Top Museums in Bangkok
- Bangkok National Museum
The largest museum in Southeast Asia. Exhibits range from prehistoric Thai artifacts to works from Ayutthaya and Sukhothai periods; also religious art, royal relics, and decorative items. Wikipedia+2Condé Nast Traveler+2 - Museum of Siam
An interactive museum exploring what it means to be Thai. Shows the evolution of Thai identity via culture, history, food, religion, etc. Good for all ages. Viator+2Wanderlog+2 - MOCA Bangkok (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Large collection of modern and contemporary Thai art; works by both established and rising artists. If you like paintings, mixed media, modern architecture, this one’s for you. Viator+1 - Jim Thompson House Museum
The former home of Jim Thompson, who helped revive the Thai silk industry. Traditional Thai houses, antiques, silk, gardens. Also has some mystery attached to Thompson’s disappearance. Viator+2ROADBOOK+2 - Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
A set of traditional Thai houses, gardens, antique collection. The Lacquer Pavilion (a beautiful older building) is a highlight. More tranquil, good architecture + art + history blend. Viator+1 - Erawan Museum
Famous for its massive three-headed elephant statue. The interior is ornate and the grounds/garden are lovely. Great for combining architecture, religious art, and photo ops. Trazy+1 - Royal Barges National Museum
Houses the magnificent barges used in royal river processions. Intricate craftsmanship, wood carving, royal tradition. If you’re interested in boats, royal ceremonies, or craftsmanship, this is a good stop. Wanderlog+1 - Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum (Bangkok University)
Specializes in historic ceramics from Thailand and neighboring countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.). If ceramics/pottery or archaeology is your taste, this one’s for you. Wikipedia - Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center (Wat Traimit Museum)
Located at Wat Traimit, this explores history of Chinatown (Yaowarat) and the Golden Buddha. A blend of local community history + religious heritage. Wikipedia - Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Contemporary art, rotating exhibitions, performance space, local and international artists. Not always a “museum” in the classic sense, but excellent for modern art, installations, design. Wikipedia+2ROADBOOK+2 - Bangkokian Museum
More of a historic house-museum showing daily life of middle/class Bangkok residents in the past. Good if you like social history. Wanderlog+1 - Bank of Thailand Museum
Focuses on monetary history, bank notes, the role of the bank, numismatics. If you’re curious about how finance evolved in Thailand or currency history. Wikipedia - Queen Savang Vadhana Museum
Housed in a royal mansion; focuses on the life and public duties of Queen Savang Vadhana. Royal history, architecture, period furniture and design. Wikipedia
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