You haven’t experienced Bangkok is you haven’t visited Chatuchak Market. At this weekend market, you get to experience the best of Thailand – friendly people, rich culture, and excellent food.
Overview and history of Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Market was the idea of the late Field Marshall Phibulsongkram, a former prime minister in the 1940s. It was his dream to establish a market in every province in Thailand. This market only settled at its current location in 1982.
For years, Chatuchak was only popular among traders and wholesalers. But now it has reached a landmark status. This weekend market that sits on a 35-acre land receives more than 200,000 visitors weekly. So, it is not only the largest open-air market in Asia but also the world’s largest weekend market.
JJ Market, as the locals call it, has more than 26 sections, and 15,000 stalls. You will find food, art, antiques, jewelry, clothes, furniture, etc. Just about everything is for sale at this market.
What makes Chatuchak Market unique?
The main selling point of this market is its size. To put it into perspective, 35 acres is the equivalent of 26 football fields. Here you will find anything you are looking for, and other things you didn’t know existed.
Of the 200,000 weekly visitors, only 30% are tourists. A place that attracts so many locals is, without a doubt, awesome.
Why visit Chatuchak Market?
Visit Chatuchak Market for an immersive experience of Thailand’s culture. This is not just a market but also a tourist attraction. As you sift through the stalls, you will come across “made in Thailand” merchandise such as:
Woven thatch hats and bags
Handcrafted ornaments
Woodcarvings
Paintings
Also, you can go there for the sole purpose of experiencing Thailand cuisine. The market has endless food stalls serving not only Thai food but also dishes from around the world.
How to get to Chatuchak
You can use one of three modes of transport to get to this weekend market in Bangkok.
Taxi: Boarding a taxi is the easiest way to get to the market, especially if you are new to Bangkok.
MRT: The MRT is an underground train. Board the MRT at Silom and alight at Chatuchak Park. Then, walk for about two minutes to Entrance 2 of the JJ Market.
BTS: The BTS is a sky train. Get off this train at Moi Chit Station, which is near the entrance to the clothing section of the Market.
Bus: Catching a bus is the cheapest way to get to the market.
Tuk Tuk: Tuk Tuks are a fun way of experiencing Bangkok.
When to visit Chatuchak
JJ Market opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
On Fridays, the market opens from 6 pm to midnight.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the market is open from 9 am to 6 pm. Fortunately for shoppers, the traders do not strictly follow the closing time. Most stalls remain open till late into the night.
Of course, the best time to go shopping is early in the morning when the stalls are opening. Most traders believe the first sale is good luck. For that reason, they are more than willing to offer significant discounts.
The market’s website
Visit https://www.chatuchakmarket.org/ for more information about the market. On this website, you will find a pocket guide of the market, tips on how to shop, and other valuable information.
Renowned as one of the most vibrant cities in Asia, Bangkok has something for everyone. So when one says heaps are waiting for getting explored, they’re right! Bangkok has so much to offer whether it comes to visitors or the locals. Have you ever heard about the night markets in Bangkok? If no, then you’re at the right place! In this piece of writing, we’ll take you to the best night markets in Bangkok, which are highly popular among the locals. So, are you ready to explore Bangkok night markets? If yes, then get on the ride to the Bangkok night markets.
Rot Fai Market appeared on the map of Bangkok a few years back with all its glory on Srinakarin Road behind the famous Seacon Square shopping mart. The market is renowned for its vintage and retro goods. You can find all kind of old, new, and used stuff here at highly reasonable rates. But this is not what makes this market famous among the locals. It contains all kind of shops from bars to eating stalls to barbers; you may find a fantastic mixture of traditional, vintage, and hipster markets at a single spot while visiting Rot Fai night market.
2. Rot Fai Market, Ratchada
Located behind the Esplanade Cineplex, Rot Fai Ratchada market is the subsidiary or addition to the original night market at Srinakarin road. But what makes this market locals favorite are three factors. First, the market offers similar goods and other stuff sold by vendors on the stall. Secondly, the market is a hub for foodies, like this one among the Bangkok night market, offer traditional Thai food with a twist. So if you want to try the traditional Thai cuisine with some twist, then this is the place you must visit. Thirdly, the market offers a large variety of bars from fine dining ones to the bit noisy ones to accommodate all kind of crowd.
3. Indy Market, Pinklao
Across the river, in the Thonburi district Indy market is relatively a new addition in the Bangkok night markets. The market caters the shopping and outing cravings of the locals as this is not yet famous as other Bangkok night markets. The Indy market offers a wide variety of food and crafts to entertain the locals from 6 PM to 12 AM. You can find an array of food stalls with pubs and bars to cater to the youth.
4. Liab Duan Ramintra Night Market
If you ask about one of the best night markets in Bangkok, then Liab Duan night market in Ramintra is by far the one. In Thai, Liab Duan means the market by the highway, and yes, there is a highway near the market. Similar to other Bangkok night markets, this market gains its limelight in the evening. With thousands of stalls and vendors selling all kind of crafts and product, you can find anything from old car stereo to used boots. The vendors are mostly the teen of Thailand who is exploring their entrepreneur skills under the hot lights and narrow streets.
5. Hua Mum Night Market
Opened in September 2015, Hua Mum Night Market is little known by the foreigners and is the main buying and selling point for the locals. The market offers a variety of food, desserts, shopping options, and fashion accessories. Stalls at Hua mum Market are not sheltered and thus provides a comfortable view. You can find a massive variety of Thai cuisine and bars to sit and relax. Moreover, the market offers all kind of fashion accessories at highly reasonable rates.
6. Southern Market, Sai Tai Center Market
Want to explore a unique night market in Bangkok? Then we bet you must not miss the Sai Tai Center market. This market, akin to other markets, offers food delicacies and drink while shopping your heart out there, is a unique container zone you are going to witness. In the container zone, there is a row of containers having two stories for food and vendors. The market also offers an open market view having a side of the market without any shelters. So eat and drink to your appetite the yummiest Thai cuisine.
7. ArtBox Night Market
Are you looking for the best night markets in Bangkok? Here comes ArtBox Night Market! It’s somewhat a new, hip, and incredibly cool pop-up market. Here visitors can find several stalls which are housed in big shipping containers. Once you visit it, you’ll have a cool hipster-kind of a vibe of it. The best thing about this market is it focuses on local artists and hand-made items. So, you can find an array of quality, hip, and extraordinary hand-made clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and gadgets there.
8. The Owl Market
Are you feeling hungry? No problem, if hunger strikes midnight and you wish to eat local street food in Bangkok, then here come the Owl Market. It’s considered as one of the best night markets in Bangkok for food. At Food Square, you’ll find a variety of mouth-watering food stall where can ravine on local Thai Cuisine until you’re full! This market opens from 3 PM to 12 midnight.
9. Saphan Phut Night Market
Every evening when the sun goes down, the life at Saphan Phut wakes up. From t-shirts to jeans and shoes, you can find all kind of apparels and fashion items at highly affordable rates. You can find fantastic deals on the new and second-hand items. It’s best to save a handsome amount while shopping your heart out.
10. Chang Chui Creative Park—Day And Night Market
Want to know about the best night markets in Bangkok? It’s here to give you a compact view of Bangkok’s urban and modern side. Are you looking for the Bangkok night markets with fine dining options? And decent stalls? Go to Chang Chui Creative Park and witness the most intense and whacky art pieces made with recycled items.
11. Green Day Night Market
Located at the corner of the great Chatuchak market, green day market is a haven for university students. It’s the best for those who are looking for relatively reasonable shopping space as compared to its high-end neighbour. Your find the vintage flea market as well as bars and drinks spot to give your night a high end. Grab your favorite delicacy while wandering around the market, and who knows you might end up having few items for yourself?
Final Verdict
The opening of late-night markets have given a massive boost to the Bangkok economy and also offering a great tourist treat for the visitors to explore the real Bangkok. The Bangkok night markets provide the locals with a reasonable place for shopping the daily items. These markets offer a sort of a unique experience for the tourists to explore the bustling life of Bangkok night markets. From fresh markets to wholesale markets, these night markets are the lifetime experience by showcasing every sort of items from the new one to the vintage one.
Museums are places you will find the history, artifacts, knowledge and other interesting things about those local cultures. Some of them are niche and unique representing an interesting story about one aspect of a subject or culture. In Bangkok, there are many Bangkok museums exhibiting the local culture, the history of Thailand and unique perspectives about subjects. Here is a list of Bangkok museums that will be helpful for you to choose which museum to visit.
Siriraj Medical Museum. Photo credit: http://boonbudnet.com/
Bangkok National Museum
It is located in the area of the Bowonsathan Mongkok Palace or Wang Na (The Front Palace) in the first reign. It is the museum that displays Thai national history, art history and archaeology since the primitive age to the Rattanakosin period. Furthermore, there are art works expressing ethnology such as ancient objects, gold ornaments, silver ornaments, ancient cloth, actor’s mask, grand shadow play, and royal chariot.
This museum is very special because the exhibition buildings are ancient remains including the throne hall and palace. The Phuddhisawan Throne Hall is the architecture in the first reign of which Phra Phuddasihing, and an ancient stature of Buddha with Lanka has been placed there. Furthermore, there are beautiful mural paintings, small throne halls, Thai pavilions such as Sala Longsong, Sala Mookkamat, Mangala Pisek Throne Hall, Eak-alongkod Throne Hall, Patihan Tassanai Throne Hall, all of which reflect the uniqueness of the Rattnanakosin Period.
Remark:
The museum is located close to the Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha which is within a short walking distant. Thus, for those travelers who plan to visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha, this museum will go well with your itinerary.
Location:
Na Phra That Rd., adjacent of the Thammasat University, opposite to the Sanam Luang.
Open: Wed-Sun 09.00 – 16.00 (closed on Monday, Tuesday and Public Holidays)
Fee: Foreigner 200 THB
Website: www.finearts.go.th
Museum Siam
The Museum Siam, or the National Discovery Museum Institute, is located in a hundred year old building which once was the headquarters of the Ministry of Commerce. Museum Siam is a modern museum with its distinct style of exhibition. by incorporating interactive multimedia andd valuable information, the exhibitions arranged at the museum narrate important topics interestingly. The learning becomes joyous and informative, as we could say that it is one kind of ‘edutainment’.
There are four kinds of exhibitions at Museum Siam: Permanent Exhibitions, Temporary Exhibitions, Moveable Exhibitions, andd special Exhibitions. One of the most interesting ones is the Permanent Exhibition named ‘riang Kwam Pra Ted Thai’ (Narrating Thailand), which brings us back to the early period of Suvarnabhumi, the rise of Siamese Kinddom and the birth of modern Thailand, by relaying reliable information in a comprehensive tone.
Fee:Foreigners 300 THB, get 50% discount for a group of 5 people onward.
Website:
www.museumsiam.com
Pipit Bang Lamphu
This is the Treasury Department project in restoring the Kurusapa building and inaugurated in 2014. The two exhibition zones are divided according to the building layout. The modern building in the front acts as an introductory chapter telling the Bang Lamphu story that reflects the historical background and establishment of the city and the district.
Whereas the rear wooden building which is the highlight of the project and hosts the permanent exhibition telling the Bang Lamphu story especialy the olden colorful days that once it was a prosperous area and an important commercial center. It is also a center of multi-ethic grougs, art and culture especially that of the entertainment, fashion and food. There are mock-up of local popular food shops ranging from the coffee shop, Nopparat clothing shop and also that of the historical ‘trok’ (alley) such as Trok Kianniwas. Also there is a mock-ups of symbolic cork tree (Lamphu tree) both the old and the new ones which related to the origin of the name and the continuation of legends of Bang Lamphu.
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Location:
Phra Sumen Rd., close to Suan Santi Chai Praka.
Open:
Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
Fee:
100 THB
Website:
www.facebook.com/pipitbanglamphu
Coin Museum Thailand
In Bang Lamphu area not far from Pipit Bang Lamphu, there is “Coin Museum Thailand” that you can visit. The museum is also under the Treasury Department of Thailand. It exhibits the history of the Thai coins, the medium of exchange which has been used in the Thai economic system. The museum gives information about cultural and economic history of Thailand from the early period to the present by telling coins’ stories. One of the museum’s remarkable is the 4D animation on 360 widescreen which present the content realistically. It is the first museum in Thailand using the technology.
Nitasrattanakosin
The museum is located in the first Ratchadamnoen building next to Chetsadabodin plaza. The museum provides a concise Bangkok history as its motto says “Values of the era in a day”. The museum consists of nine exhibition halls that display various exhibitions on the history of Rattanakosin Bangkok in many aspects; art, culture, commoners and courtiers’ way of life such as entertainment, royal ceremonies, urban legends etc., architectures of important temples, and royal duties of nine Chakri kings. There is also a temporary exhibition hall available for academia and private institutions.
Location:
Next to Chetsadabodin Plaza
Open:
Tue-Sun 10.00-19.00. The tour session starts every 20 minutes between 10.00-17.00
Website:
www.nitasrattanakosin.com
King Prajadhipok Museum
Only a few minutes walk from Nitasrattanakosin, you will find King Prajadhipok Museum which is located near Panfa Leelard Bridge, the Neo-Classic building with domes and towers, decorated with Greco-Roman bas-relieves was built late in Rama V’s reign in 1906. It is the Department of Public Works and, Urban and Country Planning’s preservation site. Now it is converted to the King Prajadhipok Museum to display the personal collections of King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambai Barni as well as showcase photos, documents of royal family history and important events in Thailand from that time period.
Location:
At Panfa intersection
Open:
Tue-Sun 09.00-16.00
Fee:
None
Website:
www.facebook.com/kingprajadhipokmuseum
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
Wang Suan Pakkad or Suan Pakkad Palace was the residence of Chumbhotbongs Paribatra, Prince of Nakhon Sawan and his wife. The residence is open to the public, and organized as a Museum by the Chumbhot-Pantip Foundation. The museum consists of a group of eight traditional Thai houses connected by bridges. Each house is an exhibition hall, displaying artefacts from all around the world. The museum is organized into Ban Chiang Museum, Khon Museum, and Silpa Nitas Marsi Exhibition Hall in Chumbhot-Pantip Gallery. Moreover, in Ho Khian, the house next to the lawn southward, there is the biggest Gilded Black Lacquer collection from the Ayutthaya Period.
Location:
Sri Ayudhaya Rd., close to the Phyathai Hospital 1.
Open:
09.00-16.00
Fee:
100 THB
Website:
www.suanpakkad.com/
Bangkok Folk Museum
With good intention, Ajarn Waraporn Surawadee, the owner of the house, decided to turn it into a museum containing valuable objects of her mother for later generations to study. The buildings were built with rare antique wood and have been kept perfectly. The various items in many rooms narrate how the middle class Bangkokians lived before and after the period of WWII. Later, the owner donated the museum to the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, it became the pilot project of ‘One District, One Museum’ policy.
Location:
Charoen Krung Rd. Soi 43
Open:
Wed-Sun 10.00-16.00
Fee:
None
M.R. Kukrit Pramoj’s House Museum (Ban Soi Suan Phlu)
M.R. Kukrit Pramjo moved into this house in 1960. There are five Thai-style teak touses in different sizes, each of which M.R. Kukrit received from different occasions. For example, the big house in the middle was bought from Giant Swing area. Two others in central-Thailand-style houses were received from Pak Hai District, Ayutthaya. Among these Thai buildings are Bird Tower and the Buddha Tower. There were balconies which linked each of these buildings together. Apart from them is a big pavilion which was used for many activities. M.R. Kukrit was extendingthe buildings on his property for thirty years before his death in 1995. Now the Fine Arts Department has registered this place as a Historical Site, in the Important People’s Home catergory. M.R. Kukrit Pramjo’s House Museum has been under the care of the Kukrit 80 Project, a royal project by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Location: Soi Phra Pinij, South Sathorn Rd.
Open:
10.00-18.00
Fee:
Adult 50 THB
Website:
www.krukritshousefund.com
Remark:
Please contact in advance for arrangement.
Jim Thomson House Museum
The Thai house compound on Khlong Saen Saeb was home to James H. W. Thompson or commonly known as Jim Thompson, the silk tycoon who made Thai silk globally renowned. The compund is made from teak wood. It was constructed in 1959 by unting six Thai houses relocated from various parts of central Thailand. After Thompson disappered the house was converted to a museum to display his own private collection. He had collected south-east Asian artifacts since the time they were neglected, especially Siamese and Burmese Buddha statues which are the majority of his collection. he also loved Thai paintings and made a huge collection of painting on various materials such as cotton, paper, and wood. The effort to preserve his house and his collection received honor from the Association of Siamese Architects.
Location:
Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd.
Open:
09.00-17.00
Fee:
Adults 200 THB. Under 22 years 100 THB. Under 10 years Free
Website:
www.jimthompsonhouse.com/
Plai Noen Palace Museum (Wang Plai Noen)
Somdet Phra Chao Boromma Wong Thoe Chao Fa Chitcharoen Krom Phraya Naritsaranuwattiwong (Prince Narit), who was hailed by UNESCO as the great craftsman of Siam, built the palace for temporary residence to recover his health. It is the two-story Thai conventional style stilted building with large space underneath. The plan was designed to shelter the houses from sunbeam, which is different from usual design tradition of Thai house.
Location:
Rama 4 Rd., near the MRT Khlong Toei Station.
Remark:
Please contact in advance for arrangement. Tel. 02 249 4280
Ruen Ratchada Bodin
The Ruen Ratchada Bodin is one of three Thai-golden-teak-houses including Ruen Tan Chao Phraya (Non-reyal Duke House), Ruen Ratchada Bodin and Ruen Silpa Nitas. The Thai style house was built and enlarged with parts of the old Thai style house by contractors in the Ayutthaya Period. It is a museum in the Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) school. The Thai style house and school were named after Bodin Decha Non-royal Duke who was an important army leader in the early Rattanakosin period. He was good at military strategy, diplomatic relations, politics and economics. Ruen Ratchada Bodin exhibits a glorious biography of the school, important persons and the history of all branches of the school. Nowadays, the Bodindecha (Sing singhaseni) school is famous and there are many branches in Bangkok and other provinces.
Location:
In the area of Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) School, Ramkhamhaeng Rd. Soi 43/1.
Fee:
None
Remark:
Please contact in advance for arrangement. Tel. 02 538 3964, 02 538 2573.
Prasart Museum
Since a number of works of art and precious antiques were smuggled out of Thailand, Thai people have less chance to see exhibits of cultural heritage. Mr. Prasart Wongsakul began to gather and collect antiques for ten years and then he founded ‘Prasart Museum’ in order to be a learning resources and heritage of descendants. There are several interesting things in the museum including the Red Palace that is a Thai style house duplicated from the Tamnak daeng (Red Palace) in the Bangkok National Museum, Lanna Pavillion, European style building and garden with rare plants from Thailand and foreign countries.
Location:
Krungthep Kritha Rd. Soi 8 Alley 14
Open:
Tue – Sun. 09.00-17.00.
Fee:
1,000 THB, 2 persons or more 500 THB each.
Remark:
Please contact in advance for arrangement.
Thai Bank Museum
As the first bank of Thailand with more than a hundred years of history, the Siam Commercial Bangk Public Limited (SCB) has archived a large number of historical documents and materials, worthy of exhibition. The narratives, concerning historical and monetary topics of bangking in Thailand, are partitioned to four zones; The Evolution of Money, The Evolution of Banking, The Prototype of Thai banks, and Siam Commercial Bank’s Advance to the present. Apart from interesting topics, the museum utilized multimedia creatively in the exhibitions. In some part, there is an interaction mode within the simulated surroundings and visions could be informed realistically. There is also the Ratchaharudaya Archives and library for academic purposes.
Location:
Thai Bank Museum Building. Ratchadapisek Rd.
Open:
Mon-Fri. 10.00-17.00. Close on National Holiday
Fee:
None
Website:
www.thaibankmuseum.or.th
Royal Thai Air Force Museum
The museum was established in 1952 to collect, preserve, and restore different airplanes and other equipment used by the Royal Thai Air Force as well as rare and interesting aviation equipment received frim foreign Air Force comrades. Anyone who is fasinated by these old flying machines can also learn the history of Thai aviation in this museum. some models are the last of their kind and restored into perfect condition such as bulky Vought Corsair V-93s, one of two remaining in the world Tachikawa Ki-36, and first plane designed and built in Thailand, the Paribatra.
Location:
In the area of Royal Thai Air Force, Phahonyothin Rd.
Open:
08.30-16.30. Close on Thai Army’s Day 25 Jan and public holidays.
Khun Luang Rit Narongron Museum
The museum is situated on the rit Narongron school Premises. It was originally the house of Khun Luang rit Narongron (Jek saengmanee). The museum building was built in 1923 during the reign of King rama VI. The museum is a two story structure that’s half Thai and half European architecture, embelished with decorative motifs of a combination of eastern and western artistic styles. The prominent feature of the building is a teak winder staircase without a center pole.
Location:
Soi Uwittaya, Phet Kasem Rd. Soi 4
Open:
Mon-Fri 08.30-16.30. Close on National Holidays.
Royal Thai Naval Dockyard Museum
The museum was established to commemerate the 7th cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2011; to serve as a center for learning and knowledge in history, and development and industry of shipbuilding in Thailand. The exhibit features shipbuilding such as the process and technology of warship building, ship repair and maintenance, intellectual heritage of artisan, protetion of national sovereignty over the sea, development of royal naval dockyard, including the building of Narai Song Suban Royal Barge as well as the repair and preservation of the royal barges. Furthermore, the exhibit aslospresents His Majesty the King’s intelligence, creativity and royal grace regarding shipbuilding such as the initiative to build coast guard vessels. The museum is situated in the Naval Dockyard Department and it has been selected by the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage to receive the 2014 Excellence Award in Architectural Conservation, in the category of institutional and public building.
Location:
In the area of the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, Arun Amarin Rd.
Open:
Mon-Fri 09.00- 16.00 (Close on National Holidays)
Fee:
None
Remark:
Please contact in advance for arrangement.
National Royal Barge Museum
Formerly it was a dock or a store of the ceremonial barge under the responsibility of the Bureau of the Royal Household and Royal Thai Navy. During WWII, Bangkok Noi was targeted and parts of the dock and the barges were destroyed. Later BRH and the Royal Thai Navy ordered the Find Arts Department to repair the destroyed barges.
Presently some parts of the barges are still shown in the museum as a memorial fo the War. The Royal Barges are important with a long history. They were delicatedly created by the country’s great artists. For its importance, the Find Arts Department registered it as a National Heritage and uplifted the dock to the National Royal Barge Museum in 1974 to reserve this precious heritage for the next generation.
Location:
At the bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi, Arun Amarin Rd.
Open:
09.00-17.00 (Close on New Year and Songkarn Holidays)
Fee:
Single ticket-foreigner 100 THB
Package ticket-foreigner 350 THB including the entrance fees to the National Museum, the National Royal Barge Museum and the National Gallery)
Website:
http://www.nationalmuseums.finearts.go.th.
Siriraj Medical Museum
Museums in Siriraj Hospital were established purposefully. for medical students to study, analyze and practicee in their training course. Currently, there are six museums that open to the public: “Congdon Anatomical Museum”, established in 1927 by Prof. Edgar Davidson Condon from Rockefeller Institue. The exhibitions include more than two housands objects, such as fetus in development phases, abnormal bodies, etc.; “Ellis Pathological Museum”, Sood Sangvichien Prehistoric Museum & Laboratory” exhibits human evolution, “Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum” exhibits the crime-related topics, forensic tools, evidences from well-known cases, Parasitology Museum exhibits venomous animals and parasites, and Siriraj Phimukhsthan Museum which established on the occation of Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital opening.
Siriraj Phimukhstan Musum
Siriraj Phimukhsthan Museum is a new museum of Siriraj Hospital, which was built by thoroughly converting and reconstruction of the Bangkok Noi Train Station. At first sight, the museum welcomes visitors with trasitional ticket booth classic in style. The interior exhibits history and evolution of medicine in Thailand. Although it is the hospital museum, apart from exhibitions regarding history of the hopsital and development of medical treatment, there is an exhibition which narrates and informs the local history, insighful and complete in its contents. The narration relays its message through a ruined fortress, an ancient wooden boat, as well as many artifacts, all of which were discoverd by the time of the construciton of Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital. Because the site of the hospital was once the Bowon Stanpimuk Palace or Wang Lang (the Rear Palace), the exhibition thus includes all of the historical traits into its contents to enhance the realistic presentations.
Location:
In the area of the Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Wang Lang Rd.
Open:
Wed-Mon 10.00-17.00 (Close on Public Holidays)
Fee:
Foreigner 300 THB including the entrance fees to the Siriraj Medical Museum and Siriraj Phimukhsthan Museum)
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/siriraj.museum
House of Museums
The house of museums was built in 2001. Anek Navikamook is a well-known academic and collector who once said, “collect today, tomorrow it grows old.” Together with his colleagues he established ‘House of Museums’ to collect everyday objects, that came from private collections and donations. House of Museums consists of two buildings. The exhibition inside the hall were designed and planned as row houses in an old market. It narrates Thai urban life from circa 1957. Thee are drugstores, clothes shop, toy shop, barber, convenience shop, cinema, gold shop, gramophone record shop, coffee shop, camera shop, etc., and there is also a reproduction of a floating market atmosphere too.
Location:
Soi Khlong Pho 2, Sala Thammasop Rd.
Open:
Sat-Sun 10.00-17.00
Fee:
Adults 30 THB. Children 10 THB
Erawan Musuem
A private museum founded by Lek Viriyaphan, a Thai bussinesman who spet his own wealth to construct the museum. He also the founder of the renown Ancient Siam and Sanctuary of Truth which are also very interesting and unique to that is worth a visit.
Although the Erawan Museum is not in Bangkok, it’s very easy to travel to and close to Bangkok. The museum can be conveniently reached by the BTS Sky Train from the central part of Bangkok. This is the reason why the museum is included in this list of Bangkok museums.
The museum took nearly 19 years to complete and was open in 2013. The main highlight of the museum is the largest giant three-headed sculpture made of copper that came from Hindu mythology. The sculpture is 43.6 meter in heights, 12 meters in width, 39 meters in length and weight 150 tons. The elephant can be seen from a distant.
The museum building is also beautiful decorated that represents the Underworld, the Earth, and the Heaven in Buddhist cosmology.
The first floor of the building decoratively represents the underworld. The level exhibits ancient artifacts collected by the founder such as ancient tea sets vases and bowls from the Dynasties of Ming and Qing from China. Furthermore, there are many mythical creature statues displayed who are believed to be the guardians of the underworld such as a half Naga-half human.
Next level, the second floor representing the earth. The collections of antique displayed at the level are divided into three types; Thai ceramics, stained glass and potteries made from Western culture. The level is a hot spot for photography with the stained glass as the main background
The top level represents the Mount Meru, the highest place where the Hindu gods live. The mural painting, painted by a German master, depicts the universe in the Buddhist Cosmology. The chamber also exhibits ancients Buddha statues and relics from different period.
If you want to get away from touristic attractions, this museum could be the one you’re looking for.
Location:
99/9 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Meung Mai, Samut Prakan
Open:
Every day from 09.00-18.00
Fee:
Adult 400 THB. Child 200 THB.
Website:
https://www.muangboranmuseum.com
Baan Kudichin Museum
A hidden museum in the Portuguese Community close to Wat Arun in Thonburi showcases you the history of the Portuguese living in the area and their relationship and contribution related to the period of Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Bangkok.
The museum has a small garden on the first level with a small cafe where you can order some drinks and snack especially the Sappayak Bun, a Portuguese snack that you can not find anywhere else in the city.
On the second floor, there are collections of antiques of the locals used in the old day display as well as pictures that depicts the story of the Portuguese.
Going up to the roof, you will be able to photograph the community and the Chao Phraya River in 360′
No admission fee to enter the museum. However, the museum needs fund to keep it running. A little purchase at the cafe would be appreciated.
Bangkok has 50 districts in the city and each district is distinguish and unique in its own culture. The Bangkok Museums that I wrote here represent their own stories that contribute to the overview picture of Thailand history. With this list of Bangkok museums, I hope it will help you choose the right museum that suits your goal and itinerary. Have a nice museum day!
Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram is the first-class royal temple of King Rama I’s reign, was originally built in the Ayutthaya period, and the King had it restored in 1789. During King Rama III’s reign, the King ordered the inscription of knowledge from old textbooks into the marble plates, then, placed them in the buildings to be the source of knowledge for the public. These plates could be categorized into many disciplines, such as history, religion, medicine and literature. The Wat Pho; therefore, could be regarded as the first university of Thailand. Furthermore, the temple is the house of the most beautiful reclining Buddha in Thailand. In 2011, UNESCO registered 1,440 stone inscriptions of Wat Pho as Memory of the World. There are many fascinating cultural heritage points in Wat Pho; for instance,
Wat Pho attractions including
99 Chedis
Wat Pho is the temple with the most Chedis of Thailand. One of the remarkable is the Four Great Stupas or Phra Maha Chedi of four reigns, the Chinese-Thai style architecture.
Also internationally known as the Reclining Buddha is the graceful reclining Buddha and the third largest and longest one of Thailand. The image is regarded as the most beautiful reclining Buddha image in the country. There are 108 pearl carvings of auspicious images on the Buddha’s soles, in the Chinese-Thai style.
The most beautiful Reclining Buddha in Thailand
Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho
It’s the stone inscriptions containing old wisdom and various bodies of knowledge.
Khao Ruesi Dat Ton (The Mountain of Exercising Hermits)
This is the health garden where there are many hermit statues demonstrating Yoga, movements, and the Thai traditional Physical Therapy manual in the form of graphic poems.
The cloister displays Buddha images collected from different regions of the country at the beginning of the King Rama I’s reign. These images are ancients images casted in different periods such as Sukhothai, Ayutthaya or Lopburi. It’s one of photo hot spots for travelers.
Phra ra Bian
Sala Karn Pa Rien (The Sermon Hall)
The building locally called “Ubosot” which was built in the Ayutthaya Period.
Kam Phang Kaew (The Glass Wall)
The bas-relief images depicting the story of Ramakien, modeled from the grand shadow play in Ayutthaya period.
Kam Phang Kaew
Chinese Dolls and Yaksha Wat Pho
The dolls were created by Thai master craftsmen and placed in the temple harmoniously. Yaksha Wat Pho is the legendary creatures with many old tales around them, were cursed and became the stone guardians of the temple. There is also the famous booth embellished with tile depicting a bantam realistically.
Chinese doll door guardians. Photo credit by คุณวรวุฒิ หิรัญยไพศาลสกุล
Yaksha. Photo credit by watpho.com
Massage pavilions
Wat Pho provides on-site massage service. The service pavilions are located at the east entrance and is rated around THB 450 / hour. The service is always busy but waiting for the service is not that long. However, there are also massage service outside the temple compound that you can use. This massage service is managed by Wat Pho as well. Therefore, you can be certain that you will receive the same quality service as the one offered on the temple ground. To get to the shop outside the temple, you just need to ask the receptions at the pavilion, they will walk you there.
Massage Pavillions at Wat Pho
Opening hours
The temple is open everyday from 08.30-18.30. The admission fee is THB 200 / person with one free bottle of water.
The temple is even more beautiful in the evening when it’s illuminated. This would be my best moment of the day to visit the temple when no tourists are around. Your experience will be totally different from day time visit. Below is what the temple looks like in the evening. If you would like to experience Wat Pho by night, this “Bangkok Tuk Tuk Sunset Long-tail Night Lights Tour” will take you there. You will experience the other side of the temple beauty with knowledgeable guides.
For first time visitors to Bangkok, one of the must-visit attractions is the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The attraction used to be the command center of all the kings and government since the early beginning of the Kingdom. Many beautiful buildings and architecture that portray the tradition and culture of Thailand will be found here. Planning to visit the palace as your first destination is recommend. You will get an overview understanding of the culture through the visit.
When King Rama I ordered the move of the capital to the Phra Nakhon District in 1782, he established the Grand Palace as the new center of the kingdom. Built in the tradition of Ayutthaya palace, it was located near a river and constructed together with the temple inside, in the example of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. In the past, the Grand Palace was the royal house and the palace for the kind to have an audience with his subjects. Presently, it’s utilized for the royal funerals.
The Grand Palace has been the center of Thai art and culture for more than two centuries. It’s the place where many important Thai cultural events took places, and since those were regarded as the model of every branch of Thai art, the Grand Palace became the worldwide famous tourist attraction. Each year, the architecture in the Grand Palace, that reflect the Thai identity, attract millions tourists. The complex consists of Wat Phra Kaew, Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Aphom Phimok Prasat Throne Hall, Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall, and many more. But the highlight building is the the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall or ‘foreigner with Chada (Thai crown)’, where Thai architectural style is mixed with western architectural style harmoniously.
Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew
Located in the outer court of the Grand Palace, it’s the capital temple which was constructed according to King Rama I, together with the establishment of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the Grand Palace in 1782. The temple is classified as the supreme temple, the highest temple class in the country. Beside housing the Emerald Buddha, the temple also houses other important statues, and royal ashes of former kings as well. It was also used for performing the important royal rituals.
One of the most remarkable parts of the visit is worshiping and praying to the Emerald Buddha, the palladium which was sculpted from green emerald, was built-in the Chiang Saen-sukhothai style. The Buddha’s clothes are changed seasonally. Additionally, the gorgeousness of the ubosot, whose walls, arch, gates and windows were decorated grandiosely by master craftsmen of the early Rattanakosin, also adds to the experience.
In the cloisters, is the world’s longest mural, depicting the story of Ramakien in a series of 178 images with accompanying poems. Here you do not want to miss photographing yourself together with the Guarding Yaksha of Wat Phra Kaew, which is one of the important landmarks of Bangkok.
Emerald Buddha Image. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Guarding Yaksha of Wat Phra Kaew. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Best time to avoid the crowd at the palace
The Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha is always crowded everyday since it’s a must visit attraction in Bangkok for first time visitors. But if you want to try avoiding the crowds, try visiting the attraction at its opening hour, lunch time where all tourist leave the palace for lunch and the other less crowded period I found was at the last hour before it’s close. These moments are the ones that the site has less visitors. So plan well!
Ordination Hall of the Temple of Emerald Buddha
Coming to Bangkok and not visiting the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha? You will miss the cultural highlight of the Thai tradition. Visiting the attraction with a knowledgeable tour guide will give you an overview history of the Thai culture and enhance your experience. Our knowledgeable tour guides will present you a tour of the palace and the temple and you will leave the attraction with much more understanding of the Thai culture.
Dress code
Visiting the palace, it’s required that you wear long pants or skirts with knee length and shirts covering shoulders. Using scarfs to wrap around shoulders would not allowed as well as legging pants.
The Grand Palace’s admission ticket is THB 500 per person and is open everyday from 08.30-15.30. It’s never close but sometime it’s close for some royal ceremonies. If you’re there and it’s close, well! You’re the lucky one!
5. Hua Mum Night Market
Siriraj Medical Museum. Photo credit: http://boonbudnet.com/
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The most beautiful Reclining Buddha in Thailand
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Phra ra Bian
Kam Phang Kaew
Chinese doll door guardians. Photo credit by คุณวรวุฒิ หิรัญยไพศาลสกุล
Yaksha. Photo credit by watpho.com
Massage Pavillions at Wat Pho
Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Emerald Buddha Image. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Guarding Yaksha of Wat Phra Kaew. Photo credit: royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Ordination Hall of the Temple of Emerald Buddha