Visiting Museums & Monuments in Bangkok

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Visiting Museums & Monuments in Bangkok

Bangkok has a wealth of museums, palaces and temples (Wats) to visit.

• For a full list of places of interest see the website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Although there is no special discount or pass card for visitors to these attractions the entrance fee is usually very good value. Often there are two fees, one for Thais and another more expensive fee for visitors to Thailand. A Thai driver's licence can sometimes allow a foreign resident in Thailand to pay the lower Thai fee. Temples are usually free apart from certain temples in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Tourism website also provides details of entrance fees, addresses, local transport options and also lists any special dress requirements or rules to follow when visiting attractions in Bangkok.

Dress, Photographs & Other Advice

Note that taking photographs is often restricted and temples may have dress restrictions. For example, in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the holiest of Thai temples, shorts or sleeveless shirts are forbidden and shoes must have closed heels and toes. Sandals are forbidden. Other temples have less strict clothing requirements but it is still considered rude to wear shorts, although it will usually be tolerated.

Here are a few other dos and don'ts to observe when visiting holy sites:

• When entering any building containing a Buddha image, shoes should be removed. Do not pose for photos in front of Buddha images and do not let children climb on them. If sitting, never sit with your feet pointed towards a Buddha image
• Women should not touch a monk directly but may place something on the monk's receiving cloth
• Contributions when entering a temple are greatly appreciated as this is relied upon for the upkeep of the building
• Check for individual rules concerning photographs and cameras but never take pictures of monks unless they have given permission
• Never step on the doorsill of an entrance into a temple as it is tradition that someone's soul is present inside
• For individual requirements for each museum, temple or palace refer to the Bangkok Tourist website

Museums in Bangkok

National Museum

The National Museum houses a collection of antiques and royal gifts, dating from the Kingdom of Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin period. Another section of the museum is dedicated to the history of art and archaeology in Thailand, fine arts and ethnology. The funeral chariot hall exhibits funeral carriages and objects from Royal cremations.

• National Museum
  At: Na Phrathat Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200
  Tel: 02 224 1333
  Fax: 02 224 1404
  Open: Wednesday to Sunday 09:00-16:00
  Website

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

This is one of Bangkok's largest museums and houses a number of antique bronze Buddha images as well as many gold treasures, including a fifteenth century crouching elephant, the original relic casket from Wat Mahathat and a royal sword with gold scabbard and crystal handle.

• Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
  At: Rotchana Road, Ayutthaya
  Tel: 03 524 1587
  Open: Wednesday to Sunday 09:00-16:00
  Website

Jim Thompson's House Museum

The museum provides the opportunity to see a traditional Thai house and beautiful garden. It was the home of James H W Thompson, founder of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. There is a shop selling Jim Thompson silk as well as a café attached to the museum. Situated close to the National Stadium BTS station.

• Jim Thompson's House Museum
  At: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
  Tel: 02 216 7368
  Fax: 02 612 3744
  Open: daily from 09:00-17:00
  Website

Science Museum and Planetarium

The museum includes a planetarium, science and technology exhibitions as well as sports science exhibitions. Part of the museum is dedicated to traditional Thai technologies such as carving and pottery.

• Science Museum and Planetarium
  At: 928 Sukhumvit Road Phrakanong Sub-District Khlong Toei District, Bangkok 10110
  Tel: 02 392 1773
  Fax: 02 391 0522
  Open: Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-16:30

Muang Boran Ancient City

The "world's largest open air museum" highlights the architecture and arts of Thailand through the ages.

• Open: every day 08:00-17:00
  Website

Temples (Wat) in Bangkok

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and Grand Palace

The most well known temple in Thailand is located in Ratanakosin in the centre of Bangkok. Despite usually being busy, the temple and the palace are definitely worth a visit. A strict dress code has to be followed when entering this temple.

• For further information. Click here

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

The original home of the Emerald Buddha, the temple was continually improved by the original Kings of Thailand. Today, even though it no longer holds the Emerald Buddha it is still a very impressive Wat.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the home of the famous Reclining Buddha. The Wat Pho Traditional Massage School not only offers massages, it can also provide tuition to those wanting to learn the art of traditional Thai massage.

• For further information Click here

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Local Tourism Notes