Are you looking for a unique and fun way to learn about Thailand's history and culture? Do you want to explore the fascinating and diverse aspects of Thai-ness, from its origins to its present-day expressions? If so, you should not miss the Museum of Siam, one of the most innovative and interactive museums in Bangkok.
The Museum of Siam is not your typical museum. It does not display ancient artifacts or relics in glass cases. Instead, it invites you to experience and participate in the story of Thailand, through multimedia exhibits, interactive games, and audio guides. The museum's theme is "what is Thai-ness?", a question that challenges and intrigues both locals and foreigners alike.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Museum of Siam, from what to expect from its exhibitions, how to plan your visit, and what else to do near the museum. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and learn at the Museum of Siam.
What to Expect from the Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam is located in a historic building that used to be the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand. The building itself is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, with a white facade, a red roof, and a spacious courtyard. The museum covers three floors and 17 rooms, each with a different theme and content.
The museum's journey begins with a short film that introduces the concept of Thai-ness and the museum's objective. Then, you will enter the first room, called "Typically Thai", where you will see a giant map of Thailand and a wall of Thai symbols, such as elephants, temples, and tuk-tuks. You will also get to play a quiz game that tests your knowledge of Thai culture and stereotypes.
The next rooms will take you through the history of Thailand, from its prehistoric origins to its modern development. You will learn about the influences of different civilizations, such as India, China, and Europe, on Thai culture and identity. You will also discover the diversity and richness of Thai society, religion, art, and language. Some of the highlights of the museum include:
- A replica of a prehistoric cave with ancient paintings and fossils
- A room filled with Buddha statues and images from different eras and regions
- A hall with a giant map of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, and a model of a Portuguese ship
- A gallery with a collection of royal portraits and costumes from different dynasties
- A room with a mock-up of a traditional Thai house and a display of Thai crafts and textiles
- A room with a wall of Thai alphabets and a game that teaches you how to write your name in Thai
- A room with a giant screen that shows a montage of Thai movies, music, and pop culture
The museum's exhibitions are not only informative, but also interactive and entertaining. You will get to touch, listen, watch, and play with various exhibits, such as puzzles, quizzes, videos, and audio guides. The museum's audio guides are especially helpful and fun, as they provide additional information and stories in different languages and voices. You can choose from English, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, or French, and from different characters, such as a historian, a journalist, a comedian, or a kid.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year, such as workshops, lectures, festivals, and performances. You can check the museum's website or Facebook page for the latest updates and schedules.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last admission is at 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is 300 baht for adults, 200 baht for students, and 100 baht for children. You can buy your tickets at the museum's entrance or online.
The museum is located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, near the Chao Phraya river. The easiest way to get to the museum is by taking the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, and then taking a boat to Tha Tien pier. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes to the museum, or take a tuk-tuk or a taxi. You can also take a bus or a taxi directly to the museum, but be prepared for traffic jams and delays.
The museum is not very crowded, so you can visit it at any time of the day. However, if you want to avoid the heat and the school groups, you might want to visit it in the morning or in the afternoon. The museum takes about two to three hours to explore, depending on your pace and interest. You can also take a break at the museum's café, which serves drinks, snacks, and light meals. The museum also has a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books, and crafts related to the museum's theme and content.
The museum provides free lockers, restrooms, and Wi-Fi for visitors. You can also rent a wheelchair or a stroller at the museum's entrance. The museum is accessible for people with disabilities, and has ramps, elevators, and signs in Braille. The museum also allows photography and videography, as long as you do not use flash or tripod.
What Else to Do Near the Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam is not only a great place to learn about Thai history and culture, but also a great starting point to explore other attractions and activities in the area. The museum is close to some of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. You can also visit some of the lesser-known but equally interesting places, such as the Flower Market, the National Museum, and the Tha Maharaj riverside community mall. Here are some of the things you can do near the Museum of Siam:
- Visit the Grand Palace, the former residence of the Thai kings and the most iconic attraction in Bangkok. You can admire the stunning architecture and decoration of the palace, and see the Emerald Buddha, the most revered image of Buddha in Thailand. The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the entry fee is 500 baht. You need to dress modestly and respectfully to enter the palace, and cover your shoulders, knees, and feet.
- Visit Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, and the home of the reclining Buddha, a 46-meter-long and 15-meter-high statue of Buddha in a resting position. You can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple, which is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. Wat Pho is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the entry fee is 200 baht. You need to dress modestly and respectfully to enter the temple, and remove your shoes.
- Visit Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, and one of the most beautiful and distinctive temples in Bangkok. You can climb up the temple's central tower, which is decorated with colorful porcelain and ceramic tiles, and enjoy a panoramic view of the river and the city. Wat Arun is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the entry fee is 50 baht. You need to dress modestly and respectfully to enter the temple, and remove your shoes.
- Visit the Flower Market, the largest and most colorful market in Bangkok, where you can see and buy a variety of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables. You can also witness the lively and bustling atmosphere of the market, especially at night and early morning, when the vendors and buyers are most active. The Flower Market is open 24 hours a day, and the entry is free. You can also join a guided tour or a workshop at the market, and learn how to make flower arrangements or garlands.
- Visit the National Museum, the largest and oldest museum in Thailand, where you can see a collection of artifacts and artworks from different periods and regions of Thai history and culture. You can also join a free guided tour in English, French, German, or Japanese, and learn more about the museum's exhibits and stories. The National Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entry fee is 200 baht for foreigners and 30 baht for Thais.
- Visit the Tha Maharaj, a riverside community mall that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and activities. You can shop for local and handmade products, such as clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, or enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the river and the temples. You can also join a river cruise or a bike tour, and explore the area in a different way. The Tha Maharaj is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the entry is free.
Conclusion
The Museum of Siam is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to discover the secrets of Thai-ness and have a fun and memorable experience in Bangkok. The museum offers a unique and interactive way to learn about Thailand's history and culture, and to challenge and inspire your own sense of identity and belonging. The museum is also a great base to explore other attractions and activities in the area, and to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Bangkok.
If you are interested in visiting the Museum of Siam, you can book your tickets online or at the museum's entrance.
