A history enthusiast? Check out this wonderful museums in Bangkok which will take you back in time and amaze you by its concept and features. Some are a bit touristy, some are very intrigue and weird, but they’re all worth visiting.
Let’s take a look!
1. Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
source image from edtguide.com
Firstly, the one popular museum you should never miss. If you’re in Bangkok for the first time and seeking for the right place to learn Thai history this place is the one for you. Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, or Nitas Rattanakosin, has collected all things you need to know about Thai people in various aspects: the local way of life, architecture, traditional plays, and many more.
Opening hours Everyday (except Monday) from 10am – 5pm
Entrance fee 100 baht
How do get there? You can take a taxi from MBK or MRT Hua Lampong station to the venue. The museum is located in Ratchadamnoen Klang road.
2. Jim Thompson House
One of the most famous venues where all the tourists are visiting. The house, itself, is located right in the heart of Bangkok. It’s a great place to observe and admire the beauty of traditional Thai house. The late owner of the house, James Thompson, was a American entrepreneur in silk business and founded the renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.
Opening hours Everyday from 9am – 6pm (compulsory with a guided tour around the venue)
Entrance fee 150 baht for adults and 100 baht for students under 22
How do get there? It’s only 10 minutes of walking distance from BTS National Stadium in Soi Kasemsan 2.
3. Bangkokian Museum
source image from wherethailand.com
One of the hidden gems of Bang Rak district. Unlike other museums in Bangkok, Bangkok Folk Museum will take you back in time with the time-stop environment and architecture. It’s very neat, unique, and charming. If you are looking for something different and something less touristy. This place is the one you should definitely check out.
Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Entrance fee Free entrance
How do get there? From BTS Saphan Taksin station, either take a tuk tuk ride or walk toward Charoen Krung soi 43. Walking passing a bridge, you will find the museum in the soi on your right.
4. Siriraj Medical Museum
source image from tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the creepiest museums in Thailand there… This place is surely not for those with fainted hearts. This medical museum, with the nickname ‘the Museum of Death,’ has many different collections and is an open source for medical students or professors. You will find many deformities and various creepy skeletons from many weird cases.
Opening hours Everyday (except Tuesday and national holidays) from 10am – 5pm
Entrance fee 300 baht for adult
How do get there? The museum is located in Siriraj Hospital. You can take a boat ride from Saphan Taksin to Siriraj pier or take a taxi from MRT Hua Lampong station straight to the museum.
5. Bangkok Corrections Museum
source image from tripadvisor.com
I personally think this museum is very interesting and sad at the same time. You will learn how prisoners in the old time used to be interrogated, tortured, or sentenced. It’s very creepy place, but some visitors find this very intrigue. The building was once the highest-security prison back in the late 18s.
Opening hours Weekdays from 9am – 4pm
Entrance fee Free entrance (a small donation would be appreciated)
How do get there? Take a taxi from MRT Hua Lampong station straight to the place. The museum is located not too far from Chinatown nearby Romaninart park (Suan Rom Ma Nee Nart/สวนรมณีนาถ) on Mahachai road.
6. Siam House of Bizarre Creatures
source image from oknation.net
Unlike other museums. This one museum is known as monster house or Baan Sud Pa Lard (บ้านสัตว์ประหลาด). The house is filled with many bizarre animals which are very rare: two-headed animals, headless fish, snake-look-alike skink, etc. The museum is located nearby Taling Chan Temple and not too far from the famous Taling Chan floating market.
Opening hours Everyday (except Monday) from 9.30am – 5pm
Entrance fee 150 baht
How do get there? Take a taxi from BTS Bangwa station straight to the temple (Taling Chan temple/ วัดตลิ่งชัน)
7. the Artist’s House
Last but not least, the famous ‘Artist’s House.’ If you’re interested in traditional Thai puppets and looking for a very local experience this is the place to be. Baan Sirlapin (บ้านศิลปิน) or the Artist’s House is the home for traditional performances and puppeteers. It’s not like other museums in Bangkok, rather a house where the tradition arts are preserved. You can enjoy watching the shows, paint a clay mask, admire the art gallery, and many more.
Opening hours : Monday – Tuesday from 10am – 6pm, Wednesday – Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday – Sunday from 9am to 7pm.
Entrance fee 150 baht
How do get there? Take a taxi from BTS Bangwa station straight to Ku Ha Sa Wan temple (วัดคูหาสวรรค์), or you can take a boat ride from Saphan Taksin to Tha Chang pier and rent a speed boat to explore the vintage neighbourhood.