Museums and galleries of Bangkok
There are several interesting, even exotic, museums in Bangkok and the unique ones such as the Royal Barges Museum and Erawan ‘Three Headed Elephant’ Museum are certainly worth getting to. The National Museum also has one of the finest collections of Southeast Asian antiquity in the world. You might not find interactive family-friendly museums to rival cities in Europe of North America, but the experience will likely be memorable. Here are the principle museums of Bangkok listed in order of popularity.
The National Museum
This is without a doubt the most important of its kind in Thailand. Thailand’s first museum, was originally established under the reign of King Rama IV, who used the building as a place to house his extensive private collection. It also served previously as a the Privy counselor’s residence beside the Grand Palace on the edge of the Sanam Luang ground. The museum is now home to the finest collection of art and historical displays in the region. All the exhibits contain English information and the guides and staff are always helpful and friendly. Some of the highlights include a wonderful display of ancient musical instruments and some incredible wood carvings and statues from throughout Thailand history. Several free tours depart daily from the entrance. Na Phrathat Road, Phra Borommaharatchawang, Phra Nakhon, (02) 224 1333, open: Wednesday to Sunday 09:00 to 16:00, fee: Thais: 30 baht, foreigners: 200 baht.
The National Gallery
A must-see for art lovers, and is located near the Grand Palace. The gallery is home the finest collection of traditional and contemporary art in the country. The building is separated into two distinct areas. The first of these contains traditional art, including some wonderful examples from the Ayuttaya style of the 17th Century and the 19th Century Bangkok style. The contemporary section houses examples of cubism, surrealism and modern-art. The National Gallery is helpfully places near to the Tha Athit pier. No. 4 Chao-Fa Rd., Pra Nakorn, (02) 281 2224, open: Wed. to Sun. 09:00 to 16:00, fee: Thai 30 baht, foreigner 200 baht.
The Royal Barges National Museum
Another popular destination for locals and visitors alike, located in sheds across the river from the Grand Palace. The museum houses the intricately designed barges that are only used for Royal processions along the river. All of the barges have been designed with the ultimate skill and care, and are a real treat to the eye. Some of the barges measure a huge 50m and are all adorned with different mythical heads.Arun Amarin Rd., Siriraj, Bangkoknoi, (02) 424 0004, open: daily 09:00 to 17:00, fee: Thai 20 baht, foreigner 100 baht.
Jim Thompson’s Thai House
This is an extremely popular tourist destination in Bangkok, conveniently located near Siam Square, but tucked down a lane beneath the National Stadium BTS station. The property features the home of legendary businessman and pioneer in the silk industry, Jim Thompson. The property is home to a series of traditional Thai houses that were a venue to many legendary social soirees during the 1940s and 50s. There is a large amount of information here, as well as some truly amazing pieces of art. An adjoining museum allows visitors to purchase all manner of top-quality silk. 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Lane Rama 1 Rd., (02) 216 7368, open: 09:00 to 17.00 daily, fee: Thai and foreigner adults 100 baht / children 50 baht.
The Vimanmek Mansion Museum
Located within the Dusit Palace compound and is the world’s largest building constructed from golden teak. This three-storey building contains a wealth of incredible architecture and art and is a true rendention of how the Thai monarchy lived at the turn of the twentieth century. Amongst its 81 rooms are some fine examples of Thai art and furniture. In some of the nearby buildings, guests can witness a collection of King Bhumibol’s photography and Queen Sirkit’s collection of rural handicrafts. 16 Ratchowithi Rd., Dusit, (02) 628 6300-9 ext. 5120, open: daily 09:30 to 15.30, fee: adult 75 baht/children 20 baht, foreigners 100 baht.
Suan Pakkad Palace
Tucked away on a peaceful little oasis in central Bangkok is the former palace of a Nineteenth Century royal and today houses an odd collection of Thai artefeacts the most interesting being the Thai traditional musical instruments of Prince Paributra. It’s another example of typical regal Thai houses of the era and the easiest of those on offer to get to in Bangkok.352-354 Sri Ayudhya Rd., Rajathevi, (02) 246 1775-6 ext. 229, open: daily 09:00 to 16:00, fee: Thai adults 50 baht, children 20 baht / foreign adults 100 baht, children 50 baht.
Home of MR Kukrit
A beautiful traditional Thai house of this former PM, with a good collection centred around his interests as a poet, writer, artist, philosopher and politician. The gardens are especially rewarding and it gives a good impression of a Thai statesman’s working residence of the era. 19 Soi Prapinit, South Sathorn, Thungmahamek, (02) 287 2937-8, open: weekends and public holidays 10:00 to 17:00, fee: adults 50 baht, children 20 baht.
Kamthieng House Museum
An excellent chance to see a rural Northern Thai mansion here in Bangkok, transplanted from the banks of the Ping river and now home to the Siam Society which preserves local cultural heritage. It contains a extensive collection of traditional artifacts, and the Northern styled gardens are lovely, a soothing experience.
131 Soi Asok, Sukhumvit Soi 21, (02) 661 6470-7, open: Tue. to Sat. 09:00 to 17:00, fee: 100 baht, 50 baht for children.
The Prasart Museum
Home to a huge collection of historic artefacts. Thailand’s history is traced from the pre-historic to the Bangkok periods. It is however located some way south of the CBD in Bang Kapi. Set in lush gardens it has an excellent collection of Siamese and Colonial era artefacts and luxuries.9 Krung Thep Kritha Rd., Soi 4, Bang Kapi, (02) 379 3601, open: Tue. to Sun. 10:00 to 15:00, fee: 1,000 Baht for 1 person, 2 persons or more @ 500 baht each (by prior appointment).
The Ancient City
An amazing collection of historical reproduction in a massive park that roughly resembles the shape of Thailand. It is actually the world’s largest outdoor museum and is made up of large recreations of Thailand’s most famous buildings and areas making it possible to ‘see Thailand’s historical sites and culture’ in a day. Guests can travel around by car or bicycle among the many ponds and gardens, but it’s located in Samut Prakarn which is a 45 minute drive south. A taxi will take you there, and it’s known in Thai and ‘Meuang Boran’.296/1 Sukhumvit Rd., Samut Prakan, (02) 709 1644-8, , open: daily 08:00 to 17:00, fee: foreign adults 300 baht, children 150 baht, Thai adults 150 baht, children 75 baht. More on the Ancient city.
The Museum of the Department of Forensic Medicine
A little more out of the ordinary should take a trip to the ghoulish collection of displays. There is a large room that is simply crammed full of mummified bodies, pickled limbs and even fetuses. Originally built as a way of showing medical students the workings of the human body, the museum has become a beacon for those seeking something slightly different from their trip to Bangkok. The main attraction of the museum is the gory, stuffed remains of some of Thailand’s most notorious murderers! Also on show and skulls shattered by bullets and the skeletons of Siamese twins. Siriraj Medical Museum 2 Prannok Rd., Bangkoknoi, (02) 419 7000 # 6363, open: Mon. to Sat. 9:00 to 16:00, fee: Thai 20 baht, foreigner 40 baht.
Erawan Museum - Three Headed Elephant statue
Seldom on the tourist itinerary but certainly worth a stop on your way to the Ancient City, this bizarre giant three-headed elephant on a lofty plinth took 10 years to finish and has become a local merit making icon. The interior of the plinth is fabulously decorated with all sorts of complex Buddhist and Hindu symbolism, as well as some rare and valuable Buddhist statues dating back to the 8th Century. The collection is the personal indulgence of the same man who developed the Ancient City and Pattaya’s remarkable Sanctuary of Truth. Well worth the visit, or a drive by. 99/9 Moo1, Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan, (02) 380 0305, open: 08:00 to 17:00, fee: Thais and foreigners: adults 150 baht/children: 50 baht.
The Philatelic Museum
On display is a large array of Thai and foreign stamps from the past and the present. Many of the displays here are available for sale. 1st Floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau (North), behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office, Phahon Yothin road, (02) 271 2439, Open: Wed. to Sun. 08.30 to 16.30, admission: free.
The Rare Stone Museum
is a quaint place that features some odd-shaped stones and small collections of ashtrays and cigarette labels. Given that Thailand and Bangkok is a centre for rare Gems from Burma, and known for its’ gem scams’, this is an appropriate museum. 29/2 Moo 1, Rangsit-Pathum, Banklang, (02) 581 4835, open: 09:00 to 17:00, fee: Thais (adult/child): 40/20 baht, foreigners (adult/child): 100/50 baht.
Updated and correct: January 2010
Traveller tale: Museums you must see
Bangkok has more museums than you can see in one trip, here are some of our favourites to occupy a few rainy days...more
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