Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia, rich in history, art, and culture. Until 1939, it was known as Siam, and in the 1930s, the name was anglicized using the word “thai”, which means freedom. Due to its geographical location, Thailand experiences a diverse climate, allowing for a year-round tourist season. If you are planning a trip to the country, we highly recommend visiting its museums. They will surely astonish you.
* The National Museum of Bangkok is one of the largest and oldest museums in Thailand. Since its foundation in 1782, it has housed exhibits ranging from the ancient to the most recent. The museum is considered to be founded by King Rama V. It is located in the historical district of the city and comprises a vast complex of several buildings. Inside, you will find collections of various art objects and artifacts that showcase the cultural development of the Thai people. Even the locals come here to study the symbolism of Buddhism and the country’s history. You can take beautiful photos of ancient statues, paintings, frescoes, as well as weapons and military armor.
* The Jim Thompson Museum is located in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Jim Thompson, an American diplomat and architect, fell in love with Thailand and decided to move here. He built himself a house since the local ones didn’t suit him. Today, it is a museum that showcases a collection of Thai textiles, as well as art and craft items that Jim Thompson collected during his travels across Thailand. Statues and paintings, papers and fabrics, even white and blue Chinese porcelain — you can see all of this inside the museum. The only caveat is that photography is not allowed inside. It is approximately 7 kilometers away from the National Museum of Bangkok, and you can reach it by car. If you wish to continue traveling by car, we recommend using the car rental in Thailand.
* The Vimanmek Mansion Museum is a former royal palace and a splendid example of Thai architecture. It was built in the 19th century using teak wood, which is a crucial type of timber in Asia. Unfortunately, since 2016, it has been closed for reconstruction. It housed porcelain items, furniture, the first printing press with the Thai alphabet, paintings, and photos of the royal family. Visitors were required to adhere to a specific dress code: pants or a long skirt, as well as a blouse with long sleeves. All bags and cameras had to be deposited in a special storage room because video and photography within the museum’s premises were prohibited.
* The Suan Pakkad Palace is the first museum in Thailand, in which its owners, Prince Chumbhot and his wife, opened their residence to the public in 1952. Here, every tourist can see a collection of antiques, Buddha statues, traditional fabric and wood paintings. The museum consists of not just one but several traditional buildings. Interestingly, artifacts from the Ban Chiang period, which are approximately 4,000 years old, are also housed here. The museum was restored and reopened to visitors in 1959.
* The Erawan Museum houses a collection of ancient religious artifacts collected by the museum’s founder, Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphant. The museum itself is built in the form of a three-story building, with the upper floor located inside a giant sculpture of a three-headed elephant. The museum’s exhibition spans three floors, representing three different worlds. The first floor showcases a collection of Chinese vases from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The second floor symbolizes the earthly realm, displaying a collection of valuable antiques and art objects. The third floor represents paradise, where relics and ancient statues of Buddha are exhibited.
* The Salt Museum is a unique museum located in the province of Samut Songkhram. This museum showcases the process of salt extraction and production, which has been prevalent in the region for many centuries. Along the road between Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakon, several salt farms can be found. They operate seasonally. During the dry season from January to April, seawater gradually evaporates, leaving behind white crystals. The salt fields attract tourists and serve as a popular photo stop.
* The Hell and Heaven Museum is created to demonstrate the terrifying torments of sinners in hell. As Buddhism is widely practiced in Thailand, the religion has deeply influenced the culture and local customs. Buddhism depicts around 18 vivid descriptions of hells, taking into account the punishments for various sins. In this museum, every tourist can witness the tortures awaiting murderers, thieves, deceivers, betrayers, bribers, homosexuals, and child murderers. Those interested in such themes will be thrilled by the experience.
Thanks to Thailand’s rich heritage, its museums showcase many interesting exhibits that reflect the country’s ancient history. Choose the places that attract you the most. However, it’s recommended to not deny yourself the opportunity to visit all of Thailand’s museums.
How to find the time to visit all the museums in Thailand
Yes, to visit all the museums in the country, one needs to make a concerted effort. There are numerous iconic places here that reflect the history and culture of Thailand. However, by organizing your trip properly and following our advice, you can accomplish this coveted plan. Here are the most important tips for those who have set themselves the goal of visiting all the museums in Thailand during their vacation or weekend getaway:
— Plan your route.
Start with the basics by searching for information about each museum. Some of them can be found in this article, while others may require online research. This way, you’ll understand which ones you want to prioritize and which ones you can visit later. Based on this information, create an itinerary. We recommend dividing Thailand into regions and visiting places within the same city or region. This allows you to save time on transportation. Find out the visiting hours of each museum and plan your trip accordingly using this information.
— Rent transport.
If you don’t want to be tied to the schedule of public transportation and plan to move freely between museums, we recommend renting a car. In most cities in Thailand, there are car rental companies. In general, cars in Thailand can be rented on the website of LocalCarRent. Online booking has been widely used worldwide because you can choose a suitable car even while still on the plane. With a rental car, you have the opportunity to travel quickly and conveniently throughout the country. Just load your suitcases into the trunk and embark on conquering the lands of Asia!
— Book hotels in advance.
This ensures that you will be able to stay in the city and visit museums the next day. Use online platforms to search for accommodation and choose something that fits your budget. If you were using public transportation, we would advise considering the location of hotels in relation to the museums. With a rental car, you can rent cheaper accommodation on the outskirts of the city. Be sure to keep your booking confirmation throughout your trip.
— Go on tours and use guide services.
Going on tours and using the services of guides is an excellent solution when you have limited time and want to learn more. In cities in Thailand, there are numerous tours available, where guides will take you to the most iconic museums and share their history with you. If you don’t have enough time to visit all the museums in Thailand during your vacation, some of them offer virtual tours. Such a tour allows you to see the exhibits and exhibitions through your phone or computer.
— Optimize your time in museums.
To visit all the museums in Thailand, optimize your time at each one. You can do this by following these steps: read information about the museum in advance to know what to focus on, plan your visit for less crowded days, purchase tickets in advance or online to avoid queues. Also, pay attention to the museum’s schedule to know when it will be available next.
— Expand the boundaries.
When you search for information about museums, you will realize that many of them are located outside major tourist cities. Don’t ignore this fact. Especially considering that with a car, you will have the opportunity to reach them at any time. Visit the lesser-known museums located in small towns and villages to learn more about Thailand’s culture and history.
— Make your plan flexible.
You should be prepared for unexpected situations. Develop a Plan B for each museum. For example, if you can’t visit a specific place or don’t like the atmosphere in a particular museum, have alternative options pre-planned. This way, you won’t feel discouraged or waste time searching for nearby alternatives. When traveling to Thailand, it’s important to be flexible and prepared for any changes in your itinerary.
Thailand is home to a wide variety of museums. To visit them all, you’ll need time and to follow our advice. Remember that unexpected situations may occur during your trip, and you need to be prepared for them. Don’t get upset if things don’t go as planned. Take it as an opportunity to gain experience and simply enjoy your time in the wonderful country of Thailand.
