An Interactive Museum About Thai Culture and Identity
Museum Siam is in Bangkok Old Town, housed in an old European-style building on Maha Rat Road. The building dates back to the early 20th century and used to be the Ministry of Commerce. Now it’s a museum about what it means to be Thai. Sounds dry, but it’s not.
I’ve been a few times over the years. It’s not the kind of museum where you stare at old things behind glass. Every room has something to do — touchscreens, soundscapes, short videos, mock-ups of a Thai schoolroom, a local market, a shophouse. Kids like it. Adults too, actually.
The main exhibition is called “Decoding Thainess.” It covers history, religion, food, pop culture, language. There’s some humour in it, which helps. Easy to follow even if museums aren’t your thing.
It’s air-conditioned and rarely crowded. Good for when the Old Town heat gets to you. Location is just behind Wat Pho, close to Tha Tien Pier, so you can fit it into a temple day without much extra walking.
There’s also a “Time Tunnel” exhibit with virtual reality. I haven’t tried it myself, but it looked popular with the school groups visiting that day. Entry is 200 Baht for foreigners. Free for Thais.
If you want a break from temples and need air-con, this works. Not essential, but better than most Bangkok museums.
Museum Siam Photos
Museum Siam Info
Location: Bangkok Old Town – near Maha Rat Road
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (closed Mondays)
Entry: 200 Baht (foreigners), free for Thais
Phone: 02 225 2777
Website: Click Here
Museum Siam Map
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