ganesh images, and a gift shop. There is no entrance fee, though most visitors toss loose change into a large tray in the first shrine to boost their fortunes. The variety of elephant sculptures is staggering, including such unusual sights as two elephants standing upright and hugging, alongside other figures such as a yogi balanced on one leg. Photography is not allowed inside the museum, where the most striking images are kept.

• What is it? A temple and museum dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh.
• When to go: any time.
• Nearest town: a few kilometers southwest of San Pa Tong, about 30km south of Chiang Mai.
• Address: 227 Moo 10, Yangkram, Doi Lor, San Patong.
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 daily.
• Entrance fee: free.
• Trivia: there is a service in the worshipping hall at 10am every Sunday.

There is no public transport to the museum. Drive south of Chiang Mai on Highway 108 through San Pa Tong, then after about 5km look for a sign to the museum and make a U-turn. Take a left where the museum is signed again and follow the winding road about 5km more to the site.