Museums Thailand - Attractions

Prasart Museum is a center for education and research for those interested in Thai antiquities. The museum houses a vast collection of antiques from the prehistoric to the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin eras. Various styles of Thai architecture are on display, including a replica of the Red Palace, housed in the National Museum. The garden contains several Sukhothai period terracotta pieces, complimenting the setting of rare Thai and foreign plants. Visit by prior appointment.

Thailand is notorious for its counterfeit market and the Museum of Counterfeit Goods is a fine showcase of the country's knack of replicating brands. Housed inside the Tilleke and Gibbins' law firm, the museum displays all goods seized by the firm on behalf of its clients as evidence in the court. There are fake clothing items, electronic goods to household appliances and a whole lot of other products. Some of the pseudo items have the originals displayed alongside them as well, just to educate people on how to discern the fake from the real thing. The museum has received a lot of international media coverage and is frequented by students, lawyers, Interpol officers and businessmen.

Chiang Mai Dollworks and Museum located in the San Pa Tong district, is famous for its handicrafts. Handmade dolls with traditional costumes are on display at this museum. It's an attempt to promote the local artisans as well as the art of doll-making in Chiang Mai. Young visitors will love to see the display of colorful, glittering dolls on display here. As a souvenir or just an addition to a doll collection you can also pick up one from this museum.

Situated within the Department of Photographic Science & Print Technology at Chulalongkorn University, and divided into ten rooms, this camera and photographic museum is the first of its kind in Asia. The Museum of Imagery Technology collects, exhibits, maintains, studies and teaches about the evolution of cameras, equipment and techniques in developing and printing photographs for the education of interested members of the public. Check website for more details.

The Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum is a paradise for children that is all about having fun while they learn. The intention is to let kids discover for themselves how the world works rather than making them party to boring displays. There are several apparatus, games and galleries to foster learning through experimentation. At the Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum, children can create gigantic bubbles, learn about illusion through mirrors and listen to the recordings of languages all over the world. They can even learn about Thai culture, find out how electronic gadgets work and read a book in the reading zone. There are music rooms, folk art rooms and auto engines. Truly a place for kids to let their hair down and acquire some knowledge in the process. Call for more details.

Considered to be one of the world's most outstanding private museums, Phuket Sea Shell Museum is said to contain the most valuable collection of seashells anywhere. Whilst most of the shells are from Phuket and the sea around Thailand, there are also a large number from other parts of the world, each specimen carefully selected for its quality and condition. Rarities include an oyster weighing 140 karats, the world's largest golden pearl, shell fossils and a huge shell weighing 250 kilograms.

Bank of Thailand Museum is located in the Bangkhunphrom Royal Palace, which was originally the residence of His Royal Highness Prince Baripatra, and now houses the offices of the Bank of Thailand. On display is a large collection of coins used as a medium of exchange since pre-historic times. The evolution of Thai money from glass beads to bullet coins to present day currency is fascinating. Admission is free, but one needs to be part of a group tour and write a request to the Museum a week in advance. Call for more information.

Known as Phra Thii Nang Wimanmek in Thai, this stunning building is the world's largest golden teak structure, originally built in Ko Si Chang more than a century ago. It was moved in 1901 on the orders of Rama V, who lived here for five years. The three-story mansion was made without a single metal nail (teak ones were used instead). The rooms contain a lavish collection of artifacts from around the world. The museum also puts on traditional Thai dancing shows twice a day. Proper attire is required when visiting this museum.

Stamp collecting is a popular hobby in Thailand and this is an essential stop for any stamp enthusiast visiting Bangkok. The museum, which shows how the postal service developed in Thailand, exhibits Thai and foreign stamps, dating back to 1881, when the first Thai stamps were made in London using woodblock prints. Stamps and accessories are available to purchase at very reasonable prices. For the more serious philatelists, there is an interesting collection of stamp books in Thai and foreign languages, which are on display at the museum's library. Admission is free. Call for more details.

This museum is a center for demonstrating and disseminating knowledge on science and astrology. The Science Museum and Planetarium holds special events, lectures and discussions on subject matters related to science and astrology and shows periodic exhibitions and movies. Within the same compound is a planetarium for solar system studies, which is open to the general public. Numerous exhibitions are held from time to time. There are group tours for English speaking visitors as well. Reservations are required.

Thai Human Imagery Museum houses life-like wax sculptures depicting important people in Thai history. Figures come alive in sets that appear to have been frozen mid-motion. The detail and raw emotion of the characters makes them appear hauntingly real: the result of ten years of intensive study and hard work from local artists. Of particular interest is the portrayal of the harsh living conditions faced by Thai slaves pre-1905, and the comical rendition of the adult male game Bald Head Smashing. Located just 31 kilometers west of Bangkok, the museum is easily accessible by car, bus or taxi. Call for more details.

Up till 1998, more than 1,000 examples of traditional crafts from the hill tribes had been located in a small museum at Chiang Mai University. Now this collection is displayed in a modern three-story building located by the lake inside King Rama IX Lanna Garden. Here, you will find farming implements, colorful embroidery, weapons, hunting traps and a variety of musical instruments. The Museum also displays a collection of photographs of various members of the royal family who have done some important community-building work over the years to help the hill-tribe people in the region.

This royal Museum is dedicated to Princess Jao Dara Rasamee, daughter of Chiang Mai's seventh king, Phra Jao Intra Wichayanon. She was an important link between the Lanna and Chakri dynasties as she was married to Rama V. After her husband's death she returned to stay in her palace in Chiang Mai where she developed several projects in art, culture and agriculture for the benefit of the northern people. Chulalongkorn University bought the palace from the Princess' descendants and transformed it into this Museum as it bears a great historical value that should be preserved. Admission TBH20

This small, but fine museum is the former home of the man who saved the Thai silk industry from collapse. Constructed from six different traditional teak houses, the walls were reassembled. Inside you will find Jim Thompson's beautiful collection of art and artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia. The guided tours are extremely informative and the grounds have a bar and exhibition area. A must-see, especially when you consider all the mystery surrounding Thompson's disappearance.

Established in 1884, making it Thailand's first public museum, the National is reputedly the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is definitely worth spending at least half a day here, particularly if you are heading to Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, the former Thai capitals. The vast array of items covering periods from Neolithic times can be a bit overwhelming, and the English labeling can be disappointing in some parts, so it is best to visit with a tour. These are operated in English, German, French and Japanese. Times vary so please call in advance.