NNational Museums - Central Thailand
Chao Samphraya National Museum (Ayudhya)
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเจ้าสามพระยา
Behold the treasure of the late Ayudhya Kings. Chao Sam Praya National Museum houses various archaeological objects and antiques discovered in Ayudhya province. These objects, including ancient treasures from Ratburana Temple, Mahatat Temple, and Sri Suriyothai Chedi, are invaluable in terms of historical and cultural importance for historians and archaeologists alike.
In 1956, the treasure of Ratburana Temple was looted. The treasure was recovered and found to contain over a hundred kilograms of gold. Many of the Buddha amulets, found among the gold and other things, were sold to villagers and the profits were used to construct the museum’s first building. Gold and other antiques have been kept and shown since. The site was named “Chao Sam Praya” to honour King Sam Praya who built Ratburana Temple. King Bhumibhol and Queen Sirikit opened the museum in 1961.
The gold ornament showroom is located on the second floor of the first building. Over a hundred pieces of gold ornament displayed in the hall perfectly illustrate the prosperity of the Ayudhya era. The hall is divided into three rooms according to the treasure’s original locations: Ratburana Temple, Mahatat Temple, and Sri Suriyothai Chedi. Each piece is exquisitely adorned with multi-colored gemstones. Various sizes of Buddha images are also displayed here with explanations describing the era and the place of discovery. The delicate craftwork of ancient artisans is shown here as well.
An Indian cultural influence is manifested in the second building. A map of the route from India to China and Thailand indicates the unique culture of Ayudhya as shown in marble and bronze Buddha images in different postures.
The third building features country life. Folklore, tools, and the lifestyles of Ayudhya people, many of which have disappeared are exhibited in a well-organized area. Such objects represent how life today has so greatly changed from the past.
Coordinates: 14.350961, 100.561702
Chandrakasem National Museum (Ayudhya)
Chandrakasem National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ จันทรเกษม
Chandrakasem Palace, the former front palace, is now a national museum displaying antiques and historical objects found from Ayudhya period. The place used to be the front palace and the rersidence of the King’s son, the crown prince of Ayudhya Kingdom.
Apart from the Front Palace, Ayudhya Kingdom also had two more palaces; the Royal Palace and the Back Palace. The Royal Palace was resided by the King and the Back Palace was the house of other members of the royal family.
Jaturamook Pavillion was a half-teakwood-half-concrete building decorated in traditional Thai style with the whole set of complete gable apex. The roof is delicately tiled with the exquisite Chinese carved tiles. This building contains antiques such as old Buddha images, ancient weaponry, and royal utensils.
Piman Rattanaya Throne-Hall is a group of 4 buildings constructed in western style. The front of each building faces an open area in the middle. Today, these buildings display antiques such as traditional craftworks, altar tables, and royal thrones.
Pisaisunluck tower is a 4-story tower initially built by King Narai. It was later renovated by King Rama IV to be an observatory tower.
Mahat Thai Building, a one-story teakwood structure, was built in the period of Phraya Boran Rachatanin as the government office. Several rooms in this building are used to show celadon utensils and traditional five-colored Thai ceramics.
Coordinates: 14.365362, 100.574792
Chang Ton National Museum (Bangkok)
Chang Ton (Royal Elephant) National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ช้างต้น
The Royal Elephant National Museum, also known as Chang Ton National Museum, is a museum located in Dusit District, Bangkok,
Map
Coordinates: 13.773635, 100.514490
Website
National Gallery (Bangkok)
The National Gallery
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ หอศิลป
The historic building of The National Gallery houses one of the most impressive collection of masterpieces by Thai artists. The European-classic architecture formerly housed the Bureau of Royal Thai Mint built during the reign of King Rama V. Collections exhibited here ranges from century-old art works by legendary painters to contemporary-Thai masterpieces by modern-day art masters such as Silp Bhirasri, Misiem Yipinsoi, Chalermchai Kositpipat and Thawan Duchanee.
Map
Coordinates: 13.759085, 100.493977
Website
National Museum of Thailand (Bangkok)
Bangkok National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร
Bangkok National Museum is the first National Museum in Thailand, established in 1859 to exhibit and showcase Thailand history, Art history, Archaeology and Ethnology.
The Bangkok National Museum currently houses three permanent exhibition galleries.
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The Thai History Gallery exhibits in the front of the Siwamokhaphiman Hall
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The Archaeological and Art History collection showcases items divided into periods of time;
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The Prehistorical Period Gallery is exhibited in the back of the Siwamokhaphiman Hall.
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The Historical Period Gallery 1) Mahasurasinghanat Building displays the exhibition with order from Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lopburi periods. 2) “Prapatphiphitthaphan Building displays the exhibition with order from Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to Rattanakosin periods.
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The Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection are displayed in the old central palace buildings. This collection contains a variety of artistic, cultural and ethnological objects such as gold treasures and precious stones, mother of pearl inlay, costumes and textiles, ceramics, carved ivory, old royal transportation, old weapons and musical instruments, Khon masks, puppets, etc. Other exhibits of interest include the Cremation Chariot Hall which houses various Thai royal funeral chariot used for royal cremation ceremonies.
Moreover, there are many excellent examples of Thai architecture in the Early Rattanakosin Era in the area of Bangkok National Musuem. These include; the Buddhaisawan chapel which houses the important Buddha image ‘Phra Buddha Sihing’; a ‘red' house called Tam Nak Deang which is furnished in the early Bangkok period style.
Map
Coordinates: 13.757436, 100.492599
Website
Royal Barges National Museum (Bangkok)
National Museum of Royal Barges
พิพิธภัณฑ์เรือพระราชพิธี
Antiques in the National Museum of Royal Barges:
The Suphannahong Royal Barge. The barge figurehead was crafted to swan shape. This is a supreme barge where the king sits during the procession. The Suphannahong Royal Barge was built in King Chulalongkorn and finished in the reign of King Rama 6.
The Narai Song Suban HM Rama 9 Royal Barge. The Fine Arts department in collaboration with The Royal Navy and the Bureau of the Royal Household built this barge especially for King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Anantanakkharat Royal Barge. The barge figurehead was crafted to naga-shape with 7-heads. This is also the supreme barge which was built in the reign of Rama VI for carrying important Bhuddha images or robes for presentation to the monks at the end of Buddhist Lent in The Royal Barge Procession.
The Anekchat Puchong Royal Barge. The figurehead was crafted to small many naga-shape. This barge is a reserved barge which was built in the reign of King Rama V.
The Asurawayupak Royal Barge. The figurehead is a monster with a body of indigo bird.
The Karbi Prab Maung Marn Royal Barge. The figurehead was crafted to a swordsman shape.
The Krut Hern Hej Royal Barge. The figurehead was crafted to garuda-shape.
The Akkachai Hern Haw Royal Barge. The figurehead was decorated with crocodile paintings.
Coordinates: 13.761667,100.484417
Silpa Bhirasri National Museum (Bangkok)
Silpa Bhirasri National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ศิลป์ พีระศรี
This is a modern art museum. It is on the grounds of the Fine Arts Department in Phra Nakhon District. The museum consists of two parts, one displaying contemporary arts, and the other belongings of Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai art.
Coordinates: 13.752740, 100.491059
Benchamabopit National Museum (Bangkok)
Wat Benchamabophit
วัดเบญจมบพิตรดุสิตวนารามราชวรวิหาร
Wat Benchama Bophit Dusitvanaram (aka. The Marble Temple) is regarded one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, thanks to its traditional Thai symmetrical architecture designed by Prince Naris, a son of King Rama IV and one of the greatest architects during his time, and fine marble imported from Italy. Inside the main ordination hall sees the sacred Phra Buddha Chinnarat image, reproduced from the original image in Phitsanuloke, which is also considered a Buddha image with the most beautiful figures. Visit the temple in the wearly morning to see local people offering alms to the monks according to Thai traditional folkway.
Coordinates: 13.766546, 100.514136
Chainatmuni National Museum (Chainat)
Chai Nat Muni National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ชัยนาทมุนี
Located within the temple grounds of Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan, this archaeological museum is a two-story Thai-style residence. Downstairs, there are displays of celadon Buddha images, tools, and ornaments from the Dvaravati (6th-13th century) to the Rattanakosin period (1782-1932). Most of the artifacts were donated by the Venerable Phra Chai Nat Muni (Nuam) Suthatto, a widely-respected monk. He was also the former Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Chai Nat, and a collector of religious artifacts which were later donated to Thailand’s Fine Arts Department. The second story is home to various Buddhist votive tablets from the Dvaravati to the Rattanakosin period
Coordinates: 15.151237, 100.150670
National Maritime Museum (Chanthaburi)
National Maritime Museum
ค่ายเนินวง ตำบลบางกะจะ อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดจันทบุรี 22000
The establishment of the National Maritime Museum took place after the Fine Arts Department has set up the archeological operation base and the conserve center for underwater antiques at Tha Chalaep. Considering that there are more than ten thousand archeological ruins sunk under the sea, the Fine Arts Department had the National maritime Museum built in 1994 near Khai Noen Wong, Bang Kaja subdistrict. The museum is a twin buildings displaying an exhibition about Thailand’s naval commerce and a collection of historical records on underwater archeological studies.
Coordinates: 12.610692, 102.102726
Bankao National Museum (Kanchanaburi)
Ban Kao National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติบ้านเก่า
The edifice was formerly the town hall, built in 1922. Established as a museum in 1988, it displays art and ancient items founded in the Ratchaburi area from different period. There also are history exhibits of Ratchaburi, as well as its folk arts and geology.
Coordinates: 13.981289, 99.298854
King Narai National Museum (Lopburi)
National Museum King Narai
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ สมเด็จพระนารายณ์
This museum was established in 1923 near the royal palace (known as PhraNaraiRatchaniwet) as a collection of exhibition halls. Currently, three historical buildings serve as museums to display a variety of objets d’art, including an impressive collection of Lop Buri-style sculptures and Khmer, Dvaravati, U-Thong and Ayutthaya artwork. Shadow puppetry exhibits are also on display, along with a variety of other art genres. There is a particular focus on the arts and lifetyle of Thailand’s central region in several of the exhibits. Another exhibit is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of King Rama IV.
Coordinates: 14.799984, 100.609823
Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum (Nakhon Pathom)
Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระปฐมเจดีย์
Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum is located in Phra Pathom Chedi, Muang district, Nakhon Pathom.
Zone 1 starts with an introduction to present-day Nakhon Pathom, including its geography, economy and demography. This is followed by its history. Visitors will see evidence of prehistoric dwellers found in the area, dating back 2,000-3,000 years.
Zone 2 of the museum focuses on beliefs and religions through art mostly related to Buddhism - the main faith of Dvaravati culture.
Zone 3 showcases the history and development of Nakhon Pathom during the Rattanakosin period. Objects on view include a model of Pathom Nakhon Palace - the residence of King Mongkut during his visit to Nakhon Pathom - and Buddha images found at Phra Pathom Chedi as well as a model of present-day Nakhon Pathom town. The highlights are models of Phra Pathom Chedi, whose shape has been altered several times since the Dvaravati period.
Coordinates: 13.818477, 100.060984
Golden Jubilee Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์สถานแห่งชาติกาญจนาภิเษก
The Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture comprises a group of 9 connected buildings. The museum depicts the development of agriculture and modern agricultural technology, covering each aspect of land development, forestry, fishery, animal husbandry, and ecology. Outside are greenhouses, plots of rice demonstration fields, and presentations on the lifestyles of Thai farmers by region. In addition, the museum is a training center, a venue for academic seminars on agriculture, and educates the public on royal projects.
Coordinates: 14.118935N,100.619348E
Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum (Phetchaburi)
Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
พระนครคีรี
Phetchaburi’s most well-known landmark, the locally known as Khao Wang (Palace Hill), is located on the three peaks of 95-meter high verdant hill, in the city. It was built under the royal command of King Rama IV to become his summer palace that finished in 1860. The whole compound is comprised of royal halls, palaces, temples and other buildings which were elegantly constructed in a well-balanced of Thai, neoclassical Western and Chinese architectural styles.
The east side is situated by important temples for the royal family. The highest peak is home of Wat Phra Kaew that was meant to be as important as Wat Phra Kaew at The Grand Palace in Bangkok. The central peak is where Phra That Jom Petch situates. The 40-meters-tall white pagoda is installed the Buddha's relics. The old palaces on the west have been transformed into museums displayed royal amenities which were used by the King Rama IV and the King Rama V.
Map
Coordinates: 13.109199, 99.936636
Website
Prachinburi National Museum (Prachinburi)
Prachin Buri National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์สถานแห่งชาติปราจีนบุรี
This archeological museum is the main museum for artifacts found in seven provinces: Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Chacherngsao, Chonburi, Chantaburi, Trad, and Rayong. There are many displays of important artifacts uncovered from ancient cities during Dvaravati Period (6th-13th centuries).
Coordinates: 14.046974, 101.373050
Ratchaburi National Museum (Ratchaburi)
Ratchaburi National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์สถานแห่งชาติราชบุรี
The edifice was formerly the town hall, built in 1922. Established as a museum in 1988, it displays art and ancient items founded in the Ratchaburi area from different period. There also are history exhibits of Ratchaburi, as well as its folk arts and geology.
Map
Coordinates: 13.541068, 99.817643
Website
Inburi National Museum (Singburi)
Inburi National Museum
หอสมุดแห่งชาติอินทร์บุรี
The In Buri National Museum lies within the temple grounds of Wat Bot, established in 1940 by a high-ranking abbot of the temple. The museum’s exhibitions of excavated artifacts from the province’s ancient sites, including Ban KhuMueang and MaenamNoi kiln sites, are an important part of the area’s historic and cultural identity. In addition, displays of insignia of the Kingdom’s ecclesiasticle titles, Buddhist insignia fans and Buddha images give the museum religious significance as well. Otherwise, beautiful Thai and Chinese ceramics, traditional Thai music instruments, folk theater exhibits, looms and traditional fishing nets give interesting peeks into the lives of locals.
Coordinates: 14.994111, 100.333550
Suphanburi National Museum (Suphan Buri)
National Museum Suphanburi
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ สุพรรณบุรี
This museum features important historical artifacts uncovered in Suphan Buri town dating from ancient times. Exhibitions feature the development of the town from the pre-historic era, through Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin eras. Multimedia displays portray the country’s most historically significant royal duel, fought on elephant back. The museum also has exhibits on the province’s ethnic groups as well as important Thai figures. Treasured votive tablets from different temples and popular folk songs are also on display at the museum.
Coordinates: 14.515908,100.132439
Thai Rice Farmers National Museum (Suphan Buri)
National Museum of the Thai Rice Farmer
ศูนย์เพาะพันธุ์พืช
The museum building is a blend of a traditional Thai house and farmer’s granary. The museum interests visitors through its rice farming exhibition.
Phra Phanwasa Rd., Tambon Tha Piliang ,Muang District, Suphan Buri Province 72000
Coordinates: 14.474474, 100.117718
Uthong National Museum (Suphan Buri)
Uthong National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ อู่ทอง
This museum showcases exhibits on archaeological evidence and art objects from different periods that have been uncovered in Suphan Buri. The first building displays U Thong City artifacts from both the prehistoric era and Dvaravati era, alongside Buddha statues of the Dvaravati style.
An exhibition in the second building features information on the province’s ethnic groups and beads found from the same eras. Outside is a reconstruction of a Lao Song ethnic group home, allowing visitors to learn about the group’s traditions, clothing, and tools. Read press article.
Coordinates: 14.372787, 99.891296
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