Chiang Mai Cultural Centre at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art, and displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance is performed while the typical northern dinner "Khan Tok" is served. The Khan Tok comprises Kaeng Hang Le, a gingery pork curry; the chilli-tomato-minced pork dip called Nam Phrik Ong; and the crunchy pieces of pork scratching, or Kaep Mu, for dipping into the rich gravy.

The Chiang Mai Cultural Centre's buildings, designed by Jira Silapakanok shows 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.