Joanna James
Thailand has a rich and unique heritage, which is quite obvious when you step into the country itself. The best way to learn and satisfy your curiosity is by visiting some museums.
This is the former Wang Na Palace which was built during the 18th century and contains the largest collection of artefacts and unique Thai art in the country. It is a great place to learn about the history of Thailand; from the prehistoric Sukhothai era through Ayutthaya's era to the present-day Thai Kingdom. It is quite insightful and the collection of gold treasures, ceramics, Chinese weapons, precious stones, wood carvings from all around Southeast Asia will leave you in awe. Also, part of the museum is a funeral hall which consists of carriages that are used during royal cremations.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am till 4 pm.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand is the massive three-headed elephant building which perched on top of a 15-metre pedestal, are 29 metres high and consists of 3 floors. These 3 floors resemble the representation of the universe according to Hinduism; the 1st floor resembling the underworld, the 2nd floor being earth and the last floor being heaven. The arrangement, architectural emblems and the interior are quite striking and will leave you wondering more. 20 minutes away from this museum is the Erawan Shrine, a temple for the Hindu god Lord Brahman; the God of creation. It is quite easily accessible from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
The five-storey building with an area of 18,000-sq-meter, located to many a Siam hotel in Bangkok, is the largest private museum in the country and also the first gallery to open up that is dedicated to the modern art collection. It is quite impressive to know that the museum tends to focus on young and emerging artists, thereby encouraging them to do more. The first two floors of the museum are pretty much fixed while the third floor is more controversial, sexual and political. A great mix to have conversations from the writer itself. Do visit the shop adjoining the museum where one of the shop girls would invite you to step into a refrigerator. Don't be alarmed or confused; this very well-made door is, in fact, an entrance to a European restaurant.
Opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till 6 pm.
One of the striking features of this museum is the fact that it is the largest building in the entire world which is made of golden teak. Having been built in 1900 under King Rama V and undergone a recent renovation by HM Queen Sanskrit, this is a good place to take pictures from.
The museum is open on all days (except Mondays and Sundays) from 8:30 am till 4:30 pm.
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