137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is hosting a curated photography exhibition at its museum, showcasing rare vintage images from the two-volume book Heritage Hotels of Asia, published by World Scientific Publishing Singapore. The property is the only one in Chiang Mai included in the book, giving the exhibition a fittingly historic setting: the teak homestead was built in the late 19th century as the northern headquarters of the Borneo Company and remains one of the city’s best-preserved examples of heritage architecture. The show traces the architecture, character and legacy of grand hotels across Asia.
The exhibition is free and runs daily from 19th September to 19th October 2026 at 137 Pillars House, 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road, Tambon Wat Gate, Muang Chiang Mai.
It closes on Monday 19th October with a talk and discussion led by Kenneth Barrett, author of Heritage Hotels of Asia, on the history of Asian hospitality and the evolution of heritage tourism, drawn from his research into the region’s historic properties. The talk runs from 6pm to 8pm at The Dining Room within the resort. Tickets are THB 600 nett, including a glass of wine or signature cocktail and canapés.
About the book Heritage Hotels of Asia documents the history, architecture and cultural stories behind Asia’s classic hospitality destinations through archival photographs and historical narrative.
About 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai 137 Pillars House is the flagship property of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The 30-suite hotel is built around a restored 130-year-old teak homestead that once served as the northern headquarters of the British East Borneo Trading Company. Located near Wat Gate Temple and the Ping River, it houses The Dining Room, the MICHELIN-recognised Palette, and Jack Bain’s Bar, along with a 25-metre infinity pool and the Nitra Serenity Centre.
Media contact: Jaffee Yee, exhibition curator — jaffeeyee@gmail.com / 081 922 9063