A guide to 10 amazing museums in Bangkok

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK Updated : Jun 19, 2017, 01.28 PM IST

Kimberly Lauren Bryant

Kimberly Lauren Bryant is a Canadian photographer and writer based between Berlin and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Driven by interests in contemporary art, film, and culture, her passion for creative expression shapes who she is and how she interacts with the world. She holds a degree in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia, and is a graduate of TCI’s Emerging Photographer Program, specializing in movement-based imagery and travel photography.

Credit: ThinkStock Photos

As Thailand’s largest city and one of the world’s most notorious travel destinations, Bangkok is a fantastic place to soak up arts and culture. Travellers will find a wealth of options at their fingertips: there’s so much going on 24/7 in this City of Angels. One of the keys to unlocking Bangkok’s myriad charms is narrowing down exactly what you want to see—after all, one could spend a lifetime exploring cultural offerings throughout this sprawling urban jungle. And when it comes to museums, there’s plenty of choice no matter where your interests lie. Stepping into many of these traditional museums gives visitors a chance to travel back in time and view priceless treasures from the country’s fascinating past. Meanwhile, newer institutions—like the Museum of Contemporary Art—provide insight into the country’s current state of affairs regarding arts, crafts, and contemporary works. Whether you fancy architecture, painting, pop culture, or textiles this bustling city has something to offer every curious traveller.
1
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

If you want to witness the cream of the crop in Thai contemporary art, there’s only one place you really need to go: Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary is a must-see for any art-lover, artist, or culture vulture. Foreigner...more

2
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Jim Thompson House

While it might be the first time you’ve heard his name, American Jim Thompson is a well-known figure around these parts. Famous for reigniting the silk industry in Thailand during the period between late forties and earl...more

3
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Madame Tussauds Bangkok

An international museum chain famous for its incredibly life-like celebrity wax figures, Bangkok’s Madame Tussauds is the only one that can be found in Thailand. In fact, the only other Madame Tussauds in Southeast Asia ...more

4
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

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 locate...more

5
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Bangkok National Museum

This museum has a worthwhile claim to fame, being Thailand’s first public museum and boasting the largest selection of Thai art in the country. And it’s not just paintings—the Bangkok National Museum features myriad pric...more

6
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Nothing beats free admission to an amazing museum—and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) offers travellers just that. The architecture and design of the building is almost as noteworthy as the art hanging on the w...more

7
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Museum of Siam

For true culture buffs, the Museum of Siam offers even deeper insight into the Thai way of life. This interactive museum is also more contemporary in style than others. It features a range of multimedia exhibitions that ...more

8
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

The Bangkokian Museum

Also known as the Bangkok Folk Museum, this offers visitors something a little off the beaten path. Another great choice for architecture fiends, the two well-maintained traditional Thai houses that make up the museum ar...more

9
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Royal Barges National Museum

Bangkok used to rely almost solely on its waterways for transportation routes. While some canals—called khlongs in Thai—are still lined with lively markets, and larger rivers are filled with water taxis, most of the city...more

10
Museum

THINGS TO DO, BANGKOK

Bank of Thailand Museum

As tourists in Bangkok soon find out, bartering is an essential skill for navigating this city. Step into any market and your bargaining skills will immediately be put to the test. That’s why exploring the Bank of Thaila...more

Liked this article? Let your friends know about it

Next story

Delhi to Kolkata in 5 hours, thanks to the bullet train corridor!