Museums – Bangkok

Bangkok's museums cover Siamese royal history, traditional Thai houses and contemporary art. Their air-conditioned halls are also a good break from the heat between temple visits.

Combined ticket

There is no combined ticket; tickets are bought separately at each museum, and foreigners pay more than locals at most.

Free admission days

Many museums close on Mondays; some state museums are free on certain national holidays.

Map

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Places

  1. Jim Thompson House

    The traditional teak houses and Asian art collection of the American silk entrepreneur.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: Entry is by guided tour only; walk from BTS National Stadium.

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  2. National Museum Bangkok

    Thailand's largest museum, with sculpture, royal artefacts and the old palace's wooden pavilions.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: Open Wednesday to Sunday; go early so you have time for the full tour.

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  3. Museum Siam

    A family-friendly museum explaining Thai identity and history through interactive exhibits.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: It is right near Wat Pho, so combine the two in one walk.

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  4. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

    A free-entry arts centre hosting contemporary exhibitions, performances and independent cafés.

    Category
    Gallery
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Afternoon

    Tip: Closed on Mondays; drop in while walking between Siam and MBK.

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  5. Vimanmek Mansion

    King Rama V's former summer palace, one of the world's largest golden teak buildings.

    Category
    Palace
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: Cover shoulders and knees; entry is by guided tour only.

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  6. Erawan Museum

    A fantastical museum inside a giant three-headed elephant statue, with antiques and a stained-glass dome.

    Category
    Art museum
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: It is a short taxi ride from BTS Chang Erawan; set aside about half a day from the centre.

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  7. Siriraj Medical Museum

    An unusual museum inside Siriraj Hospital, known for its forensic and anatomy collections.

    Category
    Science museum
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Afternoon

    Tip: It contains graphic exhibits and may not suit sensitive visitors or children.

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  8. Royal Barges National Museum

    Carved wooden royal barges used in ceremonies, including the golden Suphannahong.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    45 min
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Any time of day

    Tip: A small museum on Khlong Bangkok Noi, easy to combine with a boat trip.

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Last updated:

Please verify with official sources before your visit.

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