Museums

The museums in Bangkok are mostly devoted to Thai art and architecture, but the National Gallery is a place to view art from other countries.

Be sure to see the National Museum and the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, as well as the Shed of the Royal Barges a one-of-a-kind experience.

Jim Thompson House

A fine example of Thai architecture, this house is filled with rare art and antiques once owned by the U.S. citizen who was almost solely responsible for revitalizing the silk industry in Thailand.
Since his puzzling disappearance in 1968, his former residence has become a popular tourist attraction.

Daily 9 am-4 pm.
Admission: 100 baht adults, 40 baht children.
6 Soi Kaseman 2, Rama I Road, phone 215-0122.

The National Gallery

Within walking distance of the National Museum, the Gallery exhibits both contemporary and classical art from Asian and other schools.

Wednesday-Sunday 8 am-4 pm.
Admission: 10 baht (special exhibits can be more).
4 Chao Fa Rd., phone 282-2639.

The National Museum

The National Museum contains the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country, from Neolithic times to the present.

Wednesday-Sunday 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm.
Admission: 40 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for Thais.
4 Na Prathat Rd. (next to the National Theater and Thammasat University), phone 224-1333.

The Shed of the Royal Barges

North of the Grand Palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Shed houses gilded vessels once used for war and currently used by the king for ceremonies of religious importance.

Similar to ancient Viking boats but more ornate, these royal yachts are a spectacle even on land. Klong (canal) tours often stop there.

Daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Admission: 30 baht, but if you want to take pictures, it's an additional 100 baht for a permit.
Klong Bangkok Noi, phone 424-0004.

Vimanmek Teak Mansion

The world's largest teak building, built by King Rama V in the late 1800s as a summer palace on the island of Ko Si Chang.

It was moved to its present location in 1910. With 100 rooms, it's a fine tribute to Thai architecture and art and is filled with priceless antiques and paintings.

You can't walk around on your own, but there are free guided tours, in English, every half hour starting at 9:30 am. At 2 pm there's a free demonstration of Thai dance in the foyer.

Daily 9:30 am-4 pm.
Admission: 50 baht or as part of an entrance ticket to the Grand Palace. Ratchasima Road, phone 281-1569.

Bangkok Planetarium & Scientific Museum

The scientific museum situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) is an exhibition center on scientific knowledge and astronomy.

Open daily, except Monday and national holidays, from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is Baht 10.

At the planetarium, daily performances on the solar system are presented for the public from Tuesday to Sunday.

Open from 8.30 8.30 a.m. p.m.
Admission fee is 10 baht.

For further information, please contact tel. 3925952, 3902301.

Narayanaphand

(Tel: 2524670-9, 2554328-9)

This is handicraft centre, under government supervision, located on Ratchadamri Rd .

Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country.

Items available include Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquer ware, bronze objects and Khon masks.

The store is open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m.

Bangkok Dolls & Museum

(Tel: 2453008)

All kinds of Thai dolls are made in this factory which is on Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road, in the Pratunam area.

It is open to visitors, who may inspect and buy dolls, every day except Sundays and public holidays from 8.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m.