5 Thai Museums
5 Thai Museums
Museums are great avenues for learning about the history of Thailand and the Thai people. They often display conservation of artifacts and various artworks that reflect the way of living of its people.
Elephant Go Go invites you to take a break from the usual attractions in Bangkok and explore one (or more) of these excellent museums. If you are keen on gaining an insight into Thailand’s culture and heritage, hop on one of our Elephant Go Go buses and leave the rest to us!
Bangkok National Museum
Bangkok National Museum, Phra Nakorn is the de facto national museum of Thailand. The museum is housed in a former palace (known as Wang Na which means Front Palace in Thai) of a viceroy during Ayutthaya period. The palace was constructed in 1782 and was later converted to a museum in 1926. The museum has been in operation for more than 93 years.
The historical museum displays valuable artifacts and has a rotational exhibition as well as various artworks, including sculptures and mural paintings. There is also a royal garage containing ceremonial carriages used by the royal ceremonies up until today.
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 09:00 – 16:00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, Sanam Luang Stop.
Museum of Siam
Museum of Siam is a discovery museum that promotes national identity of the people of Thailand from the past to the present. The museum walks visitors through the origin of Siamese (the old name of Thai people) and all things that define Thai people such as culture, arts and food. Museum Siam uses interactive technology to present the exhibitions in an innovative and unique way.
The museum is housed in a former Ministry of Commerce. The historic building is over 100 years old and provides an excellent backdrop for learning about the history of Thailand.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, Wat Pho stop.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok
Madame Tussauds Museum is a world class wax museum with multiple branches around the world. The one in Bangkok does not only display life-size wax replicas of international celebrities and stars but also important Thai artists and celebrities. You can learn about Thai history through these wax replicas or better yet, pose for a photo in one of the historical scenes in Thai history.
Hours: Everyday, 19:00 – 21:00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, Siam Paragon Stop.
Bangkokian Museum
If you are keen to experience life in Bangkok in the bygone era of pre and post World War II, pay a visit to Bangkokian Museum.
The Idea of Bangkokian Museum originated from the owner of the house, who wanted to preserve the lifestyle of early Bangkokians for younger generations. He donated the property to be used as a museum. The exhibitions are divided into 4 compounds and the buildings have been preserved to look the exact same way as they did in the year 1937 – 1957.
Aside from giving you a glimpse into life of Bangkokians in the past, the museum is also a great place for a stop and some relaxation as it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and big trees.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Blue Route, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple stop
Jim Thompson’s House
James Harrison Wilson Thompson or Jim Thompson was an American businessman, famed for revitalising the Thai silk industry. The Thai silk brand “Jim Thompson” is also known worldwide. His disappearance remains an unsolved mystery up until this day.
The museum is comprised of 6 teak-wood traditional Thai houses, exhibiting Jim Thompson’s personal collections which include valuable antique and contemporary arts and sculptures from all over Asia. For those interested in Asian arts, this museum is not to be missed. There is also a demonstration of traditional Thai silk production.
Hours: Everyday, 09:00 – 18:00
Accessibility: Elephant Go Go Red Route, Siam Paragon Stop.
