Bangkok National Museum

The Bangkok National Museum displays Thailand’s largest collection of local art and artefacts. Founded by King Rama V, the museum occupies the former 18th-century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon. It’s within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace, so you can easily combine a day trip to these spots while in Bangkok.

Bangkok National Museum highlights

Exhibits at Bangkok National Museum are divided into over 12 halls, with multimedia displays in English. You can see relics from King Rama IV's rule, which spanned between the Sukothai and Rattanakosin periods.

The Archaeological and Art History collection showcases items from Thailand's prehistory, from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras through to the modern Thai Kingdom. Standouts of the Decorative Arts and Ethnological collection include Chinese weapons, precious stones, Khon masks, ceramics, textiles, and traditional musical instruments from Southeast Asia.

Bangkok National Museum has a funeral chariot hall displaying carriages used for royal cremations, and many excellent examples of Thai architecture. Free tours in English, German, French and Japanese take place on different days of the week.

Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 9am to 4pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)