National Museum houses artifacts of its past in several poorly maintained buildings and requires the better part of a day to see it all. Guided tours in English and French on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30am, Japanese on Wednesday at 9:30am, and German on Thursday at 9:30am. The main building where you start your tour is the only one that is really air-conditioned. The other buildings aren't for the most part. There are theories as to the origin of the Thai people, but nothing conclusive. The floor plan of museum lists its exhibits.

Admission THB 50, hours 9am-4pm

Museum Education Section: phone (662)224-1333, fax (662)224-1404

Curatorail Staff Section: phone (662) 224-1402

By Bus nos. 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 32, 33, 43, 53, 59, 64, 65, 70, 80, 84

Air Condition bus nos. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91

Airport Bus no. A2

As one of the world’s prime museums, the Thai National Museum in Bangkok was started at the Grand Palace in order to include the private collection of antiquities of the local monarch – in this case, King Mongkut (King Rama IV, 1851-1868). It was also the first museum ever in Thailand. It was made public by King Mongkut’s son, King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V, 1868-1910).

The museum’s goal is to preserve Thai history and heritage through sizeable collections of art, archaeological and cultural objects. You should start by exploring some of the country’s history with a black-stone inscription from Sukhothai, which is the oldest-known record of the wonderfully crafted Thai alphabet. Although the majority of the museum’s pieces are from Thailand, there are some wonderful antiques from other Asian countries, including India. Funeral chariots, stuffed animals purchased in Europe and the United States, skeletons, rocks, and minerals make this museum an well-rounded experience.

The museum compound also contains many interesting buildings, including Sala Longsong Pavilion, Bhuddhasawan Chapel, Tamnak Daeng, and theMungkhalaphisek Pavilion.

If you prefer something more personal than a guidebook, you should take one of the free English-language tours of the museum, offered by local volunteers on Wednesday and Thursday and starting rather early, at half past nine in the morning. On Wednesday, you can learn about Buddhism, and on Thursday, about Thai history, arts, and culture. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and have answered all the questions I had – try to get that out of a guidebook! If English is not your first language, you can take one of the French and Japanese tours on Wednesday or a German-language tour offered each Thursday.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm, and the admission fee for foreigners is just under $1, or 40 Thai Baht. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to take photographs inside the museum’s gallery and the building.

The museum has good collections that gives the visitor a very good and thorough overview of Thai history and culture. Being that Buddhism has had a significant influence in shaping Thai history and culture, I found it valuable to see it reflected in the art and artifacts. On Thursdays at 9:30am, they have English-speaking group tours.

It is one of the most comprehensive museums in South East Asia, located near the National Theatre and opposite Royal Grand Palace.

As I entered the compound of the museum, I can see how great the museum is. There are several buildings in the compound. I love the Thai History Gallery. I bought a Thai handcraft from the souvenir shop here which cost me 60 Baht. A traditional wooden key chain. The Theatre Arts and Games Room displays puppets and masks used in classical dance performance. The room that captured my interest is the Costume and Textiles Room where they display mannequins wearing costumes from different periods and uniforms, mostly from South East Asia and Indian. I spend almost half a day in the museum.

No camera and food is allowed into the museum. The museum is open everyday (except Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays) from 9.00am until 4.00pm.

The Bangkok National museum is a very large and informative museum with exhibitons including Buddha images and Wheels of Law to mother of pearl. The grounds are nice to walk around, with the main grounds being set in a large temple. This is a very good value for your money.