2017-11 National Museum, Bangkok (Thailand)

Buddha from 16th century AD, Ayutthaya style, Phra Nakhon Si

Google maps isn't always the best judge of how to get from point A to point B, especially in a country other than the U.S. After attempting to follow, Google, I ended up inside a walled complex, where I asked a young couple where the museum was. They were also tourists. However, a local heard us talking in English and came to our rescue, giving us directions to get to the National Museum. Following his directions, I got a bit closer before turning into another walled complex and asking a military policeman, who pointed me further down the road. Finally, though, I arrived to the National Museum, with a friendly employee pointing me to the ticket office.

Map of National Museum

Upon purchasing my ticket, the cashier handed me a map of the complex with over half of the rooms crossed off. "These are all closed?" I asked. She pointed me to the sign next to the window "No Refunds". Huh. Well, now that I was here, time to explore.

Vishnus from 6th-86h century A.D., from Si Maha Phot

If you only have time to see one hall in the National Museum, my recommendation would be 1: "Siwamokkhaphiman Audience Hall and Gallery of Thai History". It has a video in the beginning with subtitles in English walking through the different time periods in Thai history. This really helps to put into perspective the artifacts within this hall. 

Even the halls are historic buildings. This sign reminds us not to touch the railing next to the stairs

Within the hall, there are choice pieces from the museum's permanent collection. It covers all time periods from pre-history to the Bangkok period. My favorite pieces are usually the oldest; and, this gallery was no exception. There was a beautiful representation of a Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara from the 9th century AD (Srivijaya style).

Bodhisattva Avaokiteshvara from Wat Wiang, 9th century AD, Srivijaya style

While most of the items were representations of gods or religious stories, there were also a few choice urbane pieces, such as a bas relief depicting female musicians. This is also from the 8th-9th century (Dvaravati style).

Female musicians, 8th-9th century AD, Dvaravati style, found at Khu Bua

The other halls within the museum contain so many different historical items! Even though the 500s rooms were closed for renovations, visiting the rooms numbered in the 300s and 400s yielded a wealth of items from all time periods within Thai history. In addition, there were several items from around the world, mostly southeast Asia.

First Thai typewriter

Definitely give yourself several hours to visit this beautiful museum, whether all the galleries are open or not.

Quick notes:

- 200 Baht entrance fee

- open 9 am - 4 pm, Wed thru Sunday and national holidays (except New Year and Songkran)