The Bangkok National Museum (Thai: พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร, RTGS: Phiphitthaphanthasathan Haeng Chat Phra Nakhon) is the main branch museum of the National Museums in Thailand and also one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia. It features exhibits of Thai art and history. It occupies the former palace of the vice king (or Front Palace), set between Thammasat University and the National Theater, facing Sanam Luang.
The museum was established and opened in 1874 by King Chulalongkorn to exhibit the royal collections of his father King Mongkut. Today the galleries contain exhibits covering the Thai History back to Neolithic times. The collection includes The King Ram Khamhaeng's Inscription, which was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme registered in 2003 in recognition of its significance.
This museum is worth a visit if you want to get an overview of the ancient history of Thailand. We visited at the end of December and there was Japanese exhibition that shows the relationship between Thailand and Japan over centuries. It also shows the different types of tea ceremonies. Entry fees is bht 200 and is free on New Year holidays and opens from 8:30 -16:00. There is also a section that shows the royal chariots,textiles and burial sites. Some parts are closed for renovations.
Lina EryaniJan 22, 2018
Located in Grand Palace area houses many fine examples of historical Thai and Buddhist art. Great buildings. Excellent displays. Take a guided tour Wednesday or Thursday morning.
Denise Del BartoFeb 17, 2018
Another landmark of Bangkok both Thais and foreigners must visit once. The place is very beautiful and historic. By the way, some of buildings are temporary closed for renovation. Please update the news before you go.
Natkrita KongsriFeb 25, 2018
The museum is best appreciated with a guided tour, which runs twice a week in five different languages. Our English guide, Anita, was exceptional. She spoke with passion and rigor unlike anything we experienced before. The museum provides interesting insight into the royal family and Thailand's intersection of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
Victor KuntzevitskyJan 2, 2018
The facility has numerous buildings. They currently have many buildings under renovation. The areas that are open are lovely. The removal of shoes other than the temple should be stopped. The royal carriages are beautiful.
G L LittletonNov 22, 2017
Lots of beautiful pieces of art but more than half of the exhibits were closed for construction and the ones that were open lacked in explanations and flow. It could be laid out much better to explain the various stages of Thai history but instead it's seemingly random
Rachel ReiterMar 25, 2018
This is a really interesting display of Thailand's history right to the present day. Set across numerous buildings make sure you visit the Royal carriages site. Filled with jaw dropping carriages that carry the Royal family at precession. Even the vehicles that are used to reach the seating area are works of art.
Jack TaylorMay 2, 2018
Amazing place to see history of Thailand. Place is very well maintained and descriptions are in detail. Easy to reach. Museum is divided in sections based on type of sculptures. One of the must visit places in Bangkok. Definitely will recommend.
Devendra GaikwadApr 26, 2018
Very interesting museum, great displayes about Thai history and the royal family. The bad : the main museum in a capital city as Bangkok is closing at 16:00 and actually stating 15:30 you feel unwelcomed as the staff start cleaning and close doors.
Iuli MMay 6, 2018
I didn't expect the museum to be composed of several buildings. The buildings are intricately designed. Just be prepared to walk and sweat a little while going through them. Be mindful also and leave your shoes outside some buildings. Everybody should take the time to visit. The staff is very helpful.
FJul 20, 2018
A great place for discovering ancient Thai history. The name is actually deceiving: there is not one but several buildings on this ground. You start at the ticket office left of the entrance. Entrance is 200 baht for adults. It's required to leave big bags at the office. You then explore the big temple like building near the ticket office, which has a moderate collection of religious artefacts and statues ranging from the prehistory to the current Thai civilization. They are accompanied by English explanations, perfect for learning about Thai culture, religion and its origins. Afterwards proceed along the road to the nearby buildings. Not all are accessible but you will be able to tell from a sign near the entrance. Note at most buildings you will need to leave your water bottles at the entrance. They have various exhibitions about the Thai monarchy, ancient music instruments and Thai puppet theatre. Good to spend about an hour and a half here. Recommended afternoon out!
Alexander Van MaeleJul 5, 2018
Decent museum to spend a few hours. Mostly focusing on artefacts and written info so it would be good to have some more interactive displays, models etc. to explain the history more in depth.
Nick MorrisAug 12, 2018
This should be the 1st drop in to do in your attractions visits in bangkok. Beautiful exhibits and artifacts. Lots of memories to witness and more to capture. Actually, you better either read about the places you want to visit first or have a guide or the least ask when you buy the ticket as there is always places that are easily to miss in your visit because you are familiar with the place.
Noga From EgyptJun 10, 2018
Must visit museum to learn more about history and culture of Thailand. Recommended exhibition => Royal Carriage used in royal cremation ceremony.
Naowarat SuthamnatpongAug 13, 2018
This museum is worth a visit if you want to get an overview of the ancient history of Thailand. We visited at the end of December and there was Japanese exhibition that shows the relationship between Thailand and Japan over centuries. It also shows the different types of tea ceremonies. Entry fees is bht 200 and is free on New Year holidays and opens from 8:30 -16:00. There is also a section that shows the royal chariots,textiles and burial sites. Some parts are closed for renovations.
Lina EryaniJan 22, 2018
Located in Grand Palace area houses many fine examples of historical Thai and Buddhist art. Great buildings. Excellent displays. Take a guided tour Wednesday or Thursday morning.
Denise Del BartoFeb 17, 2018
Another landmark of Bangkok both Thais and foreigners must visit once. The place is very beautiful and historic. By the way, some of buildings are temporary closed for renovation. Please update the news before you go.
Natkrita KongsriFeb 25, 2018
The museum is best appreciated with a guided tour, which runs twice a week in five different languages. Our English guide, Anita, was exceptional. She spoke with passion and rigor unlike anything we experienced before. The museum provides interesting insight into the royal family and Thailand's intersection of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
Victor KuntzevitskyJan 2, 2018
The facility has numerous buildings. They currently have many buildings under renovation. The areas that are open are lovely. The removal of shoes other than the temple should be stopped. The royal carriages are beautiful.
G L LittletonNov 22, 2017
Lots of beautiful pieces of art but more than half of the exhibits were closed for construction and the ones that were open lacked in explanations and flow. It could be laid out much better to explain the various stages of Thai history but instead it's seemingly random
Rachel ReiterMar 25, 2018
This is a really interesting display of Thailand's history right to the present day. Set across numerous buildings make sure you visit the Royal carriages site. Filled with jaw dropping carriages that carry the Royal family at precession. Even the vehicles that are used to reach the seating area are works of art.
Jack TaylorMay 2, 2018
Amazing place to see history of Thailand. Place is very well maintained and descriptions are in detail. Easy to reach. Museum is divided in sections based on type of sculptures. One of the must visit places in Bangkok. Definitely will recommend.
Devendra GaikwadApr 26, 2018
Very interesting museum, great displayes about Thai history and the royal family. The bad : the main museum in a capital city as Bangkok is closing at 16:00 and actually stating 15:30 you feel unwelcomed as the staff start cleaning and close doors.
Iuli MMay 6, 2018
I didn't expect the museum to be composed of several buildings. The buildings are intricately designed. Just be prepared to walk and sweat a little while going through them. Be mindful also and leave your shoes outside some buildings. Everybody should take the time to visit. The staff is very helpful.
FJul 20, 2018
A great place for discovering ancient Thai history. The name is actually deceiving: there is not one but several buildings on this ground. You start at the ticket office left of the entrance. Entrance is 200 baht for adults. It's required to leave big bags at the office. You then explore the big temple like building near the ticket office, which has a moderate collection of religious artefacts and statues ranging from the prehistory to the current Thai civilization. They are accompanied by English explanations, perfect for learning about Thai culture, religion and its origins. Afterwards proceed along the road to the nearby buildings. Not all are accessible but you will be able to tell from a sign near the entrance. Note at most buildings you will need to leave your water bottles at the entrance. They have various exhibitions about the Thai monarchy, ancient music instruments and Thai puppet theatre. Good to spend about an hour and a half here. Recommended afternoon out!
Alexander Van MaeleJul 5, 2018
Decent museum to spend a few hours. Mostly focusing on artefacts and written info so it would be good to have some more interactive displays, models etc. to explain the history more in depth.
Nick MorrisAug 12, 2018
This should be the 1st drop in to do in your attractions visits in bangkok. Beautiful exhibits and artifacts. Lots of memories to witness and more to capture. Actually, you better either read about the places you want to visit first or have a guide or the least ask when you buy the ticket as there is always places that are easily to miss in your visit because you are familiar with the place.
Noga From EgyptJun 10, 2018
Must visit museum to learn more about history and culture of Thailand. Recommended exhibition => Royal Carriage used in royal cremation ceremony.
Naowarat SuthamnatpongAug 13, 2018
This museum is worth a visit if you want to get an overview of the ancient history of Thailand. We visited at the end of December and there was Japanese exhibition that shows the relationship between Thailand and Japan over centuries. It also shows the different types of tea ceremonies. Entry fees is bht 200 and is free on New Year holidays and opens from 8:30 -16:00. There is also a section that shows the royal chariots,textiles and burial sites. Some parts are closed for renovations.
Lina EryaniJan 22, 2018
Located in Grand Palace area houses many fine examples of historical Thai and Buddhist art. Great buildings. Excellent displays. Take a guided tour Wednesday or Thursday morning.
Denise Del BartoFeb 17, 2018
Another landmark of Bangkok both Thais and foreigners must visit once. The place is very beautiful and historic. By the way, some of buildings are temporary closed for renovation. Please update the news before you go.
Natkrita KongsriFeb 25, 2018
The museum is best appreciated with a guided tour, which runs twice a week in five different languages. Our English guide, Anita, was exceptional. She spoke with passion and rigor unlike anything we experienced before. The museum provides interesting insight into the royal family and Thailand's intersection of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
Victor KuntzevitskyJan 2, 2018
The facility has numerous buildings. They currently have many buildings under renovation. The areas that are open are lovely. The removal of shoes other than the temple should be stopped. The royal carriages are beautiful.
G L LittletonNov 22, 2017
Lots of beautiful pieces of art but more than half of the exhibits were closed for construction and the ones that were open lacked in explanations and flow. It could be laid out much better to explain the various stages of Thai history but instead it's seemingly random
Rachel ReiterMar 25, 2018
This is a really interesting display of Thailand's history right to the present day. Set across numerous buildings make sure you visit the Royal carriages site. Filled with jaw dropping carriages that carry the Royal family at precession. Even the vehicles that are used to reach the seating area are works of art.
Jack TaylorMay 2, 2018
Amazing place to see history of Thailand. Place is very well maintained and descriptions are in detail. Easy to reach. Museum is divided in sections based on type of sculptures. One of the must visit places in Bangkok. Definitely will recommend.
Devendra GaikwadApr 26, 2018
Very interesting museum, great displayes about Thai history and the royal family. The bad : the main museum in a capital city as Bangkok is closing at 16:00 and actually stating 15:30 you feel unwelcomed as the staff start cleaning and close doors.
Iuli MMay 6, 2018
I didn't expect the museum to be composed of several buildings. The buildings are intricately designed. Just be prepared to walk and sweat a little while going through them. Be mindful also and leave your shoes outside some buildings. Everybody should take the time to visit. The staff is very helpful.
FJul 20, 2018
A great place for discovering ancient Thai history. The name is actually deceiving: there is not one but several buildings on this ground. You start at the ticket office left of the entrance. Entrance is 200 baht for adults. It's required to leave big bags at the office. You then explore the big temple like building near the ticket office, which has a moderate collection of religious artefacts and statues ranging from the prehistory to the current Thai civilization. They are accompanied by English explanations, perfect for learning about Thai culture, religion and its origins. Afterwards proceed along the road to the nearby buildings. Not all are accessible but you will be able to tell from a sign near the entrance. Note at most buildings you will need to leave your water bottles at the entrance. They have various exhibitions about the Thai monarchy, ancient music instruments and Thai puppet theatre. Good to spend about an hour and a half here. Recommended afternoon out!
Alexander Van MaeleJul 5, 2018
Decent museum to spend a few hours. Mostly focusing on artefacts and written info so it would be good to have some more interactive displays, models etc. to explain the history more in depth.
Nick MorrisAug 12, 2018
This should be the 1st drop in to do in your attractions visits in bangkok. Beautiful exhibits and artifacts. Lots of memories to witness and more to capture. Actually, you better either read about the places you want to visit first or have a guide or the least ask when you buy the ticket as there is always places that are easily to miss in your visit because you are familiar with the place.
Noga From EgyptJun 10, 2018
Must visit museum to learn more about history and culture of Thailand. Recommended exhibition => Royal Carriage used in royal cremation ceremony.
Naowarat SuthamnatpongAug 13, 2018
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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