Textiles play a large role in Thailand’s culture, as many fabrics and designs are imbued with both spiritual and royal significance. The “Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles” first began in 2003, in an empty building located at the Grand Palace. Queen Sirikit herself is credited with requesting the museum, which has since grown into a thorough presentation of the country’s lengthy history of textiles. It’s now complete with an education department, displays of antique textiles, and a conservation lab.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are treated to the opulence of traditional Thai architecture: many of the buildings original features from the nineteenth century have been well-preserved. Exhibitions of fashions through the different eras in Thailand history are shown here. The women’s wear in particular shines, where vintage Thai skirts and wrap shirts stand next to modern buttoned-down business suits. Fashionistas and design enthusiasts alike will enjoy eyeing the variety of intricately sewn garments, adorned with jewels and opulent accessories. In Thailand’s current age of fast fashion, the phrase “they don’t make ’em like they used to” quickly comes to mind.