MUSEUMS

Museums of Bangkok, Thailand

::National museum::

Within the walking distance of the grand palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in southeast asia. bangkok’s national museum houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from neolithic times, sukhothai, ayuttthaya to bangkok period. the complex, also begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful thai architectural design. the museum is open everyday, except mondays, tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. admission fee is 40 baht.

::Royal barge national museum::

This shed, where several royal barges are displayed, is located near phra pin klao bridge. the barges were used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels. the most beautiful barge is “suphannahong” used by the king only when he made his royal river procession for the kathin ceremony, a buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during october to november. the unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors. the shed is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. admission fee is 30 baht.

::Vimanmek mansion museum::

or vimanmek palace, located on ratchawithi road behind the national assembly, it is the world’s largest golden teak building. the 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante- chambers. a guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects. the compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. admission fee is 50 baht.

::Jim thompson’s thai house::

this remarkable thai-style house, was the work of mr.jim thompson, an american who came to thailand at the end of the second world war and revived the thai silk industry. his house, now a museum, is at the end of soi kasemsan 2 opposite the national stadium on rama i road. on permanent display are mr.thompson’s collection of asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques. it is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. admission costs 100 baht. volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors. Web site: click here

::Khamthieng house::

this is a classic northern-style teak house, originally constructed in chiang mai more than 200 years ago and donated to siam society by its owners. it is located at 131 soi asoke (sukhumvit soi 21). a variety of thai flora can be seen in its garden. also on display are items used daily by thai farmers and fishermen. it is open daily except sundays and mondays from 9.00 a.m., to 5.00 p.m. admission fee is 100 baht.

::Museum of imagery technology::

The first camera and photograph museum established in thailand and asia, is located at the same building as the faculty of science, chulalongkorn university. historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are collected and displayed. modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited. it is open on monday to friday from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. admission fee is 100 baht.

::Sciences and planetarium::

located next to the eastern bus terminal (ekamai) on sukhumvit road, this is an exhibition center on a variety of scientific knowledge including astronomy, communication technology, and biology. visitors can also enjoy seeing an interesting aquarium, a computer world, a planetarium, as well as other devices created for fun and education. it is open daily except mondays and public holidays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. admission fee is 30 baht for adult and 15 baht for children.

::Science museum::

the science museum is part of the national science museum's project which aims to be recognized as one of asia's leading science and technology museums. the six exhibition floors of the museum are each devoted to different aspects of science and technology including the traditional thai technology. visitors are encouraged to touch, to try things for themselves and to have fun with the exhibits in line with the 'hands-on' concept. the museum is located at the technopolis, khlong 5, rangsit-nakhon nayok road (approximately 10 minutes from future park rangsit shopping center). open tuesday-sunday, 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m..admission fees are 20 baht for children and 50 baht for adults. (tel.5774172-8) to get there, one can take air-conditioned bus no. 1155 from rangsit market or future park shopping center.

::Philatelic museum::

the museum is on the 1st floor of the metropolitan postal bureau behind sam sen nai post office, saphan khwai area. it is open on tuesday to saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. admission is free. thai and foreign stamps of the past are on display. the collections of post books in both thai and foreign languages are available at the library. stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale.

::Hall of railway heritage::

this is a train museum where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. it is located on the western side of chatuchak park adjacent to kamphaeng phet road. it is open to the public only on sundays from 5.00 to 12.00 a.m.

::Thai labour museum::

located near the makkasan railway station, nikhom makkasan road, this small museum exhibits labour history of thailand from the pat to present. it is open on wednesday to sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

::Prasart museum::

this museum is at 9 soi 4 a, krungthep kritha road off srinakarin road. it houses a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to bangkok periods. the imitation of some beautiful thai architecture is scattered within the museum complex. prasart museum is open everyday except monday from 10.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. admission fee is 500 baht. contact the museum at 3793601 and 3793607 prior to your visit.

::Ban chang thai::

this house is where thai puppets are made and displayed. it is situated at 38 soi 10 ekamai road off sukhumvit road. thai puppet shows are held occasionally. call 391-3807 for more information.

::Doll museum::

located on soi ratchataphan , off ratchaprarop road, this museum exhibits dolls from many countries including thai dolls in both classical and tribal costumes. it is open from monday to saturday from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. call (02) 2453008 for more information.

::Rare stone museum::

the museum features a fascinating display of over ten thousand unique pieces of rare stones from thailand and various countries around the world. among the items are precious stones, fossils, mineral crystal objects, stalactites, etc. the museum is located at 1048-1054 new road, bangrak and is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. admission fee is 100 baht. tel.(02) 2365666.              Web site: click here

::Bangkok Bank Museum::

Located in the Bangkhunprom Palace, one of the Rattanakosin Period's historical sites with splendid artistic beauty in architectural design and decorative art, the Bank of Thailand Museum has on display Thailand's complete exhibition of the money evolution. The Museum disseminates the relevant knowledge to the public, particularly the youth, with the aim of encouraging them to realize the value of the nation's cultural heritage.

The Bank of Thailand Museum is open to the public (group visit only) from 9.00 - 12.00 am and 13.00 - 16.00 pm. Please contact in advance at : 273 Thanon Samsen.,Bangkhunprom Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Tel. 0-2283-6723, 5286, 5265 Fax. 0-2628-5892

NOTE: Temporary closed for renovation.  Will open in April 2006.

::Royal Thai Air Force Museum::

Representing the long heritage and history of the RTAF with displays of aircraft, insignia, uniforms and weapons, at Don Muang RTAF Base, Bangkok 10210. Hours of Operation:

-Weekdays/Weekends, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Except public holidays)                                               For more details, please contact Tel.02-534-1853 during office hours. Web site: click here

::Suan Pakkad Palace Museum::

The former residence of Princess Chumbhol, one of Thailand's leading art collectors, houses a large collection of fine arts and ancient artifacts, including mineral crystal and painted pottery from Ban Chiang, at 352-354 Sri Ayudhya Road, Rajathevi , Bangkok 10400 , Thailand.                               Museum hours : Daily. 9.00 - 16.00 hrs. For more information , please contact:                           Tel. : (662) 246-1775-6 # 229, 245-4934 Fax. : (662) 245-6369, 247-2079  Web site: click here

::Rama IX Art Museum::

624 Yaowaraj Place Building                                                                                                2nd fl., Room 203-4, Yaowaraj Rd., Sampantawong, Bangkok 10100 Thailand.                              Tel: (662) 639-1539 Fax: (662) 639-1540 Web site: click here