Joanna James
The museums in Bangkok have had a makeover over the past few years and are now bustling with tourists and locals, all keen to learn a little history.
It is not your conventional historical artefacts that you would find here, despite the exterior of the building looking quite ancient. The museum is dedicated to the history of Thai; its people and the evolution of their traditions.
It starts off with the beginning of Ayutthaya (the first capital) and spirals across history, the wars, Buddhism and smoothly merges into modern-day Thailand. It is pretty much like travelling through time. Not only does it exhibit the evolution of the country and traditions but also the evolution of television and their programmes. This part of the tour definitely would make any local feel nostalgic. There's also a set up of a typical Bangkok café from the 1960s, in which you can choose to be either the waitress or customer and take many fun pictures.
Once you are outside, do not forget to visit the shop next to the souvenir boutique, which is also part of the exhibit. Take a peek and ask to see the fridge; a surprise awaits you!
This is essentially is the former house of James Thompson, who was an American entrepreneur who found the famous Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. His house consists of 6 buildings all made of teak. This museum contains the many items that were personally collected by Mr Thompson himself; Asian paintings, ceramics, sculptures and furniture.
The museum is located in close proximity to the Anantara Baan Rajprason Bangkok Serviced suits. Some tourists prefer to stay on their own in an apartment and experience the life as locals. To cater to this in Bangkok, Serviced apartments are increasingly becoming popular.
Located close to the Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Grand Palace, this museum is an ideal place to add to your must-visit places. It consists of the many antiques and gifts that were given to King Rama V by his father. It houses one of the largest collections of the Thai antiques, gold treasures, precious stones, clothing, traditional musical instrument and paintings from periods spanning through the prehistory to Ayutthaya era to the modern Kingdom.
Abbreviated as "MOCA" is a paradise for any artists or art lovers. It has an inclusive collection of modern sculptures and paintings, more than 800 pieces in the five-storey building. One could easily get lost in a painting as they are thought-provoking and simply ethereal. It is the place where artists who wish to express their views independently and freely, would go to for inspiration.
There is an admission cost of 180bhat for the general public. However, students are able to go in for less than half the price, while children below 15 and elders above the age of 60, walk in free.
It is the only largest building in the world, that is made entirely of golden teak. The building and its garden are well maintained. There are guided tours for visitors. The museum is still used for various functions of the state during which, the museum will be closed to the public. So do check out the timings before you visit.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
