The
museums in Bangkok are mostly devoted to Thai art and
architecture, but the National Gallery is a place to
view art from other countries.
Be
sure to see the
National Museum and the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, as
well as the Shed
of the Royal Barges a one-of-a-kind experience.
Jim
Thompson House
A
fine example of Thai architecture, this house is filled
with rare art and antiques once owned by the U.S. citizen
who was almost solely responsible for revitalizing the
silk industry in Thailand.
Since
his puzzling disappearance in 1968, his former residence
has become a popular tourist attraction.
Daily 9 am-4 pm.
Admission: 100 baht adults, 40 baht children.
6 Soi Kaseman 2, Rama I Road, phone 215-0122.
The
National Gallery
Within
walking distance of the National Museum, the Gallery
exhibits both contemporary and classical art from Asian
and other schools.
Wednesday-Sunday 8 am-4 pm.
Admission: 10 baht (special exhibits can be more).
4 Chao Fa Rd., phone 282-2639.
The
National Museum
The
National Museum contains the largest collection of Thai
art and artifacts in the country, from Neolithic times
to the present.
Wednesday-Sunday 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm.
Admission: 40 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for Thais.
4 Na Prathat Rd. (next to the National Theater and Thammasat
University), phone 224-1333.
The
Shed of the Royal Barges
North
of the Grand Palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya
River, the Shed houses gilded vessels once used for
war and currently used by the king for ceremonies of
religious importance.
Similar
to ancient Viking boats but more ornate, these royal
yachts are a spectacle even on land. Klong (canal) tours
often stop there.
Daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Admission: 30 baht, but if you want to take pictures,
it's an additional 100 baht for a permit.
Klong Bangkok Noi, phone 424-0004.
Vimanmek
Teak Mansion
The
world's largest teak building, built by King Rama V
in the late 1800s as a summer palace on the island of
Ko Si Chang.
It
was moved to its present location in 1910. With 100
rooms, it's a fine tribute to Thai architecture and
art and is filled with priceless antiques and paintings.
You
can't walk around on your own, but there are free guided
tours, in English, every half hour starting at 9:30
am. At 2 pm there's a free demonstration of Thai dance
in the foyer.
Daily
9:30 am-4 pm.
Admission: 50 baht or as part of an entrance ticket
to the
Grand Palace. Ratchasima Road, phone 281-1569.
Bangkok
Planetarium & Scientific Museum
The
scientific museum situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal
(Ekamai) is an exhibition center on scientific knowledge
and astronomy.
Open
daily, except Monday and national holidays, from 9.00
a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is Baht 10.
At
the planetarium, daily performances on the solar system
are presented for the public from Tuesday to Sunday.
Open
from 8.30 8.30 a.m. p.m.
Admission fee is 10 baht.
For further information, please contact tel. 3925952,
3902301.
Narayanaphand
(Tel:
2524670-9, 2554328-9)
This
is handicraft centre, under government supervision,
located on Ratchadamri Rd .
Visitors
may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all
parts of the country.
Items
available include Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings,
lacquer ware, bronze objects and Khon masks.
The
store is open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m.
Bangkok
Dolls & Museum
(Tel:
2453008)
All
kinds of Thai dolls are made in this factory which is
on Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road,
in the Pratunam area.
It
is open to visitors, who may inspect and buy dolls,
every day except Sundays and public holidays from 8.00
a.m.- 5.00 p.m.
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