ThailandBangkok $$$$$ All Year Indoor/Outdoor
Museum

Bangkok National Museum

Thailand's first public museum located in a series of buildings that once formed a regal palace complex. Bangkok National Museum houses the world's largest collection of Thai art and historical artifacts, from ancient fishing tools and stone statues, to sacred depictions of the life of Buddha, to golden chariots once used in royal funeral ceremonies.

Visitors witness the journey that saw Thailand transform from a humble fishing nation to the temple-clad tropical paradise it is today. The museum's collection includes musical instruments, clothing, armor, Buddhist relics, and several artifacts from past kingdoms such as Lanna, and Ayutthaya. The old "front palace" isn't only home to the museum, but forms part of it, with exhibits including the former throne room and reception hall.

My itinerary Save View

Oh, you're so close

The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.

But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.

Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.

Let's do this! I'm already cool, let me in Nah, I am boring.

Price

฿200 (USD$5.50)

Time Spent

1-2.5hours

Fitness level: Light effort

Hours

9am-4pmWednesday-Sunday

Look Around

National Museum entranceNational Museum entrance
Ancient stone sculpturesAncient stone sculptures
Ancient etched documentAncient etched document
Royal bargeRoyal barge
Thai sculptureThai sculpture
Around Bangkok National Museum
Sculpture in front of a buildingSculpture in front of a building
Buddhist shrineBuddhist shrine
Ancient bronze sculptureAncient bronze sculpture
Intricate gold carvingIntricate gold carving
More exhibits

Who Will Like Bangkok National Museum

Culture Buff

View the largest collection of Thai art and historical artifacts in Thailand. Don't miss the oldest record of Thai writing on a stone pillar inscribed by King Ramkamhaeng and the collection of golden ceremonial chariots.

Insider Tips For Bangkok National Museum

  • Collect a map at the ticket desk which details which items are located in which buildings.
  • Choose the buildings you most want to visit and go to them first. The museum grounds are quite large and you may not fit all buildings into one visit. Most visitors start at the Gallery of Thai History, the closest building to the entrance.
  • Shoes must be removed before entering religiously significant buildings, like the Buddhist galleries.
  • Expect large bags and backpacks to be checked at the entrance.

Video

Where Is It

Na Phrathat Road, Grand Palace sub district, Phra Nakorn district, Bangkok. 10200

Open map...

How To Get There

Boat (Express boatChang Pier)

Walk 15 minutes northeast from pier.

Walking directions from boat...

Taxi

Taxi drivers pick up and drop of at main entrance. Insist on using the meter before hopping in.

Rideshare

Some drivers may want to drop off and pick up away from the main entrance as Grab isn't welcome in a couple specific tourist areas of Bangkok.

BusThammasat University stop

32,33,52,82,503

Walk 3 minutes northwest from bus station.

Walking directions from bus...

Tuk-tuk

Tuk Tuk drivers pick up and drop off at main entrance. Negotiate a reasonable price before getting in.

What To Bring

Do:
  • Comfortable shoes easy to slip on and off.
  • Camera.
Don't:
  • Food or drink other than water.

Tech & Photography

Wifi

Public wifi access: None

Photography

Photography allowed: Yesflash use is restricted

Tripod allowed: Not encouraged

Selfie sticks allowed: Not encouraged

Best time to shoot: Anytime

Tips: No flash inside the galleries

Drones

Drones allowed: No

Bags

Backpacks allowed: Yes

Secured bag lockers available: No

Food & Drink

The nearest cluster of restaurants are located near Kasap Road, a 10-minute walk northeast from the museum.

Backstory

Thailand's most precious historical art and artifacts were once stored within the Grand Palace and only accessible upon invitation from the Royal family. In 1874, King Rama V opened the collection to the Thai people, creating the nation's first public museum.

The museum's current location was formerly the palace of the vice king (or crown prince), known as Wang Na (front palace). When King Rama V dismantled the vice king's position in 1887, he ordered his father's collection of Thai art and artifacts to be moved to Wang Na, which became known as the Wang Na Museum, or Front Palace Museum. The museum's name was changed to Bangkok Museum in 1926, then again to Bangkok National Museum in 1934.

Etiquette

Posing Buddha stone sculpture
Do:
  • Remove shoes when prompted to do so by signage.
  • Keep voices hushed to maintain a quiet atmosphere within the galleries.
Don't:
  • Use flash when taking photos inside the galleries.
  • Eat or drink inside the galleries.

Scorecard

Best Parts:
  • Opportunity to learn about Thai history and culture.
  • Variety of items on display, from ancient fishing tools to golden chariots.
Could Be Better:
  • Maze-like complex with limited signage makes it easy to get lost.
My itinerary Save View

Oh, you're so close

The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.

But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.

Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.

Let's do this! I'm already cool, let me in Nah, I am boring.

What's Nearby In Bangkok

Travel & lifestyle blog

Follow us:

Want more stuff like this?

We've got you hooked, hey?

Get the goodies delivered into your inbox weekly plus enjoy all the perks of being a Forever Break VIP member - customized itineraries, earn points and unlock badges.

Joining only takes a minute and it's free!

Let's do this! Nah, I am boring.
Suggestions:ThailandSingaporeGreece

Wait! Before you go...

There's more free goodies at Forever Break!

Simply register a free account to build itineraries, unlock badges, and earn points.
It only takes a minute. And it will instantly make you better looking.

You up for it?

No thanks, I am boring. Yes please!
Searching for more adjectives...