The National Museum

Naphra That Road
Bangkok
Bangkok
Thailand
02224 1404

Type: Museum
Addmission Fee: 40 Thai Baht
Hours: Open from 9am to 4pm from Wednesday thru Sunday

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The National Museum, Bangkok: If you want to immerse yourself in Thai culture and history there is no better place than this. There is probably too much to see and it is easy to spend an entire day browsing and learning.With an admission fee of 40 Baht that includes a guide book and map, it is a Bangkok bargain.

The place rarely gets crowded since it is not on many of the city tours.The museum is on Naphra That Road between Thammasart University and the National Theater. It is opposite the Sanam Luang, that large oval field in front of the Grand Palace.

The collections of art and antiquities are phenomenal. The highlight for us was the royal family’s funeral chariots that are housed in building 17. Yes, there are a lot of buildings many of which are not air conditioned.

The chariot that caught our eye is named Vejayant Rajarot and was built in 1785 on the orders of Rama I. It was used to carry the urn containinghis remains at his funeral. It was last used in 1985 for the funeral of Queen Rambhai Bharni, wife of Rama VII. The chariot weighs 40 tons, stands 13 meters high and it takes 300 men to pull it.

As you wander around there are things ancient, and very ancient and modern. There are weapons and musical instruments, jewels and royal regalia, furniture and architectural wonders. Fortunately there is an inexpensive café in the center of things where you can regain your strength.

Volunteers give free tours in English every Wednesday and Thursday starting at 9:30am. The museum is open from 9am to 4pm from Wednesday thru Sunday.