Museums and Historic Buildings
Statue of Buddha
Thailand is a country that will never fear losing it's cultural identity. Thais are proud that they are the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been conquered nor colonized by foreigners. And their pride in their country is evident everywhere. If you need proof, just look all around you. Take a peek inside local shops and you'll find a picture of their revered King.
Thai culture runs deep in the veins of every citizen and the best way to see so for yourself is through the numerous museums, historical buildings and simply by watching how Thais live.
In Bangkok you'll find many places to learn about Thailand's fascinating history. There are also places.
Thai culture runs deep in the veins of every citizen and the best way to see so for yourself is through the numerous museums, historical buildings and simply by watching how Thais live.
In Bangkok you'll find many places to learn about Thailand's fascinating history. There are also places.
Jim Thompson's House
Jim Thompson's House
Ticket price: B100 (B50 students)
While shopping through Bangkok's department stores you'll come across stores selling fancy and ornate silk textiles and merchandise called Jim Thompson. It's not just a name of a store. Jim Thompson was the man who revived the once faltering silk industry. He lived a remarkable life and mysterious disappearance in the Cameroon highlands of Malaysia.
Today Jim Thompson's home has been transformed into a museum filled with all manners of antiques he's acquired during his life and time in Asia. You can explore the floral grounds freely and a guided tour inside the teak houses is included with the ticket price.
It's not a big place to explore so it's a good early morning side trip to other shopping destinations such as MBK and Siam Paragon since it's nearby.
Address: Soi Kasemsan 2 |www.jimthompsonhouse.com | Daily 9am - 5pm
How to get there: Take BTS Sky Train to National Stadium station. Look for stair exit #1. There are signs in English pointing the way. Walk all the way down the Soi Kasemsan 2 and you'll find the entrance to Jim Thompson just before the canal.
While shopping through Bangkok's department stores you'll come across stores selling fancy and ornate silk textiles and merchandise called Jim Thompson. It's not just a name of a store. Jim Thompson was the man who revived the once faltering silk industry. He lived a remarkable life and mysterious disappearance in the Cameroon highlands of Malaysia.
Today Jim Thompson's home has been transformed into a museum filled with all manners of antiques he's acquired during his life and time in Asia. You can explore the floral grounds freely and a guided tour inside the teak houses is included with the ticket price.
It's not a big place to explore so it's a good early morning side trip to other shopping destinations such as MBK and Siam Paragon since it's nearby.
Address: Soi Kasemsan 2 |www.jimthompsonhouse.com | Daily 9am - 5pm
How to get there: Take BTS Sky Train to National Stadium station. Look for stair exit #1. There are signs in English pointing the way. Walk all the way down the Soi Kasemsan 2 and you'll find the entrance to Jim Thompson just before the canal.
Vinmanmek Mansion
Ticket price: B100 (If you purchased a ticket for Grand Palace it includes the ticket for Vimanmek Mansion good for 7 days after purchase)
Here you get a chance to explore the largest teak wood building in the world. Originally the mansion was built on the island of Koh Chang. Then in 1868, King Rama V ordered it to be moved to it's current location.
Inside this 81 room, 3 floor magnificent structure are all sorts of the Thai monarchy through history, gifts from foreign countries and even what may possible the first bathtub ever placed in a place of residence in Thailand. You can find many items and everyday objects in Vimanek Mansion once used by the Royal Thai family in the past.
There's much to explore outside of the Mansion with even more museums and beautiful gardens.
Here you get a chance to explore the largest teak wood building in the world. Originally the mansion was built on the island of Koh Chang. Then in 1868, King Rama V ordered it to be moved to it's current location.
Inside this 81 room, 3 floor magnificent structure are all sorts of the Thai monarchy through history, gifts from foreign countries and even what may possible the first bathtub ever placed in a place of residence in Thailand. You can find many items and everyday objects in Vimanek Mansion once used by the Royal Thai family in the past.
There's much to explore outside of the Mansion with even more museums and beautiful gardens.
Address: 139/2 Ratchawithi Road
How to get there: Taxi is the only way to get here, so make have someone from the hotel write down the destination. To beat the traffic take the BTS Sky Train to Victory Monument station and hail a taxi from there on.
Ananata Samakhom Palace (Throne Hall)
Ticket Price: B50 | 8:30am - 4pm
This Renaissance style marble palace was completed by Rama VI though it was Rama V who ordered this unique European structure to be built. Inside the palace you'll find frescoes done by an Italian artist named Galileo Chini depicting royal ceremonies and festivities. The Palace today is still in use primarily for ceremonial purposes.
The Throne Hall is in the same area as Vimanek Mansion and there are plenty of signs leading there.
How to get there: Taxi is the only way to get here, so make have someone from the hotel write down the destination. To beat the traffic take the BTS Sky Train to Victory Monument station and hail a taxi from there on.
Ananata Samakhom Palace (Throne Hall)
Ticket Price: B50 | 8:30am - 4pm
This Renaissance style marble palace was completed by Rama VI though it was Rama V who ordered this unique European structure to be built. Inside the palace you'll find frescoes done by an Italian artist named Galileo Chini depicting royal ceremonies and festivities. The Palace today is still in use primarily for ceremonial purposes.
The Throne Hall is in the same area as Vimanek Mansion and there are plenty of signs leading there.
Wang Suan Pakkard
Ticket price: B100
Here's another quiet respite in the often chaotic and hectic Bangkok. You'll find lotus ponds and green grounds; a stark contrast from concrete jungle outside the gates. The grounds were previously a market garden until Princess Chumbot converted it into her residence.
Today it consists of 5 small to medium sized teak structures on stilts containing various sorts of foreign and Thai artworks such as paintings, porcelains and Buddha statues. There's also a mural worth taking a look at portraying the life of Buddha illustrated in gold paneling. It's still being debated as to how old it actually is to this day.
Address: 352 Sri Ayutthaya Road | www.suanpakkad.com | 9am - 4pm
How to get there: Sky Train to Phaya Thai station. Use stair exit #4, it'll be about a 10 minute walk to Wang Suan Pakkard.
Here's another quiet respite in the often chaotic and hectic Bangkok. You'll find lotus ponds and green grounds; a stark contrast from concrete jungle outside the gates. The grounds were previously a market garden until Princess Chumbot converted it into her residence.
Today it consists of 5 small to medium sized teak structures on stilts containing various sorts of foreign and Thai artworks such as paintings, porcelains and Buddha statues. There's also a mural worth taking a look at portraying the life of Buddha illustrated in gold paneling. It's still being debated as to how old it actually is to this day.
Address: 352 Sri Ayutthaya Road | www.suanpakkad.com | 9am - 4pm
How to get there: Sky Train to Phaya Thai station. Use stair exit #4, it'll be about a 10 minute walk to Wang Suan Pakkard.
M.R. Kukrit's House
TIcket price: B50 (B20 children)
Considered as the Benjamin Franklin of Thailand, former prime minister Kukrit Pramoj's home is open today for all to learn about one of the most influential respected Thai politician. Visitors are able to explore 5 interconnected teak houses that served as his private residence. Kukrit passed away in 1995 and much of his personal belongings have been preserved for all to see.
The grounds of Kukrit's house consist of a beautiful landscaped garden with Khmer stonework, floral lotus ponds with a wide assortment of flowers. No wonder it's a popular spot for Thais and expats getting married.
Address: 19 Soi Phra Pinit, Sathorn Road | Sat, Sun and Holidays 10am - 5pm
How to get there: By Sky Train to Chong Nonsi station and use stair exit #2; from there it's about a 10 minute walk.
Considered as the Benjamin Franklin of Thailand, former prime minister Kukrit Pramoj's home is open today for all to learn about one of the most influential respected Thai politician. Visitors are able to explore 5 interconnected teak houses that served as his private residence. Kukrit passed away in 1995 and much of his personal belongings have been preserved for all to see.
The grounds of Kukrit's house consist of a beautiful landscaped garden with Khmer stonework, floral lotus ponds with a wide assortment of flowers. No wonder it's a popular spot for Thais and expats getting married.
Address: 19 Soi Phra Pinit, Sathorn Road | Sat, Sun and Holidays 10am - 5pm
How to get there: By Sky Train to Chong Nonsi station and use stair exit #2; from there it's about a 10 minute walk.
The Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta Hotel Lobby
Yes, it's a fully operating hotel in the heart of Bangkok. Though most guidebooks don't mention the Atlanta Hotel as a historic building in its own right. It's the only hotel with its original art deco lobby since it's was built by a German scientist named Dr Max Henn and his wife in the 1950s. Take a walk inside and you'll feel like this is the place Humphrey Bogart would come to for a stiff drink and a cigar.
As a guest of the Atlanta you'll have access to photographic exhibitions from the late owner's of the hotel. Besides being a hotel of historic value, the Atlantic is also a decent budget hotel to stay in, especially for families. They have a strict "no sex tourist policy", which in itself is unprecedented but rightfully so.
Address: 78 Soi 2 Sukhumvit Road | www.theatlantahotelbangkok.com
How to get there: The best way is by taxi. Visit their website for directions in Thai for taxi drivers.
As a guest of the Atlanta you'll have access to photographic exhibitions from the late owner's of the hotel. Besides being a hotel of historic value, the Atlantic is also a decent budget hotel to stay in, especially for families. They have a strict "no sex tourist policy", which in itself is unprecedented but rightfully so.
Address: 78 Soi 2 Sukhumvit Road | www.theatlantahotelbangkok.com
How to get there: The best way is by taxi. Visit their website for directions in Thai for taxi drivers.
Bangkok's Museums
Most first time visitors to Bangkok would be surprised to know that Bangkok is a fledgling cosmopolitan city with a strong upcoming art scene. There are many local Thai artists working on all types of creative projects and designs both in contemporary and modern arts. Though there are not too many museums around you should include at least one visit during a short stay in Bangkok. It's also a great place to cool down since most museums are air conditioned.
Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC)
Opened in August 2009, the BACC certainly had it's fair share of controversy during a year long soft opening. This 25,000 square metre mammoth architecture has not yet reached its true potential of containing a wide array of artworks. But there's still plenty of worthwhile artworks displayed throughout the currently sparse corridors to keep you busy.
The BACC is just opposite MBK and the other shopping centers in Siam. It's also not too far from Jim Thompson's House. You easily combine all these sightseeing and shopping jaunts into a full 1 day trip.
Address: 939 Rama I Road | www.bacc.or.th | Tue - Sun 10am-9pm
How to get there: Take Sky Train to National Stadium station. Head towards stair exit #3. There's also a raised pedestrian walkway with an entrance to BACC so you won't have to go down to street level.
Bangkok National Museum
Ticket: B50
The best place to learn about the history of Thailand through information overload. The winding halls and exhibits here give you a good glimpse of Thailand's rich history. You'll find artifacts from the main historical periods from Lanna to Sukhothai kingdoms up to the present day.
The galleries in the museum are spread throughout several buildings.
Address: Na Phra That Road | www.thailandmuseum.com | Wed - Sun 9:30am-4pm
How to get there: The nearest BTS station is Hua Lumphong but you'll still have to take a taxi or tuk tuk to get there, so make sure you have someone at your hotel write down the address.
National Gallery
Ticket: B30
Thailand's national art gallery certainly doesn't receive as much fanfare as the other museums, but for true fans of art it's worth a visit. Here you'll find classic examples of traditional Thai art as well as a smattering of modern pop art by up can coming Thai artists around the country. The National Gallery isn't too far from Bangkok National Museum but the winding roads can be quite confusing. There are plenty of sign posted in English and with a good map you can walk there.
Address: Chao Fa Road | Wed - Sun | 9am-4pm
How to get there: Make sure to have the address written in Thai. Take the MRT underground train to Hua Lumphong station. From there take a taxi to the National Gallery.
Museum of Siam
Here's a cool museum especially for the young ones. Located inside the Thai Ministry of Commerce building it unexpectedly contains a wide array of galleries and interactive exhibitions illustrating and depicting the development and rise of Siam. Admission here is free.
Address: 4 Samachai Road | www.ndmi.or.th (in Thai only) | Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
How to get there: Just a 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace.
Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC)
Opened in August 2009, the BACC certainly had it's fair share of controversy during a year long soft opening. This 25,000 square metre mammoth architecture has not yet reached its true potential of containing a wide array of artworks. But there's still plenty of worthwhile artworks displayed throughout the currently sparse corridors to keep you busy.
The BACC is just opposite MBK and the other shopping centers in Siam. It's also not too far from Jim Thompson's House. You easily combine all these sightseeing and shopping jaunts into a full 1 day trip.
Address: 939 Rama I Road | www.bacc.or.th | Tue - Sun 10am-9pm
How to get there: Take Sky Train to National Stadium station. Head towards stair exit #3. There's also a raised pedestrian walkway with an entrance to BACC so you won't have to go down to street level.
Bangkok National Museum
Ticket: B50
The best place to learn about the history of Thailand through information overload. The winding halls and exhibits here give you a good glimpse of Thailand's rich history. You'll find artifacts from the main historical periods from Lanna to Sukhothai kingdoms up to the present day.
The galleries in the museum are spread throughout several buildings.
Address: Na Phra That Road | www.thailandmuseum.com | Wed - Sun 9:30am-4pm
How to get there: The nearest BTS station is Hua Lumphong but you'll still have to take a taxi or tuk tuk to get there, so make sure you have someone at your hotel write down the address.
National Gallery
Ticket: B30
Thailand's national art gallery certainly doesn't receive as much fanfare as the other museums, but for true fans of art it's worth a visit. Here you'll find classic examples of traditional Thai art as well as a smattering of modern pop art by up can coming Thai artists around the country. The National Gallery isn't too far from Bangkok National Museum but the winding roads can be quite confusing. There are plenty of sign posted in English and with a good map you can walk there.
Address: Chao Fa Road | Wed - Sun | 9am-4pm
How to get there: Make sure to have the address written in Thai. Take the MRT underground train to Hua Lumphong station. From there take a taxi to the National Gallery.
Museum of Siam
Here's a cool museum especially for the young ones. Located inside the Thai Ministry of Commerce building it unexpectedly contains a wide array of galleries and interactive exhibitions illustrating and depicting the development and rise of Siam. Admission here is free.
Address: 4 Samachai Road | www.ndmi.or.th (in Thai only) | Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
How to get there: Just a 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace.