Joanna James
Tourists rarely visit museums, and they are surely missing out. Make sure to add some of these to your next Bangkok itinerary.
This almost hidden masterpiece used to be the palace of Prince Paribatra, who is the grandson of King Rama V. It is a series of eight classically restored Thai houses full of memorabilia, that belonged to the Prince's art collection. The objects include musical implements, glass, lacquerware, and artwork. Other than the stunning traditional houses, the museum further houses ceramics from Ban Chiang, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northeastern Thailand. The earthenware shards were found by an American student of archaeology. He unexpectedly slipped on a root after a dig during the mid-1960s and stumbled upon ceramics that date to the 2000 BCE Bronze Age period.
Muang Boran means "ancient city" in Thai. It is an extensive open-air museum that extends over 240 acres. The premises is sculpted to echo the silhouette of Thailand. The museum is the world's biggest outdoor museum. There are over 100 small reproductions of well-known buildings and attractions in Thailand. They are placed according to their actual geographic precision in the map of Thailand. Famous remodels include the temple in Sukhothai, in the capital of Ayutthaya, and the famous Phimai sanctuary of Nakhon Ratchasima. There is also a copy of the debated Phra Wihan Khmer temple. You will also find a floating market! Don't forget to try the famous grilled chicken along with some refreshing tam papaya salad while there.
The National Museum of Thailand is the home of art in Thai history. Located in the Wang Na Palace near the renowned Grand Palace. The museum has an extensive ethnological selection of antiquities. Find items such as classical dancing attire, shadow puppets, khon masks, and classical musical devices. Also, find sculptures and busts dating to the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai eras. Other significant periods in Thai history are also featured. The museum stretches into 6 separate structures. One has the Buddhaisawan Chapel and many exquisite paintings and those of Lord Buddha's image. Many Thais will pay their respects in the Sivamokhapiman Hall in the history gallery. This section has the famous Inscription #1 from King Ramkamhaeng.
This lovely building sits on a beautiful garden in a house that dates back to 1937. The museum premises has three buildings and highlights life in Bangkok before World War II. Find some excellent period items, like a three-mirror vanity case, a pleating machine, charcoal presses, and 75rpm recordings. The owner of the museum is Acharn Waraporn Surawadee, who is the daughter of the first proprietor of the museum. She resides in a different house close to the exhibits. She desired to conserve this period in history to reveal what the world was like for Bangkokians in the mid-1900s. The contrasts are amazing to even visualise! The whole premise is a haven of tranquillity from the hubbub of the city. The estate was threatened by a construction project that required land close to the Chao Phraya River. However, private residents stood up and provided millions of Thai baht to support the owner to purchase the encroached land. Thus, a piece of Bangkokian heritage remains protected. The museum has free entrance and is worthy of a visit. Go there and relive a bygone era of Bangkok. If looking for a hotel in Asoke try looking at options such as Avani Atrium Bangkok for you will be rewarded with a hassle-free and relaxing stay for choosing such establishments after a tiring day of exploration.
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.
