1. ROYAL ELEPHANT NATIONAL MUSUEM
This is the first building on the right when entering the Vimanmek compound, containing a life like model of white elephant. The myth and legend of the white elephant began in Southeast Asia-The land of the White Elephant.
In the story of the Lord Buddha, the white elephant is connected to fertility and knowledge. On the eve of giving birth to the Lord Buddha, his mother dreams that a white elephant comes to present her with a lotus , a symbol of purity and knowledge.
The white elephant is above an ordinary tusker. In Thailand, this creature is scared as it represents the prosperity of the town. Indeed, The Siamese put the white elephant on their new leg flag.When elephants were no longer so vital for warfare, elephant hunts became less common and fewer of the rare albino elephants were found. The Siamese king passed a law demanding that any white elephant found in the kingdom had to be presented to the king. He sent out scouting parties and offered rewards. The discovery of a white elephant became a special event, a time for national celebration.
In this museum , the visitor can see pictures and elephants promoted to the title of " royal elephants" by past kings. The museum opens everyday from 9am to 4pm . Admission is free.
2. SUAN PAKKAD PALACE & MUSEUM
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai, Suan Pakkad Palace is the former residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading gardeners and art collectors. In the compound of the palace , visitors will see 8 traditional Thai houses. Collections include Asian art and antiques, seashells , mineral crystal , pottery and bronze objects from the prehistoric burial ground Ban Chiang , in Northeast Thailand . The complex is open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm. Website: www.suanpakkad.com
3. RATTANAKOSIN EXHIBITION HALL
Located on Ratchadamnoen Road, this exhibition hall will take visitors to experience the best of Rattanakosin in a day through exhibitions in 9 room that spread out on 3rd floor building. The exhibition includes the history of Rattanakosin since the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, the royal culture , the Ratanakosin communities, traditional Thai performances and ceremonies , and the major tourist attractions in Bangkok.
After finish travelling back in time through the interactive displays and multimedia presentations , visitors can then go on the rooftop and enjoy a cup of coffee while viewing the panoramic scenery of Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Open Tuesday - friday from 11 am to 8 pm and Saturday , Sunday and Public Holidays from 11 am to 8 pm. For more information, visit www. nitasrattanakosin.com
4. BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
Near the National Theatre and not far from Sanam Luang, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia, the National Museum . The National Museum houses an important and superb collection of artefacts and object d' art ranging from the Bronze Age to the Bangkok period. The complex consists of several old and beautiful buildings once used as a palace. The museum is open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm , except Monday , Tuesday and national holidays.
www. nationalmuseums.finerts.go.th
5. ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM
located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River and not far from Phra Pinklao Bridge , this shed has a display of several ornately carved royal barges with unique designs and decorative details. These barges are used on royal and official occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The most beautiful and well known barge " Suphannhong " is used by the king only when he makes his royal river procession for the Kathin Ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually held during October or November . There is also " Narai Songsuban Ratchakan Thi Kao", the latest royal barge especially built on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the King's Accession to the throne in 1996. The royal barges were also used during the Rattanakosin bicentennial celebrations and the reception ceremony of the APEC 2003.
The shed is open to the public everyday from 9 am to 5 pm .
6. PRASAT MUSEUM
Located at No 9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi in the eastern area of the city , the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods ( from 1782 A.D. to the present). Within the museum complex, there are various styles of architecture , like a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in the National Museum and a replica of Ho Trai Klang Nam ( Tripitaka Pavilion - a library for Buddhist scriptures ) of Wat Yai Suwannaram . Prasat Museum is open everyday from 9 am to 3 pm except Monday. The tours must be arranged one day in advance and the admission fee is 1000 baht per person , but for a group of 3 of more people, the admission fee is 500 baht per person .
7. MUSEUM OF SIAM
Located on Sanam Chai Road, Museum of Siam displays the story of Thailand, Thai people and Thai identity through series of fascinating exhibition. Visitors will discover the interesting stories, some are hidden treasures that required close study at the exhibition, through variety of exhibition techniques, interactive displays, light and sound presentation and modern technology . Open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm . For more information , visit www. museumsiam.com
8. KAMTHIENG HOUSE MUSEUM
Located in the garden of the Siam Socirty on Sukhmvit Road Soi 21 ( Asok) , this newly renovated and refurbished 200 year old northern Thai Lanna style wooden house contains a collection of traditional toold and implements used by Northen Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
9. BANGKOK DOLLS MUSEUM
Located at 85 Soi Ratchataphan ( Soi Mo Leng) , off Ratchaprarop Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of handmade Thai and foreign dolls. Bangkok Dolls have also won several awards for their miniature creations. The museum is open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm except for Sunday and national holidays and admission is free.
10. MUSEUM OF IMAGING TECHNOLOGY
Located in the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University , this is the first camera and photographs and imaging equipment , as well as its technological evolution are on display . Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm .
11. SIRIRAJ MUSEUM
Siriraj is one of Bangkok's most prestigious hospitals. It has another claim to fame, its Forensics Museum , a little chamber of horrors. Among several other museums, the best ones to see are the Museum of Criminology and the Museum of Anatomy . Here the visitor can meet Si Oui, or rather is embalmed body. This serial killer had the appalling habit of eating a victims's liver. Now he stands forever in a glass case, defiant to the end . The bodies of various other criminals , the embalmed corpses of suicides, the victims of hideous accidents and murders are also on display . There are photographs of the results of accidents as well.
In the Museum of Anatomy , visitors can see embalmed legs, arms , internal organs and organs of malformed humans. If this is not enough , move on to the Museum of Parasitology . The museum is fascinating , but only for those who have a very strong stomach. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday to Saturday.
12. NATIONAL SCIENCES MUSEUM
The astonishing geometric architecture of the National Science Museum attracts not only children but also adults for its entertaining combination of science and technology. The museum provides both education and entertainment , along with exhibits of technological advancements in agriculture by local Thais. The museum is divided into 2 halls: Hall 1 is about scientific knowledge and nature from around the globe is on display in Hall II. open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 4 pm. , weekend and public holidays from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
13. SCIENCES CENTRE FOR EDUCATION
Situated near the Eastern Bus Terminal ( Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this exhibition centre houses an interesting aquarium , computer world , a planetarium , as well as many devices created for fun and education. The Science centre consists of 2 sections . The first is the Bangkok Planetarium , where you can explore the stars and sky. Open on Tuesdays - Fridays at 11 am / 2 pm and Saturdays , Sundays at 10 am /11 am /1.30 pm / 2.30 pm. The second part is the science exhibition centre. Open Tuesday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
14. MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK
Madame Tussauds , the world famous wax museum , has opened its 10th attraction on the 6th floor of Siam Discovery Shoping Centre. Displaying here are over 70 figures of Hollywood stars, local celebrities and sport heroes. The special feature of madame Tussauds Bangkok is that visitors can take picture , hug or even touch the wax figures. It is open everyday from 10 am to 9 pm.
This is the first building on the right when entering the Vimanmek compound, containing a life like model of white elephant. The myth and legend of the white elephant began in Southeast Asia-The land of the White Elephant.
In the story of the Lord Buddha, the white elephant is connected to fertility and knowledge. On the eve of giving birth to the Lord Buddha, his mother dreams that a white elephant comes to present her with a lotus , a symbol of purity and knowledge.
The white elephant is above an ordinary tusker. In Thailand, this creature is scared as it represents the prosperity of the town. Indeed, The Siamese put the white elephant on their new leg flag.When elephants were no longer so vital for warfare, elephant hunts became less common and fewer of the rare albino elephants were found. The Siamese king passed a law demanding that any white elephant found in the kingdom had to be presented to the king. He sent out scouting parties and offered rewards. The discovery of a white elephant became a special event, a time for national celebration.
In this museum , the visitor can see pictures and elephants promoted to the title of " royal elephants" by past kings. The museum opens everyday from 9am to 4pm . Admission is free.
2. SUAN PAKKAD PALACE & MUSEUM
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai, Suan Pakkad Palace is the former residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading gardeners and art collectors. In the compound of the palace , visitors will see 8 traditional Thai houses. Collections include Asian art and antiques, seashells , mineral crystal , pottery and bronze objects from the prehistoric burial ground Ban Chiang , in Northeast Thailand . The complex is open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm. Website: www.suanpakkad.com
3. RATTANAKOSIN EXHIBITION HALL
Located on Ratchadamnoen Road, this exhibition hall will take visitors to experience the best of Rattanakosin in a day through exhibitions in 9 room that spread out on 3rd floor building. The exhibition includes the history of Rattanakosin since the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, the royal culture , the Ratanakosin communities, traditional Thai performances and ceremonies , and the major tourist attractions in Bangkok.
After finish travelling back in time through the interactive displays and multimedia presentations , visitors can then go on the rooftop and enjoy a cup of coffee while viewing the panoramic scenery of Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Open Tuesday - friday from 11 am to 8 pm and Saturday , Sunday and Public Holidays from 11 am to 8 pm. For more information, visit www. nitasrattanakosin.com
4. BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
Near the National Theatre and not far from Sanam Luang, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia, the National Museum . The National Museum houses an important and superb collection of artefacts and object d' art ranging from the Bronze Age to the Bangkok period. The complex consists of several old and beautiful buildings once used as a palace. The museum is open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm , except Monday , Tuesday and national holidays.
www. nationalmuseums.finerts.go.th
5. ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM
located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River and not far from Phra Pinklao Bridge , this shed has a display of several ornately carved royal barges with unique designs and decorative details. These barges are used on royal and official occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The most beautiful and well known barge " Suphannhong " is used by the king only when he makes his royal river procession for the Kathin Ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually held during October or November . There is also " Narai Songsuban Ratchakan Thi Kao", the latest royal barge especially built on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the King's Accession to the throne in 1996. The royal barges were also used during the Rattanakosin bicentennial celebrations and the reception ceremony of the APEC 2003.
The shed is open to the public everyday from 9 am to 5 pm .
6. PRASAT MUSEUM
Located at No 9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi in the eastern area of the city , the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods ( from 1782 A.D. to the present). Within the museum complex, there are various styles of architecture , like a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in the National Museum and a replica of Ho Trai Klang Nam ( Tripitaka Pavilion - a library for Buddhist scriptures ) of Wat Yai Suwannaram . Prasat Museum is open everyday from 9 am to 3 pm except Monday. The tours must be arranged one day in advance and the admission fee is 1000 baht per person , but for a group of 3 of more people, the admission fee is 500 baht per person .
7. MUSEUM OF SIAM
Located on Sanam Chai Road, Museum of Siam displays the story of Thailand, Thai people and Thai identity through series of fascinating exhibition. Visitors will discover the interesting stories, some are hidden treasures that required close study at the exhibition, through variety of exhibition techniques, interactive displays, light and sound presentation and modern technology . Open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm . For more information , visit www. museumsiam.com
8. KAMTHIENG HOUSE MUSEUM
Located in the garden of the Siam Socirty on Sukhmvit Road Soi 21 ( Asok) , this newly renovated and refurbished 200 year old northern Thai Lanna style wooden house contains a collection of traditional toold and implements used by Northen Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
9. BANGKOK DOLLS MUSEUM
Located at 85 Soi Ratchataphan ( Soi Mo Leng) , off Ratchaprarop Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of handmade Thai and foreign dolls. Bangkok Dolls have also won several awards for their miniature creations. The museum is open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm except for Sunday and national holidays and admission is free.
10. MUSEUM OF IMAGING TECHNOLOGY
Located in the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University , this is the first camera and photographs and imaging equipment , as well as its technological evolution are on display . Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm .
11. SIRIRAJ MUSEUM
Siriraj is one of Bangkok's most prestigious hospitals. It has another claim to fame, its Forensics Museum , a little chamber of horrors. Among several other museums, the best ones to see are the Museum of Criminology and the Museum of Anatomy . Here the visitor can meet Si Oui, or rather is embalmed body. This serial killer had the appalling habit of eating a victims's liver. Now he stands forever in a glass case, defiant to the end . The bodies of various other criminals , the embalmed corpses of suicides, the victims of hideous accidents and murders are also on display . There are photographs of the results of accidents as well.
In the Museum of Anatomy , visitors can see embalmed legs, arms , internal organs and organs of malformed humans. If this is not enough , move on to the Museum of Parasitology . The museum is fascinating , but only for those who have a very strong stomach. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday to Saturday.
12. NATIONAL SCIENCES MUSEUM
The astonishing geometric architecture of the National Science Museum attracts not only children but also adults for its entertaining combination of science and technology. The museum provides both education and entertainment , along with exhibits of technological advancements in agriculture by local Thais. The museum is divided into 2 halls: Hall 1 is about scientific knowledge and nature from around the globe is on display in Hall II. open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 4 pm. , weekend and public holidays from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
13. SCIENCES CENTRE FOR EDUCATION
Situated near the Eastern Bus Terminal ( Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this exhibition centre houses an interesting aquarium , computer world , a planetarium , as well as many devices created for fun and education. The Science centre consists of 2 sections . The first is the Bangkok Planetarium , where you can explore the stars and sky. Open on Tuesdays - Fridays at 11 am / 2 pm and Saturdays , Sundays at 10 am /11 am /1.30 pm / 2.30 pm. The second part is the science exhibition centre. Open Tuesday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
14. MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK
Madame Tussauds , the world famous wax museum , has opened its 10th attraction on the 6th floor of Siam Discovery Shoping Centre. Displaying here are over 70 figures of Hollywood stars, local celebrities and sport heroes. The special feature of madame Tussauds Bangkok is that visitors can take picture , hug or even touch the wax figures. It is open everyday from 10 am to 9 pm.
