Museums in Bangkok

Information on the museums of Bangkok, including those specialising in archaeology, science, architecture, fine arts, technology and ethnology...

Details about the wide range of museums in Bangkok can be found below.

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
  

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
  

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 of Greenville, Delaware (USA), founder of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, who mysteriously disappeared in 1967 while on a hike in Malaysia. 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

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.

• Muang Boran Ancient City
  Open: every day 08:00-17:00
  

Museum of Siam

A museum tracing Thai identity over thousands of years with a variety of interactive exhibits, designed to encourage visitors to investigate and play games to discover the story of Thailand. Located close to the Grand Palace and Wat Po on Sanamchai Road.

• Museum of Siam
  Tel: 02 225 2777
  Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00