DK Travel : Bangkok : National Museum

National Museum

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Thailand’s premier museum offers a great introduction to Thai history. Inside, the Buddhaisawan Chapel is one of the country’s most precious treasures, as is the Phra Sihing Buddha image it houses. Other highlights include well-preserved fragments of Dvaravati and Srivajaya statues, as well as the Ramkhamhaeng inscription.
To make better sense of the museum, join the free guided tour at 9:30am either on Wednesdays or on Thursdays.The museum covers a big area, but there are seats in shaded corners between galleries where you can take a break. There is a kiosk just inside the entrance selling cold drinks, ice creams, and snacks. During the Songkran festival every year the Phra Sihing Buddha image is paraded around Sanam Luang see Songkran

Top 10 Features

1. Buddhaisawan Chapel

1. Buddhaisawan Chapel

This beautiful Thai temple was built in 1787 for the Second King and now sits at the heart of the National Museum complex. Its rich murals, polished floors, gilt Buddha images, and hushed atmosphere make it a special place.
2. Phra Sihing Buddha Image

One of three such images claiming to be the original, this small but superbly crafted Sukhothai-style sculpture sits on a pedestal in the Buddhaisawan Chapel and is bathed in a golden glow.
3. Dvaravati Wheel of Law

3. Dvaravati Wheel of Law

Dvaravati art flourished from the 6th to the 9th centuries, and this 8th- century stone wheel set above a deer is an excellent example.Located on the second floor of the south wing, it represents the Buddha’s first sermon in Sarnath, India.
4. Gallery of Thai History

4. Gallery of Thai History

The first gallery of the museum gives an overview of Thai history, ranging from pre-history to the modern era. It includes some priceless objects, such as the Ramkhamhaeng Stone, inscribed with the earliest extant example of the Thai script.
5. Lanna Art

5. Lanna Art

Several small Buddha images from the Lanna period, 13th–16th centuries, are on display here.
6. Sukhothai Art

6. Sukhothai Art

Sukhothai art is often considered to be the apex of Thai artistic achievement, and the flowing lines of walking and sitting Buddha images in the museum fully support this notion.
7. Red House

7. Red House

A fine example of an Ayutthaya-style teak house, the Red House was originally the home of Rama I’s (r.1782–1809) older sister, Sri Suriyen. It has a multi-tiered roof decorated with beautiful carvings, and the interior contains some antique royal furnishings.
8. Royal Funeral Chariots Gallery

8. Royal Funeral Chariots Gallery

The elaborately decorated carriages in this gallery give an idea of the pomp and ceremony that accompany royal funerals. Each of the gilded teak carriages weighs several tons and needs hundreds of men to pull them.
9. Rattanakosin Art

9. Rattanakosin Art

The Rattanakosin era dates from the 18th century. Its art blends Western influences with traditional Thai art. The last gallery in the north wing of the museum displays examples of Rattanakosin paintings and furnishings.
10. Ayutthayan Art

10. Ayutthayan Art

Huge, serene Buddha heads, as well as scripture cabinets adorned with scenes of Ayutthaya in its heyday, are displayed in the Ayutthayan gallery.

Practical Information

To make better sense of the museum, join the free guided tour at 9:30am either on Wednesdays or on Thursdays.The museum covers a big area, but there are seats in shaded corners between galleries where you can take a break. There is a kiosk just inside the entrance selling cold drinks, ice creams, and snacks. Na Phra That Road (02) 224 1333 Bus 508, 511, 512 Open 9am–4pm, Wed–Sun Adm B40 www.thailandmuseum.com