12 Great Museums to visit in Bangkok
Bangkok is home to some of the finest cultural venues in the form of museums. These museums not only display artifacts of historical significance, as well as Buddhist relics and modern art pieces, but they are also often housed in buildings that are just as interesting as their contents. Visitors to these museums in Bangkok can expect to see a range of sublime and strange collections that offer insight into Thailand’s diverse culture and unique heritage. From ancient artifacts to contemporary works of art, these museums showcase the best of Thailand’s artistic, historical, and cultural offerings. Our recommended museums in Bangkok are sure to delight visitors with their high-quality exhibits and the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural history. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking to learn more about Thailand’s culture, these museums have something for everyone.
Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is a must-see destination for those interested in learning about Thailand’s cultural heritage. Located in the former 18th-century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon, the museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. The museum was founded by King Rama V, and is conveniently located within walking distance of two other popular attractions: Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. The exhibits at the Bangkok National Museum are arranged into three sections, each corresponding with a different period of Thai history. These exhibits offer a wealth of information and provide an in-depth look at the country’s past and present. To make it more accessible to visitors, the museum also provides English descriptions for each exhibit. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking to learn more about Thailand’s rich culture, the Bangkok National Museum is a must-visit destination during your trip to Bangkok.
Location: Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Museum Siam
The Museum of Siam is a unique cultural venue located in a large neoclassical house near Wat Pho. The museum’s exhibits blend traditional historical artifacts and modern art, creating a visually striking contrast between the antique architectural features of the building and the contemporary artwork on display. As you explore the museum, you will be transported through the rich history of Thailand, from the early days of Ayutthaya to the present. The exhibits, which are arranged in a series of rooms, cover a wide range of topics, including Thai daily life, wars, Buddhism, and the country’s rapid modernization. The Museum of Siam offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors interested in exploring Thailand’s culture and history. Here is the full detail with images
Location: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Siriraj Medical Museum
Also known as The Bangkok Forensic Museum is a unique and unusual attraction located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is comprised of six distinct museums within two separate buildings, offering a wide range of exhibits and displays that are sure to fascinate and possibly even disturb visitors. Among the creepiest museums within the complex are the Ellis Pathological Museum, which displays a variety of specimens and specimens preserved in formaldehyde, the Songkran Niyomse Forensic Medicine Museum, which showcases a variety of forensic tools and techniques, and the Congdon Anatomical Museum, which displays a collection of human and animal bodies and body parts that have been preserved through various methods. Visitors to the Bangkok Forensic Museum should be prepared for a departure from the traditional museum experience, as the exhibits here are designed to be both educational and unsettling.
Location: 2 Wanglung Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Bangkok is a premier destination for art lovers visiting Thailand. Located in the Chatuchak area of the city, the museum is home to a comprehensive collection of modern paintings and sculptures, showcasing the work of some of Thailand’s most talented and celebrated artists. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of styles and mediums on display, including abstract, expressionist, and realist works in media such as oil paint, watercolor, and bronze. In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events, giving visitors the opportunity to see the work of emerging artists and learn about new trends and techniques in the art world. The Museum of Contemporary Art is easily accessible from the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station, which is about 6.5 km to the south. With its impressive collection and regular events, the museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts visiting Bangkok.
Location: 99 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Bangkokian Museum
The Bangkokian Museum is a small, yet fascinating museum located in the Bangrak district of Bangkok. It features two beautifully preserved wooden houses that date back to the 1800s and early 1900s, and it is often referred to as the “Bangkok Folk Museum.” Visitors can enter the museum for free and explore the two houses, learning about the history and culture of Thailand through various exhibits and displays. The museum is a great destination for those who appreciate history and architecture, and it offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors interested in learning about the past. Located in a peaceful and atmospheric setting, the Bangkokian Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone seeking something off the beaten path in Bangkok.
Location: 273 Saphan Yao Alley, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Samut Prakan Ancient City
Samut Prakan Ancient City, also known as “Muang Boran,” is a popular tourist attraction located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. It is an outdoor museum that covers an area of approximately 320 acres and features scaled-down replicas of some of Thailand’s most famous temples, national parks, and monuments. The museum is divided into different sections, each dedicated to a specific historical period or theme. Visitors can explore the ancient city and learn about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through exhibits and interactive displays. In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Samut Prakan Ancient City also offers a range of recreational activities for visitors, including boat rides, elephant shows, and traditional Thai dance performances.
Location: 296/1 Moo 7 Sukhumvit Road, Bangpoomai, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Bank of Thailand Museum
The Bank of Thailand Museum at Bangkhunphrom Palace is a museum located in (Old Town) that explores the history of money and monetary systems in Thailand. The museum is located in a beautiful baroque and rococo style building that was once the palace residence of Prince Paribatra. The museum is only open to groups of 10 or less, by appointment only. Visitors can learn about the evolution of money in Thailand through exhibits and interactive displays. The museum covers a range of topics, including the history of currency in Thailand, the role of the Bank of Thailand in regulating monetary policy, and the impact of globalization on Thailand’s economy. In addition to its exhibits on monetary history, the Bank of Thailand Museum at Bangkhunphrom Palace also offers a range of educational programs and events, including workshops and lectures on topics related to economics and finance. The museum is a popular destination for students and educators interested in learning about the history and role of money in Thailand.
Location: 273 Samsen Road, Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 (0)2 356 7766
Erawan Museum
The Erawan Museum in Bangkok is an unusual and impressive attraction located in Samut Prakan, a city just outside of Bangkok. The museum is housed inside a massive 3-headed elephant statue that stands on an equally large pedestal. The statue is made of pure green-hued copper and weighs 250 tons, with a height of 29 meters and a length of 39 meters. Inside the museum, visitors can explore three levels that represent the underworld, the human earth, and heaven. The museum is filled with rare Eastern antiques, religious iconography, and psychedelic decor. To visit the museum, you can take the BTS Skytrain (Sukhumvit Line) to Pu Chao Station.
Location: 99 Bang Mueang Mai, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a museum and art center located in Bangkok, Thailand. It was once the home of James H.W. Thompson, known as “Thai Silk King” an American businessman who devoted much of his life to reviving the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. The house is located on the banks of the Saen Saeb Canal and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. It consists of six traditional Thai teakwood houses that were transported from Ayutthaya and Ban Krua Silk Village. Inside the Jim Thompson House, visitors can explore Thompson’s collection of Asian antiques and Thai silk, as well as learn about his contributions to the silk industry. The house is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and Thai culture. It is open daily with guided tours available throughout the day.
Location: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Kamthieng House Museum
The Kamthieng House Museum is a museum located in Bangkok, that is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Thai culture and rural life. The museum is housed in a renovated teak house that is located just beside Asoke, one of the busiest junctions on Sukhumvit. Despite its urban location, the museum’s setting is designed to feel like a northern Thai village, providing visitors with a glimpse into traditional rural life in Thailand. The museum features a range of interesting displays that showcase various aspects of Thai culture, including traditional clothing, handicrafts, and household items. If you are interested in Thai history and culture, the Kamthieng House Museum is worth a visit when you are in the area.
Location: 131 Asok Montri Rd, Khlong Toei, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
Suan Pakkad Palace is a museum located in Bangkok, Thailand that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional Thai culture and art. The museum is situated in a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds and features eight traditional Thai houses. These houses are filled with fine arts, antiques, and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot, who converted their private residence into a museum in 1952 with the intention of sharing their collections with the public. While the main focus of Suan Pakkad Palace is on traditional Thai culture and art, the museum also houses the Chumbhot-Panthip Centre of Arts, which displays rare Ban Chieng artifacts dating back to the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
Location: 352-354 Si Ayutthaya Road, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9am to 4pm
Royal Thai Air Force Museum
The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is a military museum established in 1952 to preserve and display military aircraft and equipment from the early days of aviation. The museum has a small but interesting collection of planes, including one-of-a-kind Hawk 3 fighters. The museum covers the entire history of Thai aviation, from the very first double-winged planes to modern jets. It features approximately 30 planes displayed inside a couple of large hangars that have been converted into the museum. Visitors can learn about the history and development of Thai aviation through exhibits and interactive displays. The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is open daily and is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and those interested in military history.
Location: 171 Paholyothin Road, Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)