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.