Muang Boran, translated "Ancient City", is a museum park in Thailand located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok. This is not an amusement park, but instead is a real-life open-air museum where the most famous monuments of the country are replicated.
Thailand: Bangkok – Bangkok National Museum
A visit to the National museum reveals the History of Thailand And how people lived during the different periods. It gives you a view through the windows of the past. The National Museum was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.
I desperately wanted to visit the Bangkok National Museum, which was close to the Grand Palace that we’d gone to a couple of days back. When I investigated the opening hours, I discovered they were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Today was Sunday and we were leaving on Wednesday – today was our last opportunity to go there.
We had so far tried the metro system, Grab, ferries and tuk-tuks but not the buses. So, Karen decided this was the time to give those a try. It is always fun to try a new mode of transport in a city and all the learning curve that comes with it.
The buses left on the main road, close to the Krung Thon Buri BTS station. From Google Maps, Karen had worked out which bus to catch, the number 3, and when they came. This was not Singapore, so I did not expect the buses to arrive on schedule, and that proved to be the case. That said we didn’t have to wait too long for one to arrive. There are two types of public buses in Bangkok, ones with air conditioning and older ones without. You pay different rates depending on the type of bus. The one that turned up was an old bus. It had wooden floors, and rickety seats and the only air-conditioning was through the open windows when it was in motion. Mind you, it only costs eight baht (about 25 US cents) for a ride.
After about 30 minutes we arrived at the Bangkok National Museum.
Established in 1874 the Bangkok National Museum was the first National Museum in Thailand and is now one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The buildings were once the residence of the vice-King or crown prince, but when that position was eliminated, it was turned into a museum and is now home to the most extensive collection of Thai artefacts and art in the country.
There are several buildings on the campus, so we decided to do them in numerical order. But we fell on the first hurdle as number one, the Siwamokkhaphiman Audience Hall, was closed for renovation. So, we quickly moved on to exhibit hall number two, Buddhisawan Chapel, which had some restoration work done on the outside, but luckily, we could still go inside. It was gorgeous, with highly polished hardwood floors and red walls with beautiful murals painted on the walls. This is a temple, so there was a gold Buddha image on a platform.
Right next to the Buddhisawan Chapel, is the Red House, building number three. This small traditional teak house is constructed from interlocking panels. It was originally built for a sister of King Rama I about 200 years ago. The furnishings, included an impressive Chinese carved bed, dating back to the early 18th century. There are many other period artefacts, many belonging to the Royal Family, on display.
Building 4 is much larger and houses five different galleries. The first we visited was a temporary exhibition from Korea. The exhibition was entitled ‘A New Encounter’ a multimedia immersive story based on Joseon-era Buddhist paintings and “Uigwe,” a collection of royal protocols of the Joseon era.
The other galleries focussed on the early and pre-history of Thailand including the Dharavati, Lopburi and Srivijaya periods, and included many artefacts and a huge collection of Buddha images.
We’d left it until quite late in the day to visit the museum, so we had to pick up our pace to see everything before it closed. So, we hurried across to Building 5, the Praphat Phiphitthaphan Building, which again is divided into several galleries covering the early kingdoms of Thailand.
Room 501 has many artefacts from the Lan Na kingdom, which was established in 1266, and extended from Chiang Saen through to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang. Chiang Mai was established as its capital. There are many early Buddha images in this gallery, whose artistic style was influenced by the Buddha images found in India, Sri Lanka and Ankor at that time.
Room 502 covers the Sukhothai period (1238 – 1378 CE). Until the middle of the 13th century CE, regions of what today are Northeast and Central Thailand were under Khmer rule. At that time, at Sukhothai, a group of independent Thai chieftains who owed allegiance to the Khmer were able to throw off the Khmer yoke and establish themselves as rulers.
Although this kingdom of Sukhothai (translated as ‘The Dawn of Happiness’) enjoyed only a brief period of independence. less than 200 years, before it was absorbed in 1438 by the power of Ayutthaya it is regarded by the Thais as a golden age. Sukhothai and its regional towns reveal that although the Hindu beliefs of the banished Khmer were partially retained, it was the Buddhist faith that gave impetus to the new civilisation.
Room 504 is dedicated to the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, 1350 – 1767 CE. In 1350, King U Thong established the kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was to become one of the most important and long-lasting kingdoms on the mainland of Southeast Asia. The kingdom was situated in the Menam (Chao Phraya) basin, previously occupied by the Mon / Dvaravati and then by the Khmer, and was to the south of its political rival, Sukhothai. The reign of Ayutthaya finally ended in 1767 when the city was razed by the Burmese.
The final room in Building 5, focuses on the rise of the Thonburi & Rattanakosin kingdoms, 1782 CE to the present. After the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese, a new kingdom was founded in Thonburi under King Taksin. Subsequently, in 1782, the capital was moved to Bangkok, with the foundation of the Chakri dynasty, whose kings are known retrospectively by the title ‘Rama’. The art of this time, from 1782 until the present is known as the Rattanakosin or Bangkok style.
After leaving Building 5, we headed to Building 6, when Karen suggested that we check out Building 10, as we might not get back to it later. I am so glad she did. Inside this building were the incredible funerary chariots of the Thai Royal Family. This room houses chariots, palanquins, urns, umbrellas and many more objects used in royal cremation ceremonies. The hall and doors were built to accommodate the tall spires of the larger chariots. It was hard to comprehend the scale and ornateness of these flashy and ostentatious carriages. They were truly amazing!
One of the largest carriages, the Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharoth, made of teak and embellished with carvings, gold, and glass mosaic inlays, was built in 1795 by King Rama I for carrying the remains of his father to the cremation ground at Sanam Luang. During the reign of King Rama VI, it was refurbished, and wheels were added. The last restoration dates to 2017, in preparation for the cremation of King Rama IX. It is 13 metres high, weighs over 20 tons and is drawn by a total of 216 soldiers in four groups.
We still just about had time to visit Building 6, Phra Wiman (The Viceroy’s Residential Complex), which turned out to be, after the room with the funerary carriages, our favourite area in the museum complex. The entrance led us into the Issara Winitchai Throne Hall, which was built during the reign of Rama III (1824–1851) as an extension of the viceroys’ palace. The original throne of the viceroys is still located at the far end of the room. Like the other buildings, there were several other rooms dedicated to the collection, mostly bequeathed to the museum by the Royal family.
These rooms included:
- Royal Vehicles – no, not cars but palanquins, a wheelless vehicle carried by porters. In Thailand, royalty and the elite travelled by royal palanquins, thus distinguishing them from commoners.
- Theatre Art and Music, tells the story of how theatre and music have developed in Thailand. On display is a fabulous collection of musical instruments, including xylophones, drums, string instruments and percussion instruments called ‘khong wong’. In addition to the musical instruments, there were stunning displays of traditional masks used in the theatre and puppetry paraphernalia.
- There were also several rooms dedicated to wood carving, ivory carving, metal work, china, textiles and mother of pearl. Among the collections were some stunningly beautiful pieces.
- The rich people and royals did not always travel on palanquins, carried by people, they often rode on the back of elephants. Sapkhap or howdah is a carriage placed on an elephant’s back. A royal howdah is called phra ti nang (royal seat). Howdahs were not only used in times of peace and war but also as a ceremonial gift. During the design process, an elephant would be chosen and the howdah would be crafted to meet the requirements of the intended user. In the museum, there are several ornately crafted howdahs on display.
After a whirlwind tour of the National Museum complex we were done, but it had been a fantastic and fascinating visit that had increased our knowledge of Thai history and culture.
Planning your visit to Bangkok National Museum
The Best Way to get to the Bangkok National Museum
Bus no. 3 6 9 19 30 33 43 53 59 64 65 70 80 82 91 123 124 201 503 506 507,
Air-conditioned bus no. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91
Airport Shuttle Bus no. 2
| Website | https://www.finearts.go.th/museumbangkok/ |
| Telephone | +66 2-224 1402 / +66 2-224 1333 |
| Hours | Wednesday – Sunday and on public holidays (except new year’s and Songkran festival day) from 09.00 – 16.00 hrs. |
| Admission | 30 Baht for Thai citizens and 200 Baht for foreigners. |
| Address | 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 |
Getting around Bangkok
Skytrain
The Skytrain is an elevated train that is also known as BTS.
The system consists of 62 stations along three lines with a combined route length of 70.05 kilometres (43.53 mi). The BTS Sukhumvit Line runs northwards and south-eastwards, terminating at Khu Khot and Kheha respectively. The BTS Silom Line which serves Silom and Sathon Roads, the central business district of Bangkok, terminates at National Stadium and Bang Wa. The Gold Line people mover runs from Krung Thon Buri to Klong San and serves Iconsiam.
Metro
Bangkok’s metro system (MRT) is also good for travelling between the Sukhumvit or Silom districts to reach Hualamphong Train Station. Ticket costs on the Metro are inexpensive.
The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market is located at Mo Chit station on the Sukhumvit BTS line and Chatuchak Park on the MRT line.
Boats
Bangkok is split in two by the Chao Phraya River, and the west bank (formerly Thonburi) is still home to a pretty extensive canal system. One of the best ways (although not necessarily the quickest) to visit sights along the river bank, like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple, is by boat. The main pier (Tha Sathon, or Central Pier) connects with the Saphan Taksin BTS station.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) departs every 10 – 20 minutes between 6 am and 7 pm. The tourist boat (blue flag) runs from Central Pier to Phra Athit/Banglamphu Pier (number 13 on our map). It departs every 30 minutes from 9:30 am to 5 pm and stops at 8 main piers on the route.
To cross the river, countless ferries run every few minutes all day and into the night.
Taxis
Travelling around Bangkok by taxi is surprisingly cheap – sometimes even more so than the Skytrain – plus, it’s comfortable and easy, and the drivers are usually really friendly.
Taxis have to use their meters – if a driver refuses to do so, find a different taxi!
Don’t expect your driver to speak English. An address written in Thai is a good bet to ensure you’ll get to the right place! You can also try using Google Translate on your Smartphone.
Grab
This ride-hailing app is a great way to get around Bangkok. Journeys are reserved via a mobile application, and the journey has a fixed fare meaning that you’ll avoid arguments and haggling with taxi drivers. The application allows payment by card, or you can pay the driver in cash.
Tuk-tuks
Those iconic motorized rickshaws are used by locals and tourists alike for short journeys that aren’t worth the taxi fare. Tourists, however, are usually overcharged for these noisy and polluted trips! Always try and haggle the price and agree on a price before setting off. Super cheap tuk-tuks are usually too good to be true and will take you to gem shops and massage parlours in the hope of some commission.
The best time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand, lies within the ‘Aw’ Köppen climate zone, demarcating the predominance of tropical wet and dry conditions or more commonly known as ‘Savanna’. The geographical positioning of Bangkok within the lower central part of the country, close to the Gulf of Thailand, contributes to its distinctive tropical climate.
A consistent pattern can be discerned in the city’s climate throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures remaining relatively warm, ranging from a lowest average of 31.7°C to the maximum of 35.4°C. The relative humidity hovers between 66% and 79%, reflecting the tropical nature of the city’s climate. Rainfall varies dramatically, with the months of January and December experiencing just 13.3 and 6mm of rainfall respectively, compared to the deluge of 334mm in September. As far as sunshine is concerned, the city basks in between 5.2 to 9 hours of sunlight per day; this is complemented by daylight hours that range from 11.3 hours to 12.9 hours annually.
Remarkable patterns in Bangkok’s weather include the marked decrease in rainfall towards the tail end of the year and the relatively steady temperature throughout. This pattern of a pronounced dry season, coupled with uniform temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels, offers a distinctive characteristic of Bangkok’s tropical savanna climate.
The best time to visit Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok from November to February could be an enjoyable experience as these months witness relatively lower temperature ranges, from 31.7°C to 34.4°C and least rainfall, from 6mm to 50mm on average. With up to 8.5 hours of sunshine daily and a modest UV index of 9 to 10, these months provide an ideal opportunity for visitors to explore the city’s bustling streets and numerous attractions without the discomfort of extreme weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Bangkok
Planning a visit between May and October may prove to be challenging due to the substantial increase in rainfall, with September witnessing the highest rainfall of 334mm on average. June to September also have the highest relative humidity of 79%, potentially leading to discomfort due to the muggy climate. Temperatures from May to October do not provide much respite either, with the mercury hovering between 32.8°C and 35.4°C.
Other places to visit while in Bangkok
1. CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
The Chatuchak Weekend Market, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, is the largest market in Thailand. Also known as JJ Market, it has more than 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors, divided into 27 sections.
2. JIM THOMPSON HOUSE
American Jim Thompson was an officer at the OSS, stationed in Thailand during World War II. After the conflict ended, he stayed in the country to work on a new business plan. In 1947, he sent bolts of vibrant, hand-woven Thai silks to fashion heavyweights in New York City.
3. CALYPSO CABARET
Thailand is infamous for its beautiful kathoey, or ladyboys. The term is used to refer to a transgender woman or a man who likes to dress up as a woman. If you are into drag shows and want to support the local kathoey community, then you must go to Calypso Cabaret.
4. BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The foundation collection was previously stored at The grand palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Siam Square
Siam Square is a shopping mecca, full of luxury shopping centres and bargain department stores, designer labels, and trendy fashion boutiques. The small sois of Siam Square are alive with record stores, bookstores, cafes, and bars. Siam Square has the best shopping in Bangkok and is full of amenities, like cinemas, massage parlours, and salons. Siam Square is busy and safe at all hours.
Sukhumvit
If you want luxury hotels, top-notch restaurants, and lively nightlife, Sukhumvit is the place to go. This is where many ex-pats live and where tourists can find the top facilities in Bangkok. Many cosmopolitan clubs and restaurants line Sukhumvit while calm and atmospheric cafes are hidden in the sois leading off the main street. The Skytrain runs the length of Sukhumvit making it easy to explore. Also, Sukhumvit is famous for two red-light districts, Nana Plaza on Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy, just off Soi 23.
Khao San
Khao San Road is a 1 km stretch of shops, bars, restaurants, and street vendors and is home to the backpacker scene – though it is adding more mid-range hotels and boutiques every year. (Banglamphu is the name of the surrounding neighbourhood.) People either love it or hate it but it is well worth a visit. It’s centrally located and close to many of Bangkok’s top attractions (like the Grand Palace). If you’re arriving late at night and don’t have a hotel reservation it should be your top choice as the neighborhood stays up late and is easy to traverse on foot. The nearby sois (sidestreets) are offbeat arty areas that surprisingly retain a genuine Thai feel. The Skytrain and Metro don’t connect to the Khao San area, so you’ll be dependent on buses, taxis, and tuk tuks to get in and out of the area.
Bangkok Old Town
Bangkok Old Town (also Rattanakosin) is a historic area, bordered by the Chao Phraya and canals which served as moats for the old city. Bangkok’s most revered historical attractions are located in Rattanakosin. The area is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, palaces, monuments, and museums. The Old City area is relatively small and ideal for walking to explore the area.
Silom
Silom is Bangkok’s Wall Street (through the day). After nightfall, the people and environment changes considerably. The skyline is lined with skyscrapers boasting the names of local and international financial institutions, law firms, and corporations. The small sois between Silom Road and Surawong Road become alive with people, street life, sidewalk stalls, and street food vendors. Tourists and locals come here to see the infamous Patpong red-light district.
Chinatown
Chinese merchants moved to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in the early 1780’s, making Chinatown the oldest neighborhood in Bangkok. The neighborhood was defined by trade then and still is today. These days, Chinatown isn’t set as a tourist attraction. It is a genuine Chinese neighbourhood where people work and live. The streets of Chinatown are vivid and hectic – packed full of people, market stalls, and a concentration of gold shops. The only drawback is there isn’t much nightlife or amenities aimed at the typical tourist.
Thonburi
Thonburi comprises the entire west bank of the Chao Phraya River – across the water from the city’s center. If you’re sensitive to breathing polluted air then staying in Thonburi can make a noticeable difference on allergies. On this side of the river there’s a slower, more relaxed Bangkok that gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Thai culture. Canals make their way through the relatively isolated neighborhoods. Vendors sell noodles from old Thai long tail boats and locals prefer to bicycle through the sois. The most popular tourist activity is to hire a long tail boat and explore the waterways and floating markets.
1. THE FIG LOBBY
The Fig Lobby is a bright and bold beacon to modern art lodged in an older traditional area of Bangkok. It is bright and ballsy and hard to miss with its bright colours and irregular patterns.
In the heart of Bangkok, The Fig Lobby is within a 5-minute drive of MedPark Hospital and Terminal 21 Shopping Mall. This 4-star hotel is 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from CentralWorld Shopping Complex and 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from MBK Center.
2. MID-RANGE – WHITE IVORY BED & BREAKFAST
We have stayed at this small hotel a couple of times when visiting Bangkok. It is a cosy, off-the-beaten-track boutique hotel with a friendly and helpful staff. The hotel is not in a touristy area and is surrounded by local shops and small businesses. If you are looking for a more authentic Bangkok experience this could be the place for you. There is a BTS station with a few minutes walk and many buses pass close by, so it doesn’t feel cut off at all.
The lobby area looks like a cafe, but I have never seen them serve any food or drink here. It is more of a hangout area for guests. Breakfasts are available at the sister hotel around the corner or you can walk to the main road where there are several ‘western’ style cafes to choose from.
3. BUDGET – NAPPARK HOSTEL AT KHAO SAN
This newly-opened hostel is perfectly located in the very centre of Bangkok. It is close to many tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace, Khao San Road, the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho, and the famous nightlife and shopping of Bangkok. This hostel was specially designed for backpackers looking to experience a real Thai home styled with a colourful, friendly attitude, fun and sociable atmosphere.
More to Explore
