5th Chao
Fa, near Sanam Luang /
Tel 02 2241333 /
www.thailandmuseum.com Previously a palace during the reign of Rama V, the National
Museum features extensive displays and examples of Thai artefacts from
the main periods of history, encompassing the Lanna, Ayuthaya and
Sukhothai kingdoms up to the present day. Thai culture is well
documented in sections on dance, music and drama. The first example of
Thai literature and alphabet, inscribed by King Ramkhamhaeng on a black
stone during the Sukhothai period, is also on display. Don't miss the
free English tours given on Wednesdays (about Buddhism) and Thursday (on
art and culture) which start at 9.30am from the ticket office.
Royal Barge Museum
80/1 Rim Khlong Bangkok Noi, Th Arun Amarin,
Thonburi / Tel 02 4240004 This collection of Royal barges, some of which are up to 50
meters long, is housed on the Thonburi side of the river in a series of
elaborate sheds near the Pin Klao Bridge. The bares are best seen in
action during rare ceremonial processions up the Chao Phraya where the
colourful crews can number up to 64, including rowers, umbrella holders,
navigators and various musicians. Beautifully and ornately decorated,
these magnificent long craft were completely renovated and restored to
their former glory by the present King, who also commissioned the newest
boat, the Narai Song Suban for his goldern jubilee in 1996.
Thai Human Imagery Museum
Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Highway Km31 /
Tel 034 332109 Thailand 's first museum of fibreglass human images features
life-sized, incredibly realistic recreations of Thais from all walks of
life: renowned Buddhist monks, the Kings of the Chakri dynasty,
traditional Thai lifestyle scenes and Thai children's games. It's
perfect if you have kids, especially since the museum's shady grounds
are good for running around, but otherwise you should think twice before
heading out there.
Bangkok Forensic Museum
Siriraj Hospital, 2 Prannok Rd, Bangkok Noi /
Tel 02 4197000 /
www.si.mahidol.ac.th/eng/Museums Easily accessible via express boat, this must be Bangkok's most
bizarre place to visit, and it's not for the faint-hearted, but budding
doctors and fans of Hannibal Lecter might just love it. Located in a
hospital, the museum is filled with the macabre: all sorts of body parts
are kept in jars of formaldehyde. Most popular among the exhibits are
the mummified remains of criminals. Six different museums are on the
grounds. Better skip the pathology section unless you are interested in
mummified babies and gruesome wound pictures. You might want to peek
into the Museum of Thai Medicine History instead.
Bangkok Dolls Museum
Soi Ratchataphan, off Ratchaprarop Rd
Tel 02 2453008 /
www.bangkokdolls.com Displaying colourful dolls from around the world, this is also a
shop selling Thai dolls in various cultural costumes. There is an
adjoining workshop where the dolls are made.
Children's Discovery Museum
Queen Sirikit Park, Kamphaeng Petch 4 Rd, opp
Chatuchak Park / Tel 02 6186509
www.bkkchildrenmuseum.com Near the Chatuchak weekend market, this interactive museum aimed
at younger guests covers science, nature and the environment. It also
hosts regular courses and camps
