The main building of the National Museum
A former royal residence from 1782 became the National Museum in 1926, housing a wealth of treasures (mainly archaeological finds and artifacts related to Thai history and culture). It’s the largest museum in Southeast Asia, spread over several galleries in different buildings, displaying prehistoric art, decorative pieces, jewelry, textiles, weapons, and gilded ceremonial chariots used in royal funerals.
Two of the buildings, the Wang Na Palace and the Buddhaisawan Chapel, are themselves works of art. The palace features beautifully-decorated Chinese-style doors, while the chapel is covered with murals and holds the country’s second-holiest image after the Emerald Buddha, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is believed to date from the 13th century.
Other highlights include a graceful 14th-century bronze Buddha finished in gold and red lacquer, and a large 15th-century bronze head of the Buddha from Ayutthaya.
You may book guided tours in English, available twice a week, in the morning.
The archaeological treasures of the National Museum
Visitor's Guide
Opening times: 9am-4pm (Wednesday-Sunday)
Tickets: 200 baht
How to get to the National Museum
Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Phra Athit pier, or walk from the Grand Palace.
Royal chariot in the National Museum