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Bangkok National Museum has a history dating back to the year 1874 when King Rama V opened the first-ever public museum. This museum exhibits collections of King Rama IV’s reign and other historical objects. Set up in the Concordia Pavilion within the Grand Palace, it was later moved to Boworn Sathan Mongkol Palace, the Front Palace or Wang Na. The exhibits are categorised into 4 topics: History of Fine Arts, History of Thai Art through Generations, The Wang Na Historical Sites, and Gallery of Thai History. So, if you are a history buff on a tour to Bangkok, this museum is a must-visit for you.
Quick Details About Bangkok National Museum
Address: 4 Soi Na Phra That, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM (Wednesday to Sunday), Closed (Monday and Tuesday)
Ticket Price: 200 THB for foreign tourists; 30 THB for citizens. Children under 12 years of age, students, senior citizens, priests of all religions, novices, and ICOMOS members are relieved from the entry fee
How To Reach
Photo: Harald Hechler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Metro: The museum is 2 km away from Sanam Chai MRT station. Once you reach the last station, you can reach the attraction by walking.
By Ferry: If you are near Chao Phraya River, then first reach the Maharaja Pier by a ferry ride and then walk around 750 metres to reach the museum.
By Bus: Thammasat University Bus Stop and Sanam Luang Bus Terminus are the closest bus stops to the museum. So, you can reach the attraction from there by walking.
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Things To Do In Bangkok National Museum
Categorised into four different topics, there is a lot more that you can do inside the museum.
1. Enjoy The Thai Puppet Show
Photo: Kent Wang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The puppet shows share traditional Thai folklore and mythical stories. Along with it, the intricate designs of the puppets are pieces of art that showcase Thai traditions and art. Through the traditional puppet show, they showcase the heritage and mythological tales of Thailand, thus preserving and presenting their stories.
2. Buddha Gallery Tour
Photo: Alexandre Chambon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This exhibition showcases the evolution and change in the depiction of Buddha through art over time. There are several Buddha sculptures made with different materials such as wood, bronze, stone, etc.
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3. Thai Textile Exhibition
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Thai Textile Exhibition is a display of traditional Fine Silk weavings that Thailand is famous for. It shows different forms of weaving patterns and techniques and the brilliance of the fabrics. The clothes on display range from everyday wear for ordinary people to silk robes of royal families.
Places To Visit Around Bangkok National Museum
There are many other places to explore around the attraction for a history buff in you.
1. The Grand Palace
Photo: Mr.Sayompoo Setabhrahmana / Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1782, the Grand Palace of Bangkok has been the royal residence since then. The grand palace is so vast that it is like a walled city within the city of Bangkok. The palace is surrounded by a wall of 6234 feet long. The palace covers a total area of 2.4 million sq. ft. The architecture showcases Thai heritage and royalty through its gold spires and slanting multilayer roofs that are intricately stylised and spread over 100 brightly coloured buildings.
Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
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2. Museum Siam
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
Museum Siam is a modern way of learning about history and heritage. The museum aimed to create an environment to learn through advanced technologies and activities. The museum has a permanent exhibition of ‘Decoding Thainess’ that exhibits fun and interactive storytelling sessions to make the process of learning more fun and entertaining. It is the first-ever learning museum under the NDMI (National Discovery Museum Institutes) that brings forward a fresh new approach to the idea of museums.
Location: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
3. The National Gallery
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The National Gallery was established on 19th April 1974 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. The gallery is divided into two stories and multiple sections to efficiently exhibit the huge collection of art. The ground floor has three sections of exhibits: The Western Influence Art Exhibits, the Royal Paints Exhibits, and the Art Gallery. The first floor of the gallery holds art exhibits showcasing Thai Culture.
Location: 4 Chao Fa Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
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4. Wat Arun
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Arun is a temple that is famous not just for its astonishing architecture but also for the beliefs tied to it. Wat Arun is an 82 meters high Khmer-style tower (prahng) situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You can reach the top of the tower through steep stairs and enjoy the most astonishing view of the river. The tower is embellished with floral mosaics of broken Chinese Porcelain.
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
5. Jim Thompson House Museum
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons
James H.W. Thomson was the American soldier who originated the silk industry in Thailand. He received the most exalted order of the White Elephant from the Thai Royals for his contribution to Thai benefits. Jim Thompson House Museum is a preserved exhibition of his Thai home. The museum operates between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM for guided tours. A visit to the main house is only allowed with a guide.
Location: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Where To Stay
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Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious resort, every kind of stay is available near the museum. The hotels offer all basic amenities along with the option for complimentary breakfast in house restaurants, swimming pools and many other facilities. Royal Rattanakosin Hotel, Cherie Bangkok Boutique, Centara Life Hotel Bangkok, etc. are some of the closest hotels to the museum available at different price ranges.
Where To Eat
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There are many restaurants near the museum offering varied cuisines ranging from southeast Asian specialties to western favourites. You will get amazing food at a diverse price range. Tom Yum Kung, Savoey Restaurant, Ranee’s Restaurant, Favour Cafe, etc. are some of the nearest restaurants that you can visit for some delicious meals.
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Best Time To Visit
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November to February marks the most favourable weather for exploring the outdoors of the palace and museum. This period is known as the cool season in Thailand, and thus, it is the best duration to explore the attraction.
The Bangkok National Museum is an exhibition of art and culture showcasing the rich history of Thailand. The largest museum in southeast Asia houses an endless collection of mesmerising artefacts that are sure to amaze you, especially, if you are a history buff. Extravagant and educational, it is a perfect blend to represent the heritage and story of Bangkok. So, plan your next trip to Thailand with TripXL, and make it memorable while exploring such unmissable sites.
Cover Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
