Museum Tickets and Tours in Bangkok

If you plan to visit Bangkok you will find a bright, overcrowded and multicultural city, but also some must-see attractions such as museums, which abound in the Thai capital and cover a wide range of subjects. For this and much more, several of them are well worth a visit.

Some of the best things to do in Bangkok include checking out the typical exhibits at the Erawan Museum, visiting the wax reproductions at Madame Tussauds Museum, learning about the history of Jim Thompson at the allegorical exhibition and being amazed by the aircraft at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.

The Erawan Museum, known for its three-headed statue of the Hindu god Airavata that stands 29 metres high, is a cultural and architectural icon of the city. Set in a large garden with ponds, sculptures and a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, it houses a collection of religious artefacts and antiques with a focus on Buddhist art and Thai culture.

The museum building has three levels representing the underworld, the earth and the sky, in reference to Buddhist cosmology. On the first level, you will find ancient sculptures and sacred objects. On the second level, you can walk through a space surrounded by stained glass windows and artistic details, while on the third level, inside the statue of Airavata, you can contemplate relics and art pieces of great historical value.

The huge statue of Airavata is the work of sculptor Lek Viriyaphant, who also designed other important monuments in Thailand. This museum is also a symbol of the syncretism between Hinduism and Buddhism in the region. Nearby you will also find other popular attractions, such as the Bang Nam Phueng market, which is often included in the best floating market tours in Bangkok.

Details of interest

• Price: from 10 euros general admission.
• Location: Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

If you prefer the popular alternatives, Bangkok is home to the famous Madame Tussauds Museum, world-renowned for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures and influential figures from various fields. Among the detailed replicas of movie stars, sports stars, musicians and world leaders, you can have your photo taken with the likes of Brad Pitt, Beyoncé, David Beckham and Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the highlights of the museum is the way in which interaction with the figures is encouraged. Unlike many traditional museums, at Madame Tussauds Bangkok visitors are encouraged to touch, pose and even dress up alongside the celebrities.

Also, Madame Tussauds' location in the Siam Discovery shopping mall makes it an attractive addition to itineraries around the city, because in the area you'll also find Siam Ocean World, which is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where contemporary works by local and international artists are on display.

Interesting details

• Price: from 18 euros for general admission.
• Location: Siam Discovery, 989 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

The Jim Thompson Museum in Bangkok, dedicated to the life of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who revitalised the Thai silk industry in the 20th century, consists of a series of traditional Thai teak houses that Thompson collected and restored. Inside these houses, you will find a collection of Asian art.

Jim Thompson, a former intelligence agent, arrived in Thailand after World War II and was captivated by the richness of the local craftsmanship. It was through his vision and effort that Thai silk, then a beleaguered industry, became a luxury product in demand around the world.

During his lifetime, Thompson worked with local artisans to improve quality and designs, and helped Thai fabrics gain international recognition, even being used in Hollywood films. However, his story is also a mystery, as he inexplicably disappeared in 1967 while on a trip to Malaysia, leaving behind much speculation.

What makes the Jim Thompson Museum stand out is not only its traditional Thai architecture and art collection, but also the setting in which it is located, as the houses are surrounded by lush gardens and ponds, which visitors can walk through during their visit to the museum. Nearby you can also visit the Madame Tussauds Museum.

Interesting details

• Price: from 5 euros general admission.
• Location: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

For the largest and most comprehensive display in the Thai capital, visit the Bangkok National Museum, which houses a collection of art and historical artefacts that tell the story of the country's rich history. Housed in the Wang Na Palace, the museum exhibits everything from Buddhist sculptures to royal thrones, ancient weapons, ceramics and textiles.

One of the museum's main attractions is its collection of Buddhist art. The galleries feature sculptures representing the various schools of Buddhist art that have influenced Thailand, including pieces from the Dvaravati, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods. The central location allows you to combine this visit with other experiences, such as taking part in Bangkok's best food tours.

The Phra Buddha Sihing, one of the most revered Buddha images in the country, is also among the most outstanding exhibits, making it an ideal place to discover Thai tradition and history. Alternatively, if you want to delve deeper into the local Buddhist culture, you can also buy tickets to visit the Erawan Museum.

Aside from its rich history, the museum is located close to some of the city's main tourist attractions. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Temple are just a few minutes' walk away and are considered two of Thailand's sacred sites. In addition, this showcase is often included in the itineraries of the best tours of Bangkok.

Details of interest

• Price: from 5.50 euros general admission.
• Location: 4 Soi Na Phra That, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm.

The Bangkok Old City Museum is one of the largest open-air museums in the world and one of Thailand's most unique attractions. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok in Samut Prakan province, the complex covers more than 300 hectares and houses scale replicas of the country's most important monuments, temples and historical sites.

From the Grand Palace to ancient Khmer temples, the museum offers a comprehensive representation of Thailand's cultural heritage, allowing visitors to tour the entire country in a single day.

Furthermore, the meticulous recreation of iconic structures, many of which no longer exist in their original form, allows you to embark on a journey back in time to discover many of Bangkok's finest temples.

In Samut Prakan province, you can also combine this visit with a trip to the Erawan Museum or even the Erawan National Park, which is one of the most interesting places to visit if you plan to visit Bangkok in summer.

Interesting details

• Price: from 5 euros for general admission.
• Location: 296/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm.

One of the largest collections of contemporary art in Asia is housed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok. With five floors and more than 800 works by Thai and other artists from around the world, MOCA offers a deep dive into the evolution of world art, highlighting both the cultural traditions of the country and the global influences that have shaped these works.

The museum's approach is quite unique, however, in that through its collection, MOCA reflects the social, political and cultural changes that have affected Thailand over time, providing an in-depth perspective on Thai identity. The idea of its founder, a telecommunications tycoon, is that each work should serve as a testimony to the culture of its time.

On the other hand, the museum building itself is a work of art, with its minimalist façade and spacious, light-filled interiors providing the ideal setting for viewing each room. It is also one of the best places to visit with children in Bangkok as it offers interactive performances geared towards the youngest visitors.

Also, if you are planning to spend Christmas in Bangkok, you can find themed and interactive displays that focus on the spirit of Christmas Eve.

Details of interest

• Price: from 8 euros general admission.
• Location: 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

The Siriraj Medical Museum, located inside the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, is one of the most unique and fascinating museums in Thailand, as it is popularly known as the Museum of Death. It focuses on forensic medicine, pathology and medical history, offering visitors an immersive experience ranging from disease and epidemics to criminology and anatomy.

Medical artefacts, preserved bodies and biological specimens can be found in the museum's rooms , making it an attractive destination for both health professionals and the curious interested in medical science.

The Siriraj Medical Museum also includes an exhibition on the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami, with examples of how forensic medicine helped identify victims. While some of the exhibits may be shocking, the museum serves an important educational function on health, disease and medical history.

Please note that you can reach this site by public transport or also by Bangkok's tour buses, which include a stop at the Wat Arun Temple, located a few blocks from the hospital.

Details of interest

• Price: from 5 euros for general admission.
• Location: Wang Lang Rd, Bangkok.
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

The Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is a hidden cultural gem in the bustling centre of Bangkok known for its Thai architecture and collection of art and antiques. The museum is located in what was once the private residence of the Thai royal family.

The museum houses a collection that includes historical objects, ceramics, sculptures and pieces of archaeological artefacts from different periods of Thai history. In addition, one of the highlights is the Lacquered House, a structure decorated with gilded murals dating back to the 17th century and famous for its intricate ornamentation. You can also find pieces of Ban Chiang pottery, which are more than 4,000 years old.

In the area near the palace you can also visit the Pratunam Market, known for being one of Bangkok's liveliest shopping centres, and the cultural complex of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, a perfect place for contemporary art lovers.

Interesting details

• Price: from 3 euros for general admission.
• Location: 352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm.

If you are a fan of war exhibits, then the Royal Thai Air Force Museum is a must-see for aviation and military history buffs. The museum houses a collection of aircraft, military equipment and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of Thai aviation.

Inside the museum you will find aircraft such as the Breguet 14, a French bomber used during World War I, as well as Spitfire fighters and other military aircraft used during World War II and the Vietnam War. In addition, the museum also displays flight equipment, aircraft engines and simulators.

This museum is part of a network of exhibitions that also includes the Railway Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history of rail transport in Thailand.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: 171 Phahonyothin Rd, Sanam Bin, Don Mueang, Bangkok
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9.00am to 3.30pm.

One of the best ways to visit one of Bangkok's most picturesque exhibits is to tour the National Royal Barge Museum, which houses a large number of barges used by the Thai royal family in historic ceremonies. Located on the banks of the Khlong Bangkok Noi Canal, it displays barges dating back centuries, decorated with engravings and adorned with mythological motifs.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Suphannahong, the king's personal barge in the shape of a golden swan, which is considered a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship. In addition to this, the museum houses other striking barges such as the Anantanakkharat, which depicts the snake god Naga, and the Narai Song Suban, which shows the god Vishnu riding Garuda.

These barges, which are up to 45 metres long, have been used for centuries in important royal processions, especially in the Royal Barge Procession, which celebrates momentous events such as coronations or the end of the Buddhist retreat.

This museum is of great historical significance, as royal barges have played a central role in Thai ceremonies since the time of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Although damaged during World War II, many of the barges have been meticulously restored and are still used on special occasions to link the rivers and canals of Bangkok, known as the Venice of the East.

Details of interest

• Price: from 2 euros general admission.
• Location: 80 1 Arun Amarin Rd, Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm.