Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Museum
123, 503, river ferry Tha Chang)
Often touted as Southeast Asia's biggest museum,
the National Museum is home to an impressive collection of religious sculpture,
best appreciated on one the museum's twice-weekly guided
tours
(
9.30am Wed
& Thu)
.
The
history wing
has made impressive bounds towards mainstream curatorial
aesthetics with a succinct chronology of prehistoric, Sukhothai-, Ayuthaya- and
Bangkok-era events and figures. In addition to the main exhibition halls, the
well-preserved original murals and one of the country's most revered Buddha im-
ages, Phra Phut Sihing. Legend says the image came from Sri Lanka, but art histor-
ians attribute it to 13th-century Sukhothai.
MUSEUM OF SIAM
Museum
Tue-Sun; 32, 524, river ferry Tha Tien)
This fun museum employs a variety of me-
dia to explore the origins and culture of the Thai people. Housed in a Rama III-era
palace, the exhibits are superinteractive, well balanced and entertaining. Highlights
include the informative and engaging narrated videos in each exhibition room, and
an interactive Ayuthaya-era battle game.
BANGLAMPHU
GOLDEN MOUNT
Buddhist Temple
Tha Phan Fah)
Even if you're wát-ed out, you should take a brisk walk to the Golden
Mount. Like all worthy summits, the temple plays a good game of optical illusion,
appearing closer than its real location. Serpentine steps wind through an artificial
hill shaded by gnarled trees, some of which are signed in English, and past graves
and pictures of wealthy benefactors. At the peak, you'll find a breezy 360-degree
view of Bangkok's most photogenic side.
