The conical-shaped museum has a pretty setting on a little island in a reservoir on the north side of Chiang Mai. Exhibits provide a good introduction to Thailand's many tribal groups. The collection could use a little love, however, as lighting and labeling need improvement. Downstairs has a gift shop with crafts and postcards. The museum also has a collection of tribal houses just south of the reservoir, but finding them can be tricky due to lack of signs. You'll pass the main entrance, flanked by two big elephant statues, for the houses on the road to the museum, but this might be closed; in that case turn onto the road that follows the south shore of the reservoir past restaurants, and a gate should be open on the right. You can go into some of the houses, but they and signage could be in better shape. The museum is open 8:30 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4 p.m. except closed Sat.-Sun. and holidays. Free admission.